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Ann:$25 PCB to help novices/protect Arduino. Schools. Parents?

Former Member

I hope it is okay that I marked this as a question? It IS an announcement... but also a question in that feedback on the item described is my main reason for posting! If experts find problems if they are kind enough to review the page offered below,their thoughts will be very welcome.

 

This is NOT "crowd sourced" vaporware! The boards exist. They work. But I am inviting Mr Murphy to the party, AND involving kids... I am not so egotistical to believe that there is nothing that could be improved. Before I put a lot more time into this, I want to be sure there are no fundamental flaws at the heart of the work to date!

 

I now have six copies of a PCB which, along with it's components, cost about $25 each.

 

NoviceGuard, as I call it, is an attempt to make an Arduino Pro Mini "novice friendly", and also novice SAFE... i.e., the user can't damage the Arduino, if just one basic rule is kept.

 

I hope it will make the Arduino something that can be used in schools with children as young as 10.

 

I have a general page about it, but also a page for teachers/ parents, and one written to tell "experts" what I've tried to do. I hope experts will look at their page, and write to me if they can see things that I've overlooked... is there a way to damage the board that I've overlooked?

 

Experts' page: Call for review: for experts, a plea for input: NoviceGuard (PCB261) ModGeeInt.htm

 

Parents', teachers' page: Introduction for teachers, parents: NoviceGuard (PCB261) ModTeaInt.htm

 

(There are links to the general page from both.)

 

I am looking for suitable people to LOAN a prototype to, for comment. Details in both pages.

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  • 0

    Here are my thoughts....

    A PCB is not suitable for a 10 year old kid. They will only work with something in a big plastic box with large knobs and switches.  loose parts like jumpers and LEDs will get immediately lost or swallowed by a younger sibling or pet.

    Why make a board for a micro or mini to make it bigger than an Uno? Just use an Uno.

    I think my son enjoyed burning up all my LEDs putting them on a 9V battery when he was about 10.

    10 year old kids have no interest in programming.  They like to push buttons and watch things happen immediately.

    Even 18-25 year olds in my classes have difficulty with programming, concepts like pull-up resistors, and current limiting.

    Good luck with your project, I would suggest going to a school and talking to teachers about what would be appropriate for the age group you are targeting.

  • 0 in reply to Capper

    I'm not totally sure about your ages for soldering - I think I got my first soldering iron when I was 11 (possibly 12) - I seem to remember teaching some of my kids when they pretty small.

     

    But I can't see anyone in the UK letting primary school kids loose with soldering in the classroom - shame really - it's the burnt finger lessons you remember best !!

     

    MK

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