CodeHS recently wrapped up an exciting week in Ohio, where each school visit was filled with energy, coding challenges, and unforgettable moments. From middle school coders to high school students diving deeper into computer science, the week was packed with hands-on learning and plenty of fun.

Stop 1: Columbus Gifted Academy (Columbus, OH)

The first stop was Columbus Gifted Academy where the students were eager to jump right into Python coding. Their teacher, Lori Rice, was thrilled to welcome CodeHS, and the 8th graders — who already had a solid background in Python — jumped right into the Turtle Graphics challenge, coding their versions of the pink van. During lunch, students even came outside to check out the real van. This visit was a fantastic start to the week, leaving everyone excited for the rest of the journey through Ohio!

Stop 2: The Learning Spectrum (Columbus, OH)

The next stop was at The Learning Spectrum, a school for students with learning disabilities. The small class of eight students, each with different learning styles, quickly embraced Python coding. It was inspiring to see how CodeHS could make coding accessible to everyone, regardless of learning differences. The students ability to quickly pick up the Turtle Graphics commands, small and engaging classroom, and the presence of two class bearded dragons made this a memorable and rewarding stop on the road trip.

Stop 3: Marburn Academy (New Albany, OH)

At Marburn Academy, CodeHS worked with both high school and middle school students. Their teacher, Adam, had an impressive tech setup, including an esports team and a robot fighting arena. During the visit, an AI workshop was held where students used Google’s Teachable Machine and built websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They brought their sketches to life with the help of ChatGPT, and the students were fully engaged, even asking for autographs — an unexpected first! The creative energy at Marburn left a lasting impression.

Stop 4: Watkins Memorial High School (Pataskala, OH)

Watkins Memorial High School was another highlight, where CodeHS teamed up with teacher Teresa Gordon, who transitioned from business to computer science teaching. Two classes worked on the Corgi course, while others built websites using AI tools. Teresa has been a CodeHS Pro user for eight years and swears by the tools to support her classroom saying,

“Some people say you don’t need the paid version of CodeHS, but trust me — you absolutely do! It’s so worth it.”

The students were captivated by the presentation on the coding journey, making this a fun and productive visit.

Stop 5: Stow-Monroe Falls High School (Stow, OH)

The visit to Stow-Monroe Falls High School was one of the most memorable. Teacher Teresa Whitmer’s classes were buzzing with energy, with students even skipping their break to continue coding. They tackled the pink van Turtle Graphics challenge, and CodeHS left with thoughtful gifts: pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, high school-themed stickers, and a pink rubber duck — a nod to the classroom’s tradition of using rubber ducks to help debug code. Teresa, who has been using CodeHS since 2016, was thrilled with the visit and shared her love for the platform. The students were slightly disappointed there wasn’t a real Karel the Dog present — maybe next time!

Stop 6: Walsh Jesuit High School (Cuyahoga Falls, OH)

The final school visit in Ohio was at Walsh Jesuit High School. CodeHS met with teacher Peter Hannan and his 14 students, discussing the journey into computer science and answering questions about the industry and road trip adventures. While there wasn’t enough time for an activity, the group still made time for a photo in front of the pink van. It was a great way to wrap up the Ohio leg of the trip, with Michigan up next on the horizon. Stay tuned!

Want CodeHS to visit your school?

We’re well into the road trip and excited to visit even more schools along the way! You can still request a visit for the CodeHS team to make a stop at your school on the road trip. In addition, members of the CodeHS team will be visiting schools during Computer Science Education Week from December 2–15th. If you’re interested, request a visit here codehs.com/roadtrip.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram to follow along on this cross-country adventure throughout the school year!

On the Road with CodeHS: Ohio Edition was originally published in Read Write Code on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

We’ve now crossed the state line into Indiana, and the excitement for computer science education hasn’t slowed down. Each school visit has been packed with engaging lessons, hands-on coding challenges, and plenty of enthusiasm from students eager to dive into the world of coding.

