This morning's FurtherEd TV interview available on-demand

To those who missed this morning's webcast on FurtherEd TV, described the preceding post, the interview can be viewed on-demand on our online library: 

http://teachem.com/furtheredtv/learn/educators-innovators-girl-develop-it-hopscotch

Upcoming FurtherEd TV webcast on breaking down barriers to coding literacy

Gender equality constitutes a central pillar of this blog, as well as the novel itself. I'm thus heartened by a recent article in amNew York – a free, daily publication in New York City – on the heightened success of those seeking to break the gender barrier in coding. The article (not available online, unfortunately) showcased the efforts of such organizations as Girl Develop It and Skillcrush to empower more women to enter the field of coding and computer programming, traditionally a boy’s club.

Since March, I’ve acted as producer and host of FurtherEd TV, an online program featuring innovators in the field of education and learning. In this capacity, I had the honor of interviewing Vanessa Hurst of the aforementioned Girl Develop It, as well as Jocelyn Leavitt of Hopscotch, which uses iPad technology to teach coding to children, another disenfranchised group. Among other topics, the interview touches on how to challenge the social and cultural factors that discourage these groups from learning to code.

To anyone interested in learning more, please tune in for a 10AM EST rebroadcast of this interview this Friday 7/26. You’ll no doubt find charismatic and inspiring these movers and shakers who seek to revolutionize their field.

The webcast can be viewed via the below:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/furthered-tv

Good cause for a celebrated 4th

     After a long series of tragedy-inspired posts, I'm glad for the opportunity to celebrate a little (if belatedly) in response to the downfall of the ironically-titled Defense of Marriage Act. At first glance, the Supreme Court decision may not appear to fall within the scope of this blog, but in fact the development has major implications both in the feminist sphere (bulwarks against gay marriage have a disproportionate impact on lesbians) and, perhaps more fundamentally, in fulfilling the promise of a certain Preamble. Liberty and justice and such. 

     Generations to come will, I hope, find no less unfathomable the interference of the state in affairs of the heart than we now find the denial of suffrage on the basis of race and gender. My praise to those who fight to retire these nightmares, and for giving me a reason to be proud on July 4th.