Kano launches a DIY computer to help kids learn coding

Kano has long made DIY kits that allow you to build your own computer or learn to code. They recently announced the Computer Kit Complete, a full-featured computer powered by the Raspberry Pi 3. The kit features a Raspberry Pi 3, 10.1-inch HD screen, keyboard, battery, and sound sensor. The entire kit is assembled like you would LEGOs and comes with instructions to match. Young and old, this kit should prove a great learning experience for all.

The Kano Computer Kit Complete is really a kit designed for anyone who wants to learn more about programming or building computers. Some of the languages you can learn through the Complete Computer Kit are Javascript and Python, both widely used languages around the Internet. I used to program in Javascript years ago, and I wish I had something like this to teach me at a younger age. The Kit also comes with pre-loaded applications like a web browser, YouTube, WhatsApp, and more. Unlike previous kits from Kano, the Computer Kit Complete comes with a battery so you can use it anywhere. It’s not really a laptop though, as the keyboard and screen are separate.

The kit also comes with a speaker so you can listen to music or watch videos without headphones. You also get the ability to plug in up to three USB devices thanks to the onboard USB ports on the Raspberry Pi.

Some of the teaching tools that the Computer Kit Complete brings are things like hacking Minecraft, where they teach you Python and how to build your own world. Kano also has Kano Code, which is a visual programming editor which uses a simple graphical interface and step-by-step challenges and tutorials which teach you to build your own apps, games, light shows, and more. Another fun feature of the Kano Computer Kit Complete is the Terminal Quest most, where you can choose your own command line adventure and learn Linux commands.

This DIY kit also comes fully loaded with productivity apps, like Google Docs, Gmail, Google Drive, and LibreOffice. This means it’s also the perfect tool to take with you on road trips for the kids to get their homework done or write that awesome novel they’ve been dreaming up.

The Kano Computer Kit Complete is available from Kano’s website for $249.99 and stars shipping on November 20th. Kano also announced the Computer Kit, which lacks the screen, battery, speaker, and sound sensors, for just $149.99, which ships just 1-2 days after ordering.

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