Middle schoolers are getting ahead in the programming world by learning how to code in C# and Javascript, widely used programming languages. David Pickett, a former Microsoft software engineer, is teaching the class using Unity. Unity is a game design software platform or IDE (integrated development environment) used to make 2D and 3D games in real-world applications. Many commercial and independent games are made using Unity. Students are also using a site called Code Combat. In Code Combat students play a character and complete missions using code instructions. 
 
David Pickett is a part of the Purple Maiʻa Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to teach beginning coding and computer science to young students. Mr. Pickett's ambitions and expectations for the students in the class are set high. He is teaching students programming logic and how to code the same way it's done in real-world projects. Most beginning programming classes are taught using drag-and-drop logic blocks in programs like Scratch or Lego Robotics. This is great for learning the logic of how programs work, but in commercial applications programs are made starting with what is essentially an empty text file and code is typed in manually. The difference is like microwaving a TV dinner versus making a meal totally from scratch. 
 
To learn more about the Purple Maiʻa Foundation visit http://www.purplemaia.org/

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Kaipuolono Article, Maui Newsroom, Maui Middle School, Maui campus

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