Stop 1: South Bend Career Academy (South Bend, IN)

The first stop in Indiana was South Bend Career Academy, where we visited two CS Principles classes. The students brought a lot of energy to the Python coding challenge, competing for CodeHS swag and embracing the chance to learn a new coding language. This school focuses on students needing extra behavioral support, so classroom management was a bit more of a challenge, but with the help of their teacher, Shari Bloom, we kept most students engaged. Shari mentioned that while she enjoys using the CodeHS platform, she wishes she had more time to be hands-on in teaching the topics herself. Overall, it was a rewarding visit with a great group of students.

Stop 2: Cardinal Ritter High School (Indianapolis, IN)

Next up was Cardinal Ritter High School, where we connected with Mitchell Neal and his class of nine students. The smaller class size allowed for more one-on-one interactions, and the students were able to dive deep into the coding challenges. Neal shared how much he appreciates the tools CodeHS provides to help guide lessons, and even noted that he’s learning alongside his students. The smaller setting made for a meaningful visit where we could really focus on each student’s progress.

Stop 3: Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School (Indianapolis, IN)

At Brebeuf Jesuit, we had the opportunity to meet with students at all different levels of coding experience. We started the day with 12 AP Computer Science Principles students, many of whom were interested in pursuing computer science in college. It was exciting to be a resource for them and help envision what they could achieve with a degree in CS. Later, we worked with a group of about 20 freshmen who were just starting their journey with Python. Their teacher, Susan Reagin, mentioned,

“Today was the most engaged I’ve seen them all year!”

It was a fun and energetic visit, especially with students so excited about earning some swag!

Stop 4: Danville High School (Danville, IN)

Our last Indiana stop was at Danville High School, where we met with two computer science classes led by Deborah Hunt. The students were eager to learn, and it was great to see them so engaged with the presentation. After class, many of them checked out the CodeHS van and took photos with it, marking a successful and fun visit!

Want CodeHS to visit your school?

We’re just kicking off the road trip and can’t wait to visit the next school on our journey! If we haven’t made it to your state yet, there’s still time for a visit. Learn more and request a visit at codehs.com/roadtrip.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram to follow along on this cross-country adventure throughout the school year!

On the Road with CodeHS: Indiana Edition was originally published in Read Write Code on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Meet Andrew Gritten. After graduating from Wichita State in 2018 with a degree outside the world of programming, Andrew started a career in insurance. His career path soon took an unexpected turn when he decided to take coding courses through Bottega, eventually working through the Workflow Academy. Today, he builds out automations from clients and integrates their Zoho applications using Deluge.

Andrew’s work focuses on building out automations for clients, specifically integrating their Zoho applications using Deluge, Zoho’s scripting language. A large part of his job involves fulfilling specific client requests.

“Zoho has very flexible products, but our clients want particular automations built out, and that’s where my team comes in. We also build widgets in JavaScript occasionally, but that’s more specialized work.”

His role requires a deep understanding of how to customize Zoho applications to meet the clients needs, as well as the ability to use code to update records or parse data and then make decisions. The coding needs involve creating maps and lists that are then used to update or create records in whatever system they are using.

He appreciates the flexibility in his role and enjoys being part of a highly skilled team. The experience at Zenatta has provided him with valuable learning opportunities that have significantly enhanced his skills. His team mostly codes in various Zoho Applications and in VSCode. They also utilize Deluge, which is a Zoho specific coding language, SQL for analytics, and JavaScript for custom widgets.

For those looking to break into the field of coding, Andrew offers some sage advice:

“Stay humble, hungry, and honest. If you’re working for a good employer, volunteering to learn something new and being upfront that you’re still learning can take you far. Trying something new will only improve your coding skills.”

Andrew’s day-to-day work involves a mix of tools and programming languages, primarily Zoho’s own coding language, Deluge, SQL for analytics, and JavaScript for custom widget development. Most of his coding is done within various Zoho applications or in VSCode, a popular code editor.

Andrew’s journey into coding shows the power of pursuing your passions and embracing change. With a full change in career path, he’s proof that with the right mindset and determination, anyone can find success in the tech world.

When he’s not working on automating workflows or building widgets, Andrew enjoys brewing his own beer and playing a variety of musical instruments, including the guitar, bass, violin, and piano. His passion for creativity and problem-solving extends beyond his work, adding balance to his life and fueling his drive for innovation.

Coding in Web Consulting was originally published in Coding in the Wild on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The first week of the CodeHS road trip started in the heart of the Midwest — Illinois! Each classroom visit was packed with hands-on learning, insightful questions from students, and fun coding challenges in Python. Here’s a look back on our first few stops in Illinois, the activities we hosted and incredible students and teachers we met along the way.

Stop 1: Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire, IL)

We kicked off the road trip at Stevenson High School in Kelly Smith’s computer science classes with an engaging AI lesson. The highlight of the visit was the student coding Python challenge with Tracy the Turtle. Students were tasked with creating a digital version of the iconic pink CodeHS van, and the classroom excitement was contagious as they competed for a chance to win an exclusive stuffed Super Karel! This was such a fun visit, and really set the tone for the visits to come later on.

Stop 2: Northside College Prep (Chicago, IL)

Our next stop was at Northside College Prep, where we joined Amy Wagner’s AP Computer Science Principles classes. The students, who were just getting started with their CodeHS accounts, eagerly dove into Python lessons. The CodeHS Team each shared their own journeys in computer science and answered questions about the field and their careers.

A particularly memorable moment was meeting students from Northside College Prep’s robotics team, who were already familiar with CodeHS and working on impressive projects. Students took the opportunity to ask the CodeHS CEO, Jeremy Keeshin, questions and sparked an insightful discussion about the entrepreneurial side of tech.

Stop 3: McHenry High School (McHenry, IL)

At McHenry High School, our team led an assembly-style presentation with over 70 students. We discussed careers in the computer science field, and many students were eager to ask questions related to college and career readiness. The students also broke into smaller groups to work on a coding graphics challenge with Tracy the Turtle. Our team was impressed with how respectful the students were, their curiosity, and their excitement to learn, making the visit even more worthwhile.

Shoutout to Kelly, Amy, and Tim for inviting us to visit their computer science classes and being the first visit of our cross-country road trip!

Want CodeHS to visit your school?

We’re just getting started with the road trip and can’t wait for the next school on our list to visit! Learn more and request a visit at codehs.com/roadtrip.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram to follow along on this cross-country adventure throughout the school year!

On the Road with CodeHS: Illinois Edition was originally published in Read Write Code on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

As part of our continuous effort to improve AP Computer Science instruction, we sent out a survey to AP teachers who use CodeHS, asking them to share student performance data on the 2024 AP exams. We asked teachers about pass rates, resource usage, and feedback on our AP courses. We had a total of 71 teachers respond to the survey, and have outlined the feedback from the survey below.

AP Computer Science A (CSA) Performance Overview

We had 31 AP CSA teachers respond to the survey. Of the teachers who responded, their students outperformed the national average by a significant margin. Here’s how the distribution of scores breaks down:

The overall national pass rate for AP CSA this year was 66%, with 46% of all students receiving a 4 or 5 on the exam. In comparison, the CodeHS teachers who responded to our survey reported a passing rate of 83%, with 64% of reported students receiving a 4 or 5 on the exam.

AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) Performance Overview

We had a total of 40 AP Computer Science Principles teachers respond to the survey. The results from AP CSP exams also reflect positive outcomes for the students using CodeHS.

The overall national pass rate for AP CSP this year was 65%, with 32% of all students receiving a 4 or 5 on the exam. CodeHS teachers who responded to our survey reported a passing rate of 77%, with 40% of reported students receiving a 4 or 5 on the exam.

