What is code?
Code is a collection of computer instructions that is compiled into an executable program that tells a computer (accessing the internet, in phones, robots, vehicles, toys, appliances etc) to do ‘stuff’ based on inputs from users, other programs and the environment around us.
“Everybody should learn how to program a computer… because it teaches you how to think.”
Steve Jobs
Why code?
Guess what? Coding is fun and… Everyone can do it…We’re going to continue to need more and more coders… And you can get paid a lot (Computer Science is one of the top paying university degrees)
When should I start coding?
The sooner, the better! Many of the most successful coders, like Bill Gates and Jack Dorsey (Twitter), started coding when they were young.
How can I get started? Where do I go?
There are organizations that are dedicated to helping people of all ages learn to code. Here’s what you should check out:
To Get Started:
Code.org – http://code.org/
“Our vision is that every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science.”
- Have a look at this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjKm-Wk3oE4E almost 300,000 already have – it’ll get you excited
- A great way to get your feet wet is by doing the Hour of Code at: http://code.org/api/hour/begin/codeorg – it’s just an hour – 46 million others have already tried it!
Scratch
“A creative learning community with 6,848,994 (as of 2014-11-02) projects shared, Scratch helps young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively — essential skills for life in the 21st century.”
LearningLabs – http://learninglabs.org/
“Digital Literacy for Everyone”, “There’s never been more energy around the importance of learning to code.” They have an event calendar that’s worth looking into. This Toronto-based organization partners with and supports:
- Ladies learning to code, Kids learning code, Girls learning to code
- Hive Toronto (Explore.Create.Share)
- Hot Pop Factory – “Our mission is to make 3D Printing accessible and fun for everyone.”
For more info and there’s lots more info, Google “learn to code”.
Code and Hardware:
Adruino -“Adruino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. It’s intended for anyone making interactive projects. “ – http://www.arduino.cc/
MakerKids 3D printing – “We teach kids and adults topics such as 3D Printing, laser cutting, electronics, woodworking, Arduino, robotics, programming, crafts, etc.” – http://www.makerkids.com/
Where to get cool robot stuff: http://www.canadarobotix.com/
As you get more adventurous, here are some more fun things to do and explore with code that include hardware:
Raspberry Pi –“The Raspberry Pi is a credit card-sized single-board computer developed in the UK by the Raspberry Pi Foundation with the intention of promoting the teaching of basic computer science in schools” (Wikipedia). – http://www.raspberrypi.org/
Lego Mindstorm – Create and command robots that do what you want! http: