Code
in the hole.
Back
in our day, the most useful thing you could take with you from school
was a few GCSEs and your life (we went to really rough schools). But
these days it seems that one of the most important skills kids can
pick up while young is coding and programming computer software. But
because not everyone has access to a computer, how do you make sure
the kids can get the best possible start? Easy, you grab a Raspberry
Pi 2, load it with simple programming software, and package it with
everything a kids needs to get started with, and be excited about,
coding. We review the Kano.
The Kano is a kit with everything you (and indeed a child) needs to both build and programme a small computer. Included is a Raspberry Pi 2, the brains of the operation, plastic case parts which need to be clicked together around the Pi like LEGO, a bright orange wireless keyboard with built-in track pad, a speaker unit, a WiFi dongle, the Kano operating system on Micro SD card, and of course the power lead and HDMI cable. Straight out of the box are instructions on how to clip it all together,and there is also a few sticker sheets which allow you to customise the look of your Kano.
The
only other thing you'll actually need to get started is a screen. We
decided to plug ours into – via that included HDMI cable – the
TV, which was a great way to get started. Power up the Kano and it
will automatically start to run the Kano OS (which is based on Linux)
and prompt the user to create a profile. Once that is complete you
are left with what is essentially a very capable micro computer.
Using
the wireless keyboard we sat back and explored. Already installed on
the Kano desktop are apps such as Make Art, Make Snake, and Make
Minecraft as well as others. These allow you to use simple coding
techniques (all covered in one of the included booklets – nicely
laid out and worded for kids) to create pictures, programme you own
game of Snake, and – as you might have guessed – build a
Minecraft world to explore. Hey, you might need your Gameband at this
point!
In
fact much of the Kano marketing these days has really pushed the
connection with Minecraft and how kids can play a familiar game using
the coding practices. Having it pre-installed is a nice touch, and we
also discovered the standard Minecraft game was there too, so kids
can play direct from the Kano using the keyboard.
 |
| Despite being designed for little fingers, the keyboard isn't that much smaller than a full-sized version. |
Obviously
coding is at the very heart of the Kano and there are lots of other
ways and apps that kids can pick up the basics while having fun. But
we were also struck by how useful the kit is for adults as well. The
OS features a version of Google's Chrome and thanks to the WiFi
dongle you can browse the internet pretty quickly. Also, because the
Kano (by way of the Raspberry Pi 2) has two spare USB ports once you
plug in the WiFi and keyboard dongles, you can connect an external
hard drive for watching saved films and TV. So when the kids are done
coding and playing games, mum and dad can use the Kano too.
We
must admit to falling in love with the Kano quite a bit. The kit has
held our interest since first opening the box, and actually having to
assemble the computer yourself creates a real sense of ownership.
Kids will understand what each component requires to make it work,
and that brief experience and interest is expanded during the gentle
and fun coding practices - simply buying programming software
wouldn't achieve the same results, we feel. Plus, once built and up
and running, your child will have their own personal computer; one
that is small, personalised to their own tastes, and relatively
cheap.
And
then they'll go on to be the next software billionaire, obviously.
That's when you get your money back!
£119.99