The environment similarities of javascript and Basic are important to note. If I started up an Apple X (without a disk), I would have access to an environment where I could run code.
Javascript is accessible from my (ubiquitous) browser today. This seems to be an important factor in first language selection.
The symbols used in javascript () {} [] and spreading it among multiple files are are a major cognitive barrier. Basic was barely approachable by non-techies because it seemed closer to a word processor, at a glance. PHP, ironically, was more similar to Basic if you knew something about FTP and weren't scared of lots and lots of dollar symbols.
GET PYTHON ON THE BROWSER and it will become the first language for at least a generation.
The symbols used in javascript () {} [] and spreading it among multiple files are are a major cognitive barrier. Basic was barely approachable by non-techies because it seemed closer to a word processor, at a glance. PHP, ironically, was more similar to Basic if you knew something about FTP and weren't scared of lots and lots of dollar symbols.
GET PYTHON ON THE BROWSER and it will become the first language for at least a generation.