Good question, I had this disscussion with my professor. He believes
HTML is a true programming language while I consider it a format
language. I don't think I'll lose any sleep over either posistion.
I believe that in the age group you are dealing with, that the HTML
would serve well as a beginners language. It will teach the basic
theory of programming (no pun intended). I have seen too many young
students introduced and confused by LOGO and BASIC. Starting your
students out at this early age learning the first steps to control of
the machine with HTML sounds like a great idea to me. Some may not
agree, but I won't lose any sleep over that either.
Sounds like a good idea. I may give it a try myself.
PS. you may want to check out some of the moving GIF sites (search on
GIF or GIF 89a) these are GIFS which are animated and are treated as
normal images. The kids should get a kick out of those.
Barry Hussey
barry-hussey@voyager.umeres.maine.edu