Tips from an expert on how to instruct kids effectively and with an open mind.
Never Too Young To Code
Tot-oriented robots and resources give coding lessons a friendly face.
Teens Teach Computer Science at a CA Library
In Cupertino, young adults teach computer science to peers and run an all-night hackathon at the library.
Classrooms Connect Virtually To Code with Finch Robots
Distance didn’t keep these three school librarians from scoring a grant for Finch robots so that their students could all code together.
How To Talk Code | Digital Literacy
Last summer, Bloomberg BusinessWeek devoted an entire issue to “What Is Code?” a single article by Brooklyn-based writer and programmer Paul Ford. Ford’s breakdown of key concepts pulls back the curtain on the fundamentals of computer programming and makes a compelling argument that any smart person can learn the basics—and that the basics are worth learning even for those who aren’t planning to become professional coders. It is, in part, a case for coding as a new frontier in digital literacy. There’s a growing interest in this type of education among kids, teens, businesspeople, career changers, and the generally curious. And a growing number of public libraries are already responding to this need within their communities. Here’s a look at ways in which a few libraries have made their programs a success.
Tips for Celebrating Hour of Code at Your Library | Tech Tidbits
Teacher librarian Phil Goerner offers ways librarians can jumpstart computer programming activities with kids and teens during Hour of Code, taking place December 7–13.
The Human Connection | The Digital Shift 2015
Libraries may be going digital, but librarians still bring—and need—that personal touch. On October 14, Library Journal and School Library Journal’s virtual conference, The Digital Shift, Libraries Connecting Communities, aptly demonstrated this in a wide range of offerings throughout the day-long event.
Resources from Mobile MegaShare | ISTE 2015
The free exchange of resources and tips was fast and furious at the Mobile MegaShare, an ISTE 2015 preconference, held June 27 in Philadelphia.
Coding Skills Empower Us All |The Maker Issue
SLJ Reviews LittleBits: These bright, appealing sets encourage tinkerers to explore electronics
Imagine if building a flashlight was as easy as stacking blocks, or that you could build a robot with a shoebox, nine-volt battery, and a pile of components small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Enter LittleBits, a modular, à la carte electronics prototyping platform for users of all skill levels