Also, if we're talking about theoretical "students," quality is often more important than subject. Academics often recommend undergraduates "choose your course by the teacher, not the subject." Same principle here, if they work on something fun and they have fun, they will learn more.
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I don't think you "should" use anything. There's plenty of x86/ARM/MIPS projets out there. I applaud the fact that they went with something different.
Isn't building what you consider fun what hacking is all about? I think it's healthy to completely ignore "usefulness" at times and doodle along :)
Also, if we're talking about theoretical "students," quality is often more important than subject. Academics often recommend undergraduates "choose your course by the teacher, not the subject." Same principle here, if they work on something fun and they have fun, they will learn more.