Minecraft -- keep calm and code on: Stephen Foster at TEDxUCSD

Summary

Stephen Foster's talk explores the origins of Minecraft and its potential to shape the future of computer science education. He links the game's development to WWII's technological advancements, highlighting Alan Turing's pivotal role in computing history. Foster advocates teaching coding to children, using Minecraft as a tool to spark interest, and envisions a future where society widely embraces computer science to drive innovation.

Takeaways

• 🧙‍♂️ Stephen Foster is passionate about teaching coding to kids and has created educational games like 'Code Spells'.
• 🎮 'Minecraft' is one of the most popular video games, played by over 30 million people, and has educational potential.
• 🏭 The story of Minecraft is deeply connected to the history of computing and World War II, particularly through figures like Alan Turing.
• 🔐 World War II was pivotal for the development of early computers and cryptography, with machines like the Enigma and the Bomb.
• 👨‍💻 Alan Turing is a foundational figure in computer science and his work was crucial in breaking the Enigma code, affecting the outcome of the war.
• 👩‍💻 Grace Hopper, who trained during WWII, invented the first compiler used in programming languages like Java, which Minecraft is written in.
• 🌐 The origins of computer networking, which Minecraft relies on, can be traced back to systems developed to defend against Soviet missiles in the 1950s.
• 💾 Minecraft's ability to be reprogrammed makes it an excellent tool for teaching coding and computer science to children.
• 👨‍🎓 Foster advocates for teaching coding to all children to increase innovation and problem-solving in society.
• 🚀 He believes Minecraft can be a gateway to introduce a large number of people, especially children, to the world of computer science.
• 🌟 Foster hopes Minecraft will be remembered as a key moment in the history of computer science and human advancement.

Q & A

Who is Stephen Foster and what is his mission?

Stephen Foster is an individual who has spent years developing innovative ways to teach coding to children. He has created a video game called 'Code Spells' and founded a company called 'Stem' to bring computer science education into schools across America. His mission is to teach coding to children and inspire them to love humanity and the world they live in.

What is the connection between Minecraft and World War II according to the script?

The connection between Minecraft and World War II is established through the historical development of computer science and technology. Minecraft is written in Java, a programming language that is compiled using a compiler, the first of which was invented by Grace Hopper, who was trained by the US Navy during World War II. Additionally, computer networking, which Minecraft relies on for multiplayer gaming, has its roots in the SAGE network built in the late 50s to defend against Soviet missiles, which was powered by computers that used vacuum tubes perfected in the Colossus computer used during World War II.

Who is Notch and what is his role in Minecraft?

Notch, whose real name is Markus Persson, is the creator of Minecraft. He is credited with writing many of the lines of code for the game, which has become one of the most popular video games played by over 30 million people.

What is the significance of Alan Turing in the context of the script?

Alan Turing is mentioned as a foundational figure in the history of computer science and World War II. He is known for his codebreaking work that helped the Allies win the war and for pioneering the concept of stored-program computers. His work is intertwined with many computational technologies used today, including those that enable Minecraft to exist.

What is the 'dark future' mentioned in the script and how does Minecraft relate to it?

The 'dark future' mentioned in the script refers to a potential future where things stay the same, with only a tiny fraction of society being computer scientists. Minecraft relates to this as it is a game that can be reprogrammed, which has the potential to inspire a large number of children to learn how to code, thus increasing the number of people who understand and can innovate with computer technology.

Why does Stephen Foster believe we are at a 'Tipping Point'?

Stephen Foster believes we are at a 'Tipping Point' because of the potential for a massive fraction of society to become computer scientists if children are taught how to code. This could lead to a dramatic leap forward in human achievement, similar to how Alan Turing's work during World War II was a pivotal moment in the history of computer science.

What is the main goal of Stephen Foster's plan to teach children how to code?

The main goal of Stephen Foster's plan is to empower children with the skill set of computer science, enabling them to build software that can positively impact the lives of millions of people they've never met, thus increasing innovation and problem-solving capabilities in society.

How does Minecraft serve as a tool for teaching computer science according to the script?

Minecraft serves as a tool for teaching computer science because it is a game that can be reprogrammed, which is considered 'cool' by many kids. This makes it an engaging way to introduce children to coding and computer science, as it allows them to modify the digital world they are already obsessed with.

What historical event is used to illustrate the beginning of the age of information in the script?

The script uses the end of World War II as the starting point of the age of information, highlighting the construction of the first modern computers and the use of technology like the Enigma machine and the British 'bomb' for codebreaking during the war.

Why is the story of Minecraft important according to the speaker?

The story of Minecraft is important because it is not just the story of a popular video game, but it represents the story of modern humanity, which is fundamentally based on computers. It also serves as a potential catalyst for a future where a significant portion of society understands and can utilize the power of computer science.