Today, I’m thrilled to share a project that’s been brewing in my workshop: Rise & Code – a first draft of a free, open-source book designed to teach programming, software development, and logical problem-solving to people without access to computers. This is very much a work in progress, but I’m excited to share where we’re headed.
Why This Book Matters
In our increasingly digital world, programming skills are becoming essential. Yet for millions around the globe, access to computers remains limited or nonexistent. This digital divide threatens to leave many behind in developing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that programming teaches.
Rise & Code bridges this gap by making programming education accessible to everyone, regardless of their access to technology. Using just pen and paper, learners can develop computational thinking, algorithmic reasoning, and the fundamental concepts that power all programming languages.
How It Works: The Notebook Method
At the core of Rise & Code is what we call “the notebook method” – a hands-on approach where learners use a simple notebook as their “paper computer.” Through carefully designed activities, readers:
- Create algorithms for everyday tasks
- Track variables and data through visual representations
- Design flowcharts to map program execution
- Simulate loops and conditional logic through physical exercises
- Build pattern recognition skills fundamental to programming
Each chapter includes engaging, culturally inclusive examples and activities designed to work in diverse settings with minimal resources.
What’s Inside the Book
The book is structured to progressively build skills across nine comprehensive chapters:
- Introduction: The World of Coding Without a Computer
- The Human Compiler: Understanding Logic and Structure
- Playful Programming: Fun with Algorithms
- Data Explorers: Understanding Variables and Data Types
- Control Creators: Loops and Repetition
- The Engineering Notebook: Practicing Like a Pro
- Coding Challenges: Building Skills Through Practice
- Real-world Applications: Connecting Coding to Everyday Life
- Beyond the Book: Next Steps in Your Coding Journey
Plus appendices with a glossary, answer keys, and recommended resources.
Designed for Everyone
Whether you’re a student, educator, community leader, or simply curious about programming, Rise & Code is for you. The book is:
- Age-inclusive: Designed for learners from age 10 to adult
- Globally relevant: Features diverse examples that work across cultures
- Educationally sound: Built on proven teaching methodologies
- Immediately practical: Activities can be implemented right away
- Progressively challenging: Builds skills from simple to complex
A Community Effort
Rise & Code is an open-source, collaborative project released under a Creative Commons license (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0). This means it’s free to share, adapt, and build upon for non-commercial purposes.
The book is a work in progress, with automated systems helping me publish new versions as the content evolves. This first draft is just the beginning – I’m sharing it early to gather feedback and improve it over time.
Get Involved in this Work-in-Progress
This project is very much in its early stages, and I’m looking for collaborators who are excited about its potential. There are several ways to engage:
- Read and give feedback: Download the latest version and let me know what works and what doesn’t
- Contribute: Help improve content, add translations, or create illustrations
- Test activities: Try the activities with learners and share your experiences
- Spread the word: Share with educators, community organizations, and anyone who might be interested
If you’re interested in contributing, check out the GitHub repository and the contribution guidelines.
The Vision
I believe programming education shouldn’t be limited by access to technology. The computational thinking skills developed through programming are valuable for everyone, in all aspects of life and across all careers.
Rise & Code represents my commitment to making these powerful skills accessible to all, creating pathways to technology careers for those historically excluded, and empowering communities to solve problems through computational thinking.
Download and Explore the Early Draft
Ready to explore the current version of Rise & Code? The book is available in multiple formats:
Remember, this is an early draft that will continue to improve. Your feedback and suggestions can help make it better!
Join me in this journey to make programming education accessible to everyone, regardless of their access to technology. Together, we can help learners everywhere to Rise & Code!
Have you used unplugged programming activities before? How do you think learning programming without a computer could benefit students? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
