An intro to 15 of the most important coding languages

An introduction to HTML, CSS and other basic coding languagesby Skillcrush & MashableIn the broadest sense: to code is to speak to, control, or otherwise communicate with a machine (computer). “Code” is a synonym for “computer language.”Everything that you know as software – your computer’s operating system, your mobile apps, your favorite websites – is designed and coded using a computer language such as Python, C, Java, Scala, Ruby, Go, PHP and dozens more. The purpose of these languages is to make it possible for you and I to communicate with our computers in a way that is similar to human language but can also be easily translated into machine code, the language your computer understands.Computer languages run the gamut from highly technical and largely numerical to something that begins to resemble English. All told, there are hundreds of computer languages including ones that are entirely visual and even one in Icelandic.This guide will discuss the major types of computer languages, how they relate to one another, which ones you should learn, and most importantly, why you would want to.

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About Kids, Code, and Computer Science: Explore Computer Science and Programming |

Kids, Code, and Computer Science magazine helps kids, parents, teachers, and adults explore and learn about computer science, coding, and technology with as little fuss as possible. If you find coding fun, learning a programming language is only a start. You also need to know how to debug code, choose technology, define and solve problems, and many other skills and concepts. Kids, Code, and Computer Science provides a high level view of what new coders need to know to become great coders. With links to lea

Source: About Kids, Code, and Computer Science: Explore Computer Science and Programming |

Empower Young People | Youth Opportunity | Microsoft Youthspark

Empowering youth to achieve more through computer scienceMicrosoft YouthSpark is a global initiative to increase access for all youth to learn computer science, empowering them to achieve more for themselves, their families and their communities.Three years ago, we launched Microsoft YouthSpark, a cross-company initiative that created educational, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for more than 300 million youth around the world. We will continue to work in partnership with governments, nonprofit organizations and businesses as we now focus on providing opportunities for all youth to learn computer science.

Source: Empower Young People | Youth Opportunity | Microsoft Youthspark

Computational Thinking for Educators 

Computational Thinking (CT) is a problem solving process that includes a number of characteristics and dispositions. CT is essential to the development of computer applications, but it can also be used to support problem solving across all disciplines, including the humanities, math, and science. Students who learn CT across the curriculum can begin to see a relationship between academic subjects, as well as between life inside and outside of the classroom.

Source: Computational Thinking for Educators – – Unit 1 – Introducing Computational Thinking

ComputerCraftEdu

ComputerCraftEdu brings programmable turtle robots to Minecraft!It is a new way to learn computational thinking inside Minecraft. Players will start with a tile-based interface to learn the fundamentals of programming in a fun, accessible environment. They will be engaged and motivated to find ways to use turtles to automate and extend their usual Minecraft activities. Whether you are completely new to programming or you already have some experience, ComputerCraftEdu is an easy and fun way to learn important real world skills and get creative on a whole new level.

Source: ComputerCraftEdu

Paul Ford: What is Code? | Bloomberg

The Man in the Taupe Blazer

You are an educated, successful person capable of abstract thought. A VP doing an SVP’s job. Your office, appointed with decent furniture and a healthy amount of natural light filtered through vertical blinds, is commensurate with nearly two decades of service to the craft of management.Copper plaques on the wall attest to your various leadership abilities inside and outside the organization: One, the Partner in Innovation Banquet Award 2011, is from the sales team for your support of its 18-month effort to reduce cycle friction—net sales increased 6.5 percent; another, the Civic Guidelight 2008, is for overseeing a volunteer team that repainted a troubled public school top to bottom.

Source: Paul Ford: What is Code? | Bloomberg

Hack the Hood

Hack the Hood is an award-winning non-profit that introduces low-income youth of color to careers in tech by hiring and training them to build websites for real small businesses in their own communities.  During workshops and 6-week “Boot Camps,” young people gain valuable hands-on experience building mobile-friendly websites, executing search engine optimization, and helping businesses get listed in local online directories.   In addition to relevant technical skills, youth also learn critical leadership, entrepreneurship, and life skills under the guidance of staff members and volunteer mentors who are professionals working in the field.

Source: About Hack the Hood – Hack the Hood

Project Summary Problem: CS pedagogical content knowledge (CS PCK) – i.e., knowledge of how to teach computer science – is mostly undocumented. Project Goal: Develop a set of CS teaching tips to help teachers anticipate students’ difficulties and build upon students’ strengths. Status: Beginning the project in October of 2013, we are currently recruiting CS teachers who have insights into student learning. Funding: This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1339404. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Source: About | csteachingtips.org