(Washington State Library)

Come learn about Microsoft MakeCode, a learn-to-code platform that provides a beginning programming environment with block-based and JavaScript editors, and supports a variety of products including Minecraft, micro:bit, and other physical computing devices you're already familiar with.  The block-based MakeCode platform is like JavaScript on training wheels - perfect for the beginning coder of any age, but with the added benefit of allowing a very easy progression to real scripting.

In this one hour webinar we’ll give you:

• An Introduction to the MakeCode platform, and existing available teaching resources
• An overview of the new course, “Intro to CS with MakeCode Arcade”
• An early preview of the new MakeCode Arcade product

This webinar will introduce you to MakeCode and the possibilities for library programming it brings  Later this fall you'll be invited to take a deeper dive by attending an in-person half-day workshop.  In just a few hours you'll learn MakeCode and explore and use one of many free lesson plans provided by the MakeCode micro:bit community to program a micro:bit device.  Attendees of the in-person Fall workshops will receive a set of micro:bit kits to take back to their library so you can start offering MakeCode programs immediately.  Space may be limited at the in-person workshops, and webinar participants will receive first priority.