PROVIDE Equitable Access
Simply Coding courses provide equitable access to technology education, bridging the digital divide for children from various socioeconomic backgrounds. We promote inclusivity by making technology education accessible to all. Offering coding courses for children at public libraries equips young learners with essential skills for the digital age. In addition to this, they will learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling young learners to approach challenges with a logical mindset.
FOSTERS Their Creativity
Coding courses fosters creativity, allowing kids to express their ideas through programming projects, thereby enhancing their engagement and interest in STEM fields. By introducing coding at a community level, public libraries play a vital role in preparing the next generation for a technology-driven future. We want to encourage collaboration and empower children to become innovators in their communities and give back to society with their newfound talents. And providing coding through libraries can accomplish this.
EASY Implementation
Simply Coding has everything you need to offer coding (computer programming) courses at your Public Libraries or in your community centre. You can offer coding courses on-site at the library during normal hours or with an at-home login through your library website.
Each course is self-directed with support. There is no staff training required. Youth or adults can learn: Websites in HTML CSS, Game Design in JavaScript, Python Multiplayer Adventures, and much more!
Teaching coding at public libraries is essential for fostering digital literacy in the community. It equips individuals with valuable skills necessary for the modern workforce, promoting economic development and inclusivity. Public libraries provide accessible resources and a supportive environment, allowing people of all ages to engage with technology. By offering coding programs, Public Libraries help bridge the digital divide and empower citizens to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Simply Coding courses accessed online via a browser or do I have to download a software onto each computer?
The material is accessed via a browser but the coding itself is not browser based. Our goal is to give the user a real experience using coding in its native environment. Students have full ability to customize and create their own code without hidden libraries, that are found with browser based coding.
Do I have to download anything?
We have a workspace that students download, which is just a zip folder that needs to be extracted. No software required. The workspace includes a text editor (Sublime Text) and some png images / mp3 for learning about audio.
What operating system is required? And is there a mobile version?
Our courses are compatible with Windows, MacOS and Google Chromebooks. Since the actual projects are coded in their native environment there is not an easy mobile option.
How is your pricing structured?
Our pricing is very straight forward. It is a license fee per library location per year. It includes unlimited logins, courses and chat support. In some areas of the world where we may not be able to provide chat support because of time difference we will offer a discounted price off of the normal rate.
Is there a FREE trial period?
We offer a free coding trial period for the library to test it out on a computer. Let us know how long you need and I’m sure we can accommodate something. We do demos all the time and are fully confident that you’ll love what you see!
How are Simply Coding user accounts authenticated?
We can create one master login account for the library administrator to use (most common if it’s just open to the public during library hours). If you are running a club meeting at a specific time then we can make the individuals their own accounts if needed for easier tracking purposes. We are flexible and our system has the capability to do it however the librarian wishes.
Are the individual account logins portable outside the library’s IP address?
Currently this is the case, although it can be restricted.
Are the lessons stand alone or is there a progression?
Our lessons are project based and build on each other until project completion. For example, there’s a series of lessons to learn how to code a ‘pong’ game in JavaScript. Each lesson will focus on a specific programming aspect (like variables, object properties, timers, loops, etc). Then the activity, at the end of that lesson, will be to add similar code, to what they just learned, into their game or program. They are a linear progression working together until project completion.
What is my responsiblity as a Library Administrator?
These courses are self-directed. Most libraries have used this coding as a learning skill for the public to use at anytime, both youth and adults. We offer live chat support, so when questions happen during the lessons no library staff is needed. The staff would only be required to provide people the username and password to login.
What if we don’t have computers at our library?
That’s perfectly fine! You can still provide coding courses to those who want to bring their laptop in. Or we can allow you to put our coding courses on your website or community newsletter to offer to the public. We then provide you user accounts. Your only responsibility would be the marketing efforts of the courses.
Where is Simply Coding based?
Simply Coding is based out of two locations currently in the USA. We have one location in Florida and the other is in Utah.
Are you courses offered in different languages?
Currently, our courses include text instruction, video review, and close captioning in the English language. However, more languages are coming soon.
What coding or computer programming languages do you teach the children?
We teach the following languages: HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Python, Java (android apps), Swift (ios apps) and adding new courses all the time, to which you will have access to. We have recently finished a 3D game design animation course. Each course is designed into a pathway that builds off of one another.