Why Learn Code?

I believe that all students should learn the basics of web development and the history of the internet, especially in an age when so much content is created, shared, and consumed through corporate-controlled platforms. Much of our online experience is shaped by companies that determine what content is visible, how users interact with one another, and what information receives the most attention. Learning how the web works can help students better understand these systems and recognize that the internet is not simply a collection of apps and websites, but a space built through code, design, and human decisions. Understanding the fundamentals of web development also gives students the ability to create and share their own content outside of established platforms, allowing them to have more control over their digital presence. Additionally, learning the history of the internet can provide context for how it developed from a more decentralized network into a space increasingly dominated by large corporations. Even if students don’t plan on pursuing careers in technology, having a basic understanding of web languages and the internet’s history can help them become more informed, independent, and critical digital citizens.

At recess in middle school, while others played soccer or traded Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, I pored over tomes on HTML, JavaScript, and PHP—which paid off, socially, when I built a proxy server to let classmates access banned Flash games.

Cory Doctorow, “Social Quitting”, Special Features, Locus, Vol. 90, no. 1 #744 (January 2023), pp. 29, 49.

My prior coding experience has come from both extracurricular activities and coursework. I was on an FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) team, where I was part of the coding team and worked with Java to program our robot. This experience introduced me to the problem-solving and logical thinking involved in programming. In terms of coursework, I have some experience with HTML and CSS, as well as Inform 7 through Anastasia Salter’s Creative Coding and Generative AI course. These experiences have given me a basic understanding of how code can be used to create interactive and digital experiences.

For example, even a small amount of HTML can be used to create a basic webpage:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>My Own Website</title>
    <style>
        body {
            background-color: white;
            font-family: Arial;
        }

        h1 {
            color: green;
            text-align: center;
        }

        h2 {
            color: green;
            text-align: center;
        }

        p {
            color: black;
            font-size: 16px;
        }
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>My Own Website</h1>

    <p>This is a space where I can share my own ideas.</p>

    <h2>About Me</h2>
    <p>I can use this website to share my interests and projects.</p>

    <h2>My Projects</h2>
    <p>Here I can showcase my work.</p>
</body>
</html>