Every application you use, from MS Word to youtube.com and Temple Run on your iTouch has been programmed in a programming language. Just as we communicate with spoken word in English, computers communicate with code. In our class, we will take an introductory look at programming by using a tool called Scratch, which was developed at MIT. Scratch is a lot of fun and relatively easy to use. It is installed on your class computer.
For those of you who want more, or are simply curious, I encourage you to check out CodeAcademy. CodeAcademy uses a hands-on approach to teaching code that many find much easier and enjoyable than traditional methods.
In addition to Scratch, your computer lab at school is loaded with Python. This is a good programming language for beginners and you can also download and install it for free at home.
Learn
Scratch Tutorial Videos
CodeAcademy (you can learn many languages here, including Python)
HTML.net - Learn to code your own website
App development - for those of you wanting more...
Start Developing iOS Apps
About Creating Your First iOS App
Click on the Videos tab to see what Thomas Suarez is developing.
