APLA 2019

From the vehicles we drive, to the thermostats in our homes, just about everything around us uses coding (also known as programming).
Code is the language used to tell technology what to do. You can think about coding like you would think about following a recipe in a cookbook. For any given recipe, you are given a set of ingredients and a sequence of instructions. This sequence of instructions is similar to creating an algorithm (or set of steps) which must be followed by a device to accomplish a task.
But, here’s where it gets tricky - your device doesn’t understand the human language. Your device needs its own set of instructions written in a language it can understand in order to operate. This is where learning to code comes in handy.
Just like math or reading, coding has become a foundational skill. Learning about coding at a young age helps kids understand the world around them and helps them to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills. This is where the Library can help!
The workshop will begin with an introduction to coding concepts. After you learn the basics, you’ll have the opportunity to get hands-on with block-based coding and coding games. Together, we’ll use Scratch, micro:bits, Ozobots, Dot and Dash robots and more. We will also discuss how you can integrate coding into programs at the library.