HNHacker News
TopNewBestAskShowJobs

actfrench

1,172 karma · joined February 28, 2015

Building a decentralized K12 school system, tapping into the megatrend of modular learning.

Website: https://www.modulo.app/ What is modular learning? https://teachyourkids.substack.com/p/what-is-modular-learning

submissionscomments
actfrench··on Ask HN: Creative ideas for high-engagement, consistent in-person community?
Ok but do you work from home and travel ? spontaneity sounds nice and is amazing but it is a lot easier when you’re already part of some group like a work environment or co working space or church. I do talk to random people from coffee shops but it’s not the same. I think spontaneity comes from having some central environment where you can be spontaneous from. I’ve had that when I’ve lived next door or in the same building as my friends, but the building/neighborhood was still the anchor
actfrench··on Show HN: Modulo – homeschooling resources, community and expert support
Thank you so much:) I appreciate you. Feel free to reach out if I can ever be of support.
actfrench··on Ask HN: Parents, what's the best AI tutor for kids?
That makes a lot of sense (Security side). Will definitely check out Karen Hao. Thanks!
actfrench··on Ask HN: Parents, what's the best AI tutor for kids?
Thanks very much! Too bad about Genie :( Curious what about khanmigo felt better than just using chatGPT? I heard they had some problems with factual errors, but maybe have improved since?
actfrench··on Homeschool to college interview with four students
And let's not forget, lot of kids with 12 years of education can't read too! https://www.vice.com/en/article/us-literacy-dropped-substant...
actfrench··on Homeschool to college interview with four students
Here it is! https://youtu.be/1z6rmWS54ag?si=NmKq2Ji214cXDhqq
actfrench··on Homeschool to college interview with four students
https://youtu.be/1z6rmWS54ag?si=NmKq2Ji214cXDhqq
actfrench··on Homeschool to college interview with four students
Here is the link! https://youtu.be/1z6rmWS54ag?si=NmKq2Ji214cXDhqq
actfrench··on [dead]
All these factors will contribute. Explosion of tech resources to help caregivers teach kids, most notably, but not limited to chatGPT Decline in federal funding for schools Growth in homeschool communities and entrepreneurship by teachers leaving the system (as they develop classes and curriculum in their communities) Clear benefits of 1-1 mastery learning Clear benefits to mixed age groups with more time to interact Clear benefits of more time for self-directed learning Clear benefits of choosing different curricula and learning plans to suit different children's learnign needs Pushback on teaching climate change and inclusive curriculum (Black history, LGBTQ+, Indigenous history, etc) leading to mass exist on the left Rise in government funding for modular learning (ESAs and microgrants) Rise in remote work (families can travel and be at home with kids; when kids start young they can be independent while parents work)
actfrench··on Ask HN: Any media literacy focused startups worth looking at?
Not looking for a job, just to help. Thanks!
actfrench··on Ask HN: Is Scratch a good tool for teaching coding?
I don't know what the right web-site would be to "poo poo on LLMs" :) It's here or nowhere, I think. Also, thanks so much for these nuanced reflections on the pedagogy. Super helpful.
actfrench··on Ask HN: Is Scratch a good tool for teaching coding?
Thank you!
actfrench··on Ask HN: Is Scratch a good tool for teaching coding?
So cool. Thanks so much for this explanation of how Scratch is implemented in the classroom.
actfrench··on Ask HN: Is Scratch a good tool for teaching coding?
This is a really helpful, clear description of the benefits. Thanks so much.
actfrench··on Ask HN: Is Scratch a good tool for teaching coding?
That's very helpful. Thank you! Did you orient her in some way or just log her in and say have fun!
actfrench··on Ask HN: Is Scratch a good tool for teaching coding?
That sounds like a great method.
actfrench··on Ask HN: Is Scratch a good tool for teaching coding?
Super helpful. Thank you.
actfrench··on Ask HN: Is Scratch a good tool for teaching coding?
How interesting. I didn't know that about the Scratch course at Harvard. Seems like it is a good intro for sure. Thank you!
actfrench··on Ask HN: Is Scratch a good tool for teaching coding?
Thank you. That's super helpful!
actfrench··on Ask HN: Is Scratch a good tool for teaching coding?
Thank you so much! Very helpful to see how it's a foundation for moving on to other tools.
actfrench··on Ask HN: Are you teaching your kids to code? (and how)
While it's true that people start their careers early in life, this may also be an indication that they simply have a strong proclivity towards that field. There have been longitudinal studies, for example, that demonstrate that when kids do play-based learning in kindergarten vs hard core academics, they do as well, if not better at academics later on. There have even been studies that show it's better to delay kindergarten for some kids. https://pz.harvard.edu/projects/pedagogy-of-play

The other danger is that forcing a kid to learn a skill they're not interested in early can turn them off to it all together.

I haven't done a ton of research on this, but I do know that often when kids start early, they can also burn out (look at child actors as an example). The only area I've seen research on a real difference is children who learn languages before age 5 (and how they process the languages in their brain)

There are some amazing developers who learned to code as adults.

While it could be true, I'm pretty skeptical about age five versus age six being the difference your friend didn't become a world class pianist (sounds maybe like an excuse for not having the talent, discipline or simply the luck, which does play a huge factor). Starting early may help their technique and memorization to some extent, but afterwards judging a musician is highly subjective, and even someone who plays well at one moment in history, may not at another.

actfrench··on Ask HN: Are you teaching your kids to code? (and how)
Fantastic. Thank you so much!
actfrench··on Ask HN: Are you teaching your kids to code? (and how)
I'm sorry. It happens. Hopefully you guys will grow together again when he gets older. Big hug.
actfrench··on Ask HN: Are you teaching your kids to code? (and how)
Playing the devil's advocate here...won't we need coders to build the AI, or the AI builders to understand code even if they're not writing it?
actfrench··on Ask HN: Are you teaching your kids to code? (and how)
It's really a shame the way tools are introduced to students (like general appreciation) instead of learning the foundations and why behind doing things.
actfrench··on Ask HN: Are you teaching your kids to code? (and how)
It sounds like you're taking more of an unschooling approach. It doesn't surprise me that they're thriving and testing well, despite the huge shortcomings of our school system that's incapable of differentiating learning to any type of student.
actfrench··on Ask HN: Are you teaching your kids to code? (and how)
How interesting! I'm curious if your children have different personality types that would natural give one more proclivity towards coding than another? Also, kudos to you for the great child-led learning:)
actfrench··on Ask HN: Are you teaching your kids to code? (and how)
Fantastic! I hadn't heard of Clasic Visual Basic 6. Really appreciate the tip. Also, excel is a wonderful tip. Thank you!
actfrench··on Ask HN: Are you teaching your kids to code? (and how)
It seems like interest and passion are key when it comes to coding. It's good to expose kids, and if they like it, they'll keep learning and growing as programmers. If they don't resonate with that type of work, it probably won't get them that far.
actfrench··on Ask HN: Are you teaching your kids to code? (and how)
Thanks:) I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!
Page 1 of 15Next →