[kc0bfv]

Programming a computer is a way of thinking. It in some ways involves the same thinking as determining how to break down a mechanical manufacturing process, or parts of team management (sport or industry), or legal arguments, or considering how biology works.

Basic logic is part of this, as is process decomposition, as is just learning a new way of communicating and many other things.

Learning new ways of thinking makes us flexible individuals. It fosters creativity. These are skills we all need in society, but the modern economy especially.

This is actually, I think, a compelling argument (aimed at adults who are deciding what children will do, less so the children themselves) for almost any subject.

[kc0bfv]

And to the kids I say - you can make a videogame. That was always compelling to me, although I knew I'd never be a game developer professionally.

[empressplay]

The video game lure is good for some, but for others it's too complicated. But making flash-style animations using Scratch is also attractive (and easier). You can also make algorithmically-generated 3D models for 3D printing using programs like turtleSpaces. And there's also algorithmic music. So games aren't the only option.