That approach seems less insane and more importantly, less evil than what’s currently going on.

With god, anime and lemmy on my side, it will turn out differently than last time for sure.

That is technically true, but

Install GNOME Software Flatpak plugin

The GNOME Software plugin makes it possible to install apps without needing the command line. To install, run:

sudo apt install gnome-software-plugin-flatpak

I hope you can see the problem with that.

It did read that page, it just didn’t register because it’s more command line stuff.

That’s a good idea! but it doesn’t work for me.

This is one of those intentionally misinterpreting posts that I really really… “dislike” in the linux community.

https://flathub.org/en

I guess you’ll need to install gnome-software or Bazaar

…which the official instructions don’t mention, so it’s not a valid answer. Again, I can get it to work, but that’s not the topic of this thread.

All the “software stores” I have seen: ubuntu’s software center, flatpack are utter trash. Offensively bad. I’m not sure how you can even get the flatpack store without the terminal.

so, e.g. flatpak tells you to install flatpak via commandline on ubuntu. Apparently it’s built into linux mint.

https://flathub.org/en/setup/Ubuntu

but when trying to install a random app,

https://flathub.org/en/apps/app.curocalc.calculator/install

the instructions are to “download file and execute”, but my filebrowser doesn’t have a “execute this file” option in my right click and double clicking does… nothing? Certainly doesn’t give me a popup with either confirmation or error message.

I’m game to try a few more things, so if you have suggestions what I should try, please tell me.

I’m on xubuntu.

Of course. You can even use the syntax.

My opinion is that most educational stuff treats kids super super carefully. If you’re a parent or doing 1:1 teaching, you very precisely target which things to do and how to teach them. Like, “don’t go into the deep end of the pool” is for when there isn’t someone paying attention and watching. But you are. You can step in and help. Go have fun in the deep end.

The bigger problem I see, is that for learning to happen, there needs to be genuine interest and a genuinely good project for the kid to do and chances are they can’t do that, because they don’t have any problems that need solving.

You can bridge that by making something up or buying a kit, but ultimately, learning to code is about empowerment to solve your own problems.

See the problem is that they have people who…

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagellant

They will read your post and say “Nono, I want them to experience actual, physical pain. None of that metaphorical stuff. Whip them. Beat them with clubs.”

You’re still underestimating what some of these people will do to themselves and want to do to others.