Canada needs programmers and information & communication technology (ICT) skills, but more importantly we need youth to want to learn --- and it starts with coding. Coding sometimes is viewed as the buzz phrase among students, teachers and parents, alike. In reality, computer programming had humble beginnings. The world’s first computer language was created in nine months by Ada Lovelace in 1842. Lovelace translated a paper written by Luigi Menabrea, an Italian mathematician, discussing Charles Babbage’s analytical engine. She appended her work with very detailed notes that outlined a method for calculating Bernoulli numbers using Babbage’s machine. Some historians recognize these appendices as being the world’s first computer program. At the beginning of the 19th century, coding was used in early textile arts. The Jacquard loom worked to weave, sew and knit. This is actually the basis of
CREATIVE CODING
early coding inspiration. Up and over, knit one, purl
WHEN STUDENTS CREATE, THEY BECOME LEADERS OF THEIR OWN LEARNING.
makes for a great character in a spy novel or movie,
two, following a pattern and displaying algorithms in a truly artful way. Somewhere along the way, coding evolved from a set of instructions to being reserved for only the brightest computer scientists. Our culture has shaped it into a role primarily for a super intelligent person who like Hackers. We know it's so much more than that. Coding has a far greater reach than what's seen through a pop culture lens.
A discussion with Erica Phillips, Vice Principal
It's time to demystify coding. What better way than
&Laura Kennedy, Teacher, at Sir Charles Tupper
to visit Sir Charles Tupper Elementary school. Here,
Elementary School, Halifax, NS
students and teachers started their coding journey
By Sarah Ryan, Brilliant Labs
during the Hour of Code (an international event held
Co-Director, NS
every December in support of computer science week). We were met by two educators, both revealing the struggles, fears, and learning that came with introducing coding to their students. -2-