We want to say thank you to all of the amazing AP teachers who chose CodeHS to prepare students for the AP exams! Your hard work and dedication are invaluable to your students. We also want to thank all of the teachers who took the time to send us this survey feedback. Your feedback is instrumental in helping us create the highest quality AP curriculum for your students.

You can explore our free AP courses here or find more resources to prepare students in the AP CSA and AP CSP Resource Hubs. If you have any questions about using CodeHS in your classroom, reach out to our team at hello@codehs.com.

CodeHS Success: AP Teachers Report Outstanding Performance on 2024 Exams was originally published in Read Write Code on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Empower your students to build their own games with our new Game Development in Unity course. This updated course replaces the previous CodeHS Game Design in Unity course and brings new concepts including 2D game development, Unity C# scripting, and much more. This course will also upgrade the version of Unity to 2022.3.9.

Note: Student devices must be able to download and install the Unity platform (not compatible on Chromebooks).

Goals of the Course

This course is a more comprehensive high-school game development course. It now better aligns with CTE game development standards and better equips students with essential programming skills in C# and Unity’s scripting system. By the end of this course, students will be able to apply the design planning process, describe industry-related careers, and utilize the Unity game engine to create fun digital games.

Students completing this course will be better prepared to take any of the three high school Unity certification exams:

• Unity Certified User Artist
• Unity Certified User VR Developer
• Unity Certified User Programmer

Overview of the Course

Through hands-on projects using the Unity game engine and CodeHS lessons, students will learn to create interactive and visually captivating 2D and 3D games. Students will embark on an exciting journey to master the fundamentals of game design and programming while honing their problem-solving abilities and creativity.

Teachers are also provided more solutions and guidance throughout the course — including solution Unity project files at the end of most lessons and more descriptive solutions in free-response activities. We also include more explanation/demo videos for teachers to better understand Unity game engine concepts and techniques.

Game Development in Unity is 100% aligned with the following standards:

• Utah Game Development Fundamentals 1
• Virginia Game Design standards
• Unity Certified User Programmer

What’s New?

Develop 2D Games: Students will create their first 2D game in Unity. Students walk through the process of developing a 2D skiing game based on a provided game design document. Students work from a model design document as they learn technical skills and scripting skills in Unity.

Unity Scripting Basics: Students begin using the Unity scripting API with basic C# scripts in simple 2D Unity projects. They begin using functions, declaring variables, and defining classes.

Virtual Reality (VR) Environments: Students build on their 3D game world development skills and expand their understanding of developing virtual reality (VR) gaming experiences. Students learn about VR hardware, raycasting, and designing immersive environments. No VR headsets or head-mounted displays are required.

Project: Release Your Game: Students wrap up their final game projects in this module. Applying all the different techniques from earlier modules as well as incorporating feedback from the previous module, students will complete and present their final game design. They’ll also create a gameplay trailer to learn about game promotion.

We are so excited to see all the amazing games our students create!

You can find all our video game courses in the CodeHS Course Catalog. Curious how a video game course can fit into a computer science pathway? Explore our different pathways here or get in touch with us at hello@codehs.com.

Don’t have a CodeHS account? You can sign up for a free account here.

CodeHS Launches a New Game Development in Unity Course was originally published in CodeHS Curriculum Changelog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Ever since my first computer science class in high school, I knew technology was my future. I’m Willie Jenkins, a web application designer and maintainer. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from UNC-Charlotte, I gained experience through various coding projects and then worked as a software engineer at Wells Fargo Bank. Seeking to deepen my skills, I pursued a Master’s degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Software Engineering, which has shaped my current role in designing and maintaining web applications.

The applications I support are mainly written in Java, and I write these web apps to gather information via client input, creating reports in PDF format generated by the app. My main responsibilities are split between coding and issue management.

I’m responsible for all software enhancements, including responding to user requests for new features. My process begins with gathering detailed information about the requested features, which I then use to create a comprehensive design document. This document includes mockups that visually represent the enhanced application, along with detailed descriptions of how each interactive element, such as buttons and textboxes, will function. While the mockups are highly impactful, the entire process can take several weeks to complete.

