Free coding course in Halifax emphasizes need for programming skills
Halifax's tech scene got a few new members after a free coding course Saturday.
Around 115 people attended the introduction to web programming course put on by Lighthouse Labs at the Halifax Central Library. Another 80 were on a waiting list.
"I always hear about computer programming. I want to know what they're talking about," participant Monique Astere told Radio-Canada.
Developing a base understanding of computer programming or coding has become a goal of school boards and workplaces around the country in recent years.
In Nova Scotia, computer coding will become part of the public school curriculum, with elementary school children learning using bumble bee-style robots.
No need to be a 'super expert'
Volunteer Andrew Burke learned computer programming after his English degree, and now works as a web developer.
"It used to be part of the math curriculum or the science curriculum. But these days, computer programming is important for the arts, it's important for literature studies. All these things end up being expressed through code," Burke said.
"You don't necessarily have to be a super expert and hack into the matrix or whatever, but be able to at least having an understanding of how these things fit together is just essential."
'Future is on the internet'
Adults may find the skill can indeed help with jobs, volunteer instructor Charles Milton said.
"The future is on the internet," he said.
"If you have the knowledge, if you have the attitude that you want to do it and if you have a passion, employers will recognize it."
'Growing' tech scene
Kaylyn Monk of Lighthouse Labs said the turnout Saturday demonstrated an increasing demand for such adult coding education.
"It speaks volumes to the growing tech scene here in Halifax, and how it needs support really to grow it and foster it," Monk said.
