NEW YORK (CNNMoney) <\/p>\n
For $150, parents can buy their kids a Kano computer kit, a present that just might jumpstart techie careers. <\/p>\n
Kano is a DIY set that lets kids (or adults) build a computer and learn basic coding skills to program it. <\/p>\n
Last year, Kano raised $1.5 million on Kickstarter -- far surpassing its $100,000 campaign goal, which it hit in just 16 hours. And it attracted the attention of high-profile backers like Apple's (AAPL, Tech30) Steve Wozniak. Now available for the general public, Kano has shipped 20,000 kits around the world. <\/p>\n
\"The intention was to make coding and computer science -- often presented in a dry way -- feel like an expressive art form,\" said co-founder Alex Klein, 24, who launched the London-based startup with his cousin Saul Klein, 44, and Israeli entrepreneur Yonatan Raz-Fridman, 31. <\/p>\n
So, how exactly does one do this? <\/p>\n
First, the colorful Kano kit (which is manufactured in China) must be assembled. It contains twelve components, including: Raspberry Pi board (the brains of the computer, it's about as powerful as an iPhone 4), build-your-own speaker, wireless orange keyboard, transparent case, WiFi connector and two illustration books (kid-friendly manuals that read like stories -- they come in seven languages). But you'll need your own monitor, as it's not included. <\/p>\n
Related: 6 things you need to know about STEM <\/p>\n
Then, the computer can be connected to the Internet and users can start learning basic coding (there are six Kano Levels on the computer; more are available for download). <\/p>\n
With code, users can build games like Pong and Snake, build servers or worlds in Minecraft, or remake projects shared on Kano World. <\/p>\n
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DIY computer kit gives gift of coding<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" NEW YORK (CNNMoney) For $150, parents can buy their kids a Kano computer kit, a present that just might jumpstart techie careers. Kano is a DIY set that lets kids (or adults) build a computer and learn basic coding skills to program it. Last year, Kano raised $1.5 million on Kickstarter -- far surpassing its $100,000 campaign goal, which it hit in just 16 hours Continue reading