After the user approves the document, I will use this same document to make all the necessary changes. I will code and thoroughly test the software to make sure that it doesn’t have any issues and ensure that it functions exactly as expected.

The second aspect of my job involves troubleshooting issues that may occur with the application. Problem-solving is essential in this industry; if the application fails to meet customer expectations, it could jeopardize the company. Occasionally, I need to review thousands of lines of code to pinpoint the problem.

My favorite thing about my job is learning and implementing new technologies. The tech industry is always making enhancements to existing features such as new advancements and improving efficiency. Staying on top of new features happening within the industry is critical to staying relevant because tech is evolving everyday.

In my role, I write code for both desktop and web applications, utilizing multiple programming languages, including Java, C++, Perl, JavaScript, SQL, PowerShell, and HTML. My team and I also write code to ensure that our work is correct. This involves creating test scripts for automated tools that mimic user input to verify that the software functions as expected.

Coding plays an integral role in nearly all industries, as software is an essential part of any 21st century business. Even in cases where a business only utilizes third-party software, that tool may need a small amount of coding to further customize it for that business.

“As with any profession, there is a learning curve in mastering the skill of coding. You must be patient with yourself and trust that you can be as good as anyone else.”

I’ve always seen coding as both a science and an art. Coders are creators, and coding encourages personal expression. No two people write code in exactly the same way; each individual’s unique style shines through in their work, like a personal signature.

Technology is always changing, and we must evolve with it. I encourage young coders to stay agile — pick up new skills, gain new knowledge, tackle new challenges, and read technology articles. Take advantage of online learning academies, especially if your company offers them for free.

Coding is essentially problem-solving. It provides solutions, but to excel, one must first become a strong problem-solver. The act of coding can be straightforward; however, grasping the problem at hand is the real challenge. Be a good listener, and never hesitate to ask questions before attempting to solve a problem.

I love staying active with outdoor activities like softball, tennis, racquetball, and jogging. Gardening brings me a lot of peace, and I also make time for weight training at the gym about three to four days a week. Music is a big part of my life — I play the cello and piano, and I used to perform in a string ensemble before moving to Philadelphia three years ago. I’m currently looking for a similar group to join here.

Traveling is another passion of mine. Each summer, I pick a new destination within the U.S. to explore, aiming to visit most of the country. In the winter, I always look forward to a ski vacation with friends.

Coding for Web Apps was originally published in Coding in the Wild on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

1. Improved CodeHS Navigation

CodeHS has streamlined its platform navigation, improving the dashboard for easier access to assignments and resources. These navigation changes make it easier for teachers to find the tools they need to support student success. Read all about the improved CodeHS navigation at codehs.com/Navigation.

2. New and Updated CodeHS Courses for 2024–25

CodeHS has launched many new courses for the 2024–25 school year, including AI, Cybersecurity, Game Design, and Web Development courses. Many state courses have also been created or updated to align with state and national standards. Learn more about all CodeHS course updates at codehs.com/NewCourses2025SchoolYear.

3. AI Curriculum, PD, & Tools for K-12 Schools

CodeHS has developed AI Curriculum, PD, and tools that bring AI literacy to schools and districts. AI courses and projects are designed to introduce middle and high school students to Artificial Intelligence — what it is, how it works, and ways to ethically use it. This new curriculum can easily be plugged in to existing curriculum throughout the year. Additionally, we have developed AI PD that empowers educators with the knowledge to effectively use AI and leverage it in their classrooms.

CodeHS also offers AI tools like AI Hints, which generate hints for teachers to send students. AI Grading is also available, which can be used in combination with the CodeHS Fast Grade tool to quickly and efficiently grade student work. Both AI Hints and AI Grading are available on CodeHS Pro.

Learn more about bringing AI literacy to your school at codehs.com/AICurrciulumPD.

