A programming workshop for journalists who are new to code
Sponsored by NPR and Medill
Registration opens on Wednesday, July 25, at 8 a.m. Register by August 1. You do not need to be an ONA member to register (but it’s great if you do belong to ONA!), however, we do recommend that you join the ONADC meetup group, to make the registration process easier.
You want to learn how to code, but the newsroom always needs you to do something else instead. Maybe you’ve even tried learning on your own, but it’s hard without someone there to help. At Code with me, a two-day workshop, we’ll teach you how to code from the ground up so you can tell meaningful interactive stories.
We’re specifically designed for journalists without coding experience. With one mentor for every two students, you’ll always have the attention of a professional programmer so you can learn at your own pace, and never feel lost or behind. With more than a dozen mentors total, you’ll join a supportive learning community that will continue on even after the workshop.
Plus, you’ll have fun. You’ll learn HTML, CSS and Javascript by playing games, watching plays, and writing a lot of code. Our goal is to make this your turning point — an experience that not only teaches the basics of code, but gives you the skills and confidence you need to keep programming on your own and in your newsroom.
What makes Code with me unique?
Our mentors are all experienced coders, all work in D.C., and all here to help you.
Our student:mentor ratio of 2:1 means individual attention
Our belief that workshops should be fun, exciting and memorable
Where are the mentors from?
The Washington Post, NPR, AP, Sunlight Foundation and WordPress.
Is this workshop really only for beginners?
Yes. It’s for journalists who have very limited or no experience of how to code. If you’re unsure about whether or not you count as a beginner, contact us.
Do I need to attend the entire workshop if I register?
Yes. Space is limited and we want all the participants to get as much as they can out of the workshop. Please do not register if you cannot attend for the entire time.
What does it mean to be on the wait list?
If a registrant is unable to attend, their spot will be opened up to others. If you are on the wait list, you will receive an e-mail if a spot opens up. The first person to register will receive the spot. Unfortunately, because we are charging for this workshop, we cannot auto-enroll the next individual on the wait list.
Who are the program directors?
Sisi Wei tells interactive stories at the Washington Post. Before Sisi joined the Post as a graphics editor, she taught an intensive one-week workshop on data visualization at the University of British Columbia.
Tom Giratikanon builds interactive graphics at The New York Times. He teaches programming to high school students each summer at the Medill School of Journalism.
Dates: Friday, August 17, and Saturday, August 18, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Register by: Aug. 1 at 11:45 p.m.
What do I need to bring: A laptop. A very limited number of computers will be available for those who don’t have a laptop. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided on both days.
What if I have more questions or I want to talk to the organizers?
If you have any questions please e-mail Sisi and Tom at codewithme.dc@gmail.com. Talk to us on Twitter @codewithme. Or visit our website at codewithmedc.com.