Microsoft Reactor

Live from Cloud City Seattle, this Just IN. This new Microsoft Reactor series is for developers, entrepreneurs and passionate technologists that want to build tech that’s game-changing, useful or just plain interesting

this Just IN: The ability to code is not just a thing for software engineers but a common set of skills and concepts that unify the future of technology and tomorrow’s job skills. Everyone can benefit from learning to code whether you’re an aspiring scientist or aerospace engineer or medical professional or educator or business leader. The growth of the data sciences and digital experiences likewise means, even if you don’t code on the daily, you’re likely to work with or hire someone that codes. So why not teach yourself as well as your friends & family this important future-ready skill?

But where to start? Come join Microsoft’s Principal Cloud Advocate Justin Garrett and Principal Program Manager, Jacqueline Russell as we share what’s new in learning tools that help teach coding – precursor skills, visual blocks, low/no-code solutions, early-stage syntax, and helpful learning libraries. Share your own challenges and successful in this inspiring episode of beginnings.

Who is it aimed at?

• Professionals and students interested in learning to code
• Teachers and educators
• Parents / Guardians / STEM volunteers
• Anyone else interested in the tools & practices of coding

Why should I attend?

• Learn about the key concepts for learning (or teaching) coding
• Explore new coding tools & STEM resources
• Decide what you want to learn next (and where to go from here)
• Share your thoughts on the pedagogy / new opportunities using Edu tech
• Network within the community of those also interested in Edu tech

More learning / prerequisites:

• https://www.microsoft.com/makecode
• https://aka.ms/PythonFirstSteps-Reactor

Speaker:
Justin Garrett is host of this Just IN and a Principal Cloud Advocate in Cloud + AI Engineering at Microsoft. Justin works closely with learner communities to help address the skills gap in cloud development and manages a team of Cloud Advocates from around the world that do likewise. You’ll find him leading workshops at Microsoft Reactors, mentoring Student Ambassadors, and helping engineers improve Azure, GitHub and Visual Studio. Justin’s career at Microsoft also spans 16 years across Analytics, Windows, Bing search, Edge browser, Web Platform and Cloud Computing. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening and is an avid Pacific Northwest mountaineer. Follow him on www.linkedin.com/in/justgar and https://twitter.com/justgar

Jacqueline Russell is a Program Manager for Microsoft MakeCode. Jacqueline has worked at Microsoft since 2005 in various groups focused on technology in education. She is passionate about using technology to enable innovative learning experiences and bring increased creativity to teaching and learning. Jacqueline has worked in the tech industry for over 20 years as a developer, IT consultant and Product Manager. She has a computer science degree and an MBA. Outside of work, Jacqueline enjoys reading, playing squash and making and coding with her two young kids. Follow her on https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-jb-russell and https://twitter.com/Jaqster