4. Updates to Elementary Curriculum

There have been many exciting updates to CodeHS Elementary including enhanced Ready-to-Go Lessons. These new lessons are fully prepared with lesson slides and videos, meaning teachers can prepare for these lessons in minutes. Teachers can also now direct all students to the needed lesson and activity with just one click of a button. Other elementary updates include updated pathways, AI lessons, and more. Learn more at codehs.com/ElementaryUpdates2024.

5. New Assignment Collaboration Tool

The new Assignment Collaboration Tool lets teachers collaborate with students and see them code in real-time within assignments. This fosters a supportive learning environment, allowing for immediate feedback and collaboration on challenging tasks. This new tool is available with CodeHS Pro. Explore ways teachers can use this tool to support students and enable student growth at codehs.com/TeacherCollaborationTool.

6. Improved Administrator Dashboards

We have made updates to our administrative reporting tools to make it easier for administrators to pull data and reports about schools and classrooms. You can learn more about administrator dashboards here.

Questions about CodeHS or any of the recent updates? Reach out to a member of our team at hello@codehs.com.

CodeHS Updates: New Courses, Tools, AI Curriculum, and More for 2024–25 was originally published in Read Write Code on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

It’s time to hit the road for another epic road trip, visiting K-12 computer science classrooms around the US.

For the 2024–2025 school year, CodeHS is hitting the road again to visit K-12 computer science classrooms across the United States. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet rural town, we’re excited to make computer science accessible and fun for students, everywhere. You can now request a visit from CodeHS!

How It All Started

In 2013, CodeHS CEO Jeremy Keeshin embarked on the first road trip with the goal of visiting computer science classrooms. Two years later in 2015, the co-founders Jeremy Keeshin, Zach Galant, and the team hit the road again — this time in a bright pink van — visiting over 60 schools across the country.

Fast forward to today and CodeHS has been used by millions of students and over 50,000 K-12 classrooms each month. And now, we’re gearing up again for an even bigger and better road trip to visit classrooms nationwide!

What to Expect During a Road Trip Visit

CodeHS will be visiting classrooms to support your CodeHS lessons, talk about careers in computer science, share exclusive swag, and host fun student contests.

• Classroom Visit & Guest Speaker: Our CS Ambassador will support with a CodeHS lesson, and share real-world experiences and insights from his own computer science journey.
• Interactive Coding Workshop: Mix up your class period with a hands-on coding workshop or Hour of Code run by CodeHS.

Get Involved — Request a Visit Today!

Teachers and administrators, this is your chance to be part of the adventure! CodeHS is accepting requests for school visits — Fill out this quick form, and share more about the awesome things happening in your computer science classes.

Whether you’re hoping for a simple classroom visit, support with an engaging coding lesson or just some inspiration to get your students excited about computer science, CodeHS would love to stop by your school this year.

Meet the CodeHS CS Ambassador

Blake Schafer is a recent computer science graduate from Oregon State University. He discovered coding in his last semester of high school, and it completely changed his career path. Four years later, he earned a degree in computer science and is driving the pink CodeHS van to visit classrooms and share his love for coding with students in all corners of the US.

Follow the Adventure!

The CodeHS van is gassed up and ready to go. There are a few spots to follow along and track when the van is near you. Visit codehs.com/roadtrip and follow us on Instagram and TikTok today.

Questions? Email our team today at roadtrip@codehs.com.

Announcing the 24–25 CodeHS Road Trip: K-12 Coding Coast-to-Coast was originally published in Read Write Code on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Meet Travis Bonfigli. Travis began his journey into the Information Technology realm in the summer of 1989, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of what would become a deeply rewarding and expansive career in the technology field. His initial foray into the field was when he was a member of the United States Army. While serving, he was introduced to the intricacies of UNIX systems and network administration. This foundational experience laid the groundwork for his expertise and fostered an enduring passion for all things technological.

Following his tenure in the military, he ventured into the dynamic world of government contracting and Internet Service Providers (ISP), contributing to the technological advancements and customer service initiatives of industry giants such as AT&T, Fannie Mae, and USInternetworking. These roles not only honed his technical skills but also imbued him with a profound understanding of the internet’s infrastructure and its critical role in modern society.

