Microsoft MakeCode
Wow, cool - the 'block editor' looks a lot like Scratch. Is it Scratch? I'm having trouble finding many details about the technical side of it.I think 'visual programming' has a lot of promise for education, but...jeez, after looking into it for awhile I'm sort of losing hope that it isn't a gimmick or fad.Has anyone actually made a complex project with these initiatives, and had it spark an interest in computing/electronics that didn't already exist? Have they managed to make the jump from visual interfaces to lines-of-code? Is there any evidence that these programs REALLY help when it comes to engaging a wider group of people?I'm starting to worry that it's just more cynical grant-grabbing as the projects pile up and the results don't seem to. I hope it isn't, I just worry that this is all starting to sound a little 'magic solution'-y.The Arduino came out about 15 years ago, for perspective.