Re:Computer-based set "beats the real thing" (Score 1)

I too hope that real world construction sets never dies. As you point out there is some value in the repetition forced by re-building. But I'll argue that good virtual construction sets have many advantages.

I think debugging can be a great learning opportunity. Consider the problem solving involved in generating theories of where the bug might lie, in then finding it, and fixing it. A very general skill. And with software one can track down and fix many bugs per hour. With real world creations most of your time is spent taking things apart and putting them back together. (With LEGOs at least this is much less painful than with Erector/Mechano sets.)

I too see the value in kids doing more than moving a mouse and using a keyboard. Maybe we need to build richer interfaces to our computers.