The culmination of his experience and expertise are currently channeled into his role at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where he has served for the past 12 years. Within this organization, he shoulders the significant responsibility of overseeing and maintaining a vast network comprising over 1000 networking devices. His work involves ensuring the seamless operation and security of the network infrastructure, a critical component in NOAA’s mission to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts.

By integrating network programmability and automation into the operations, he not only contributes to the agency’s mission but also paves the way for innovative uses of technology in environmental science. This synergy between IT and environmental research is not just about maintaining systems; it’s about creating a future where technology and nature work in harmony for the betterment of humanity and the planet.

Throughout Travis’ career, he has witnessed firsthand the evolution of technology and its transformative impact on both the professional and personal spheres. His journey from a UNIX and network administrator in the Army to a pivotal role in supporting NOAA’s mission encapsulates a profound dedication to technological advancement — like network programmability and automation — and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

In his current role at the NOAA, he is at the forefront of leveraging the transformative powers of network programmability and automation to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and bolster the security of our extensive networking infrastructure. His work primarily orbits around the sophisticated application of Python, Ansible, and BASH shell scripting, tools that are indispensable in the contemporary IT landscape.

His favorite aspect of working at the NOAA has been the perpetual opportunity for learning and growth. Each day presents a unique puzzle; a challenge that demands not just the application of his accumulated knowledge and skills but also encourages him to stretch beyond them.

The rapid pace of advancements in network programmability, automation, and the broader landscape of IT means that there is always a new breakthrough, tool, or methodology emerging. Python, Ansible, and BASH shell scripting, while now central to his work, were once areas he knew little about.

This environment of constant evolution keeps Travis intellectually engaged and professionally agile. It’s not just about keeping up with technology but actively participating in its evolution, applying it in novel ways to support NOAA’s mission of understanding and predicting changes in the environment. Moreover, it aligns perfectly with his personal ethos of lifelong learning.

For young aspiring coders embarking on the captivating journey into the world of programming, Travis’s advice is to embrace the process of making mistakes, and lots of them.

“The road to proficiency and beyond is paved with a million and one errors, each a stepping stone towards your growth and understanding. In the world of coding, mistakes are not setbacks but rather, opportunities to learn, adapt, and innovate. It’s through these errors that you’ll discover not only the intricacies of programming languages and frameworks but also your unique problem-solving style.”

Learning something new every day is the essence of a career in coding. The landscape of technology is constantly shifting, with new tools, languages, and paradigms emerging at a rapid pace. This environment offers an endless array of learning opportunities.

“Approach each day with curiosity and the willingness to step out of your comfort zone, and you’ll find that your skill set expands exponentially, fueled by a genuine passion for discovery and improvement.”

He also shared that the pathway to becoming a skilled coder is unique for everyone. It’s a blend of relentless practice, continuous learning, embracing failures, and ultimately, discovering what truly resonates. This journey, with all its ups and downs, is not just about writing code; it’s about crafting solutions, expressing creativity, and making a tangible impact.

“Embark on this adventure with an open heart and mind, ready to make those million and one mistakes. They will shape you into not just a proficient coder, but a lifelong learner and innovator in the field you love.”

Outside of work, I’m an avid soccer fan and Arsenal supporter, finding the strategy and teamwork on the field to be absolutely beautiful. When I’m not engaging in soccer, you can find me exploring nature and challenging myself on mountain biking trails, embracing the thrill and physical demands of the sport. My fascination with technology extends to my personal life through my interest in cryptocurrency and managing my NFT collection, which allows me to merge my passion for programming with Python into the evolving world of digital assets. These hobbies not only fuel my curiosity but also provide a refreshing counterbalance to my professional pursuits, keeping my daily routine vibrant and fulfilling.

Coding for IT & Climate Monitoring was originally published in Coding in the Wild on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.