Festival2012/Submit/Programming for the fun of it

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Programming for the fun of it with Waterbear

Presenter: Dethe Elza, Mozilla Foundation Format: Learning Lab Session notes: https://etherpad.mozilla.org/Programming_for_the_Fun_of_it Themes:

What will you make, learn or do?

People who have never programmed a computer will become casual programmers using Javascript, by using Waterbear, a drag-and-drop visual environment for programming. This allows users to write code by snapping blocks together like Legos, and to build by exploring.

Waterbear is entirely web-based, all you need is a browser that can access the website.

There will be a short introduction to Waterbear and demonstration of how to drag blocks together to create a simple animation.

You can solve a challenge, or if you would like to code your own ideas you can branch out on your own. Facilitators will be available to provide tips and help out if anyone is stuck.

Take-aways

Programming does not have to be mysterious or difficult. It's like playing with the most flexible and powerful construction toy in the world.

You will learn how to write code that allows you to build new games, applications, animations, and art, or to take more control of your browser. Waterbear is a real coding tool you can use to build with, but requires no previous experience with writing computer programs. You can see the code that Waterbear generates behind the block-interface to learn more, or create new blocks from existing ones.

You don't have to be a CS major, programmer, or "computer person" to enjoy writing a program.

Who should come?

Kids, artists, scientists, educators, anyone who uses a computer and would like it to do what they want.

Assets