With over 22 years of experience teaching kids coding camps, tutoring kids in their homes, and at the university level, I understand where to focus courses on learning how to code. I have also worked with companies as they look for the next generation talent. They are seeking things you may be surprised to learn...it is not only about the coding.
I am a Dad, software developer, professor, former Marine Officer, and huge fan of Star Wars and Disney. I understand the challenges of learning today and know how to get you through them by finding inspiration from the things you love.
Read over more in my Frequently Asked Questions below.....
Testimonials
For all my moms and dads out there who'd like to introduce their littles to coding - Mr. Fred is the best of the best (and a damned awesome person to boot)!!
Lisa D. G.
An educator who cares deeply for the success of his students, both past and present. His classes were always engaging, exciting, and consistently something to look forward to. I can't imagine GetMeCoding.com would fall anywhere short of a similar experience.
Mike R.
Hi! I wanted to let you know what a great impact you are making in Ian with your coding class. On the ride home today he could not stop talk....Mr. Fred wanted to be an astronaut, Fred saw Star Wars, Fred started programming when he was a kid.
Julie B.
I wanted to express my gratitude not just running an effective coding camp, but for inspiring my son on something as meaningful as coding. He spent much of the remainder of the summer working on other programming ideas, which thrilled me because it was something productive without me having to force it upon him. Beyond that though it si a great outlet for his creative energy.
C.M.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are you a professional teacher and software developer?
YES and YES. I have taught at the University level, 8-15yr olds in coding camps, and tutoring home schoolers for over 20 years. I am certified Adobe Dreamweaver developer, database programmer, and own my own software/technology consulting business.
2. Did you start coding as a kid?
Like many of my students, I started by tinkering with computers at 8 yrs old. I started my learning journey in the 1970’s as I entered school. I was an average student who grew up loving all things computers, Star Wars, and Disney. Inspired by these things I studied computer science/math and found my passion in software development and teaching. (I actually wanted (still want) to be an astronaut!)
3. Do I (or my child) need prior coding knowledge?
NO. Everyone starts at the beginning. That beginning is here at GetMeCoding. All great software developers started with a first step....ALL OF THEM.
4. Is this a STEM/STEAM activity?
YES. Schools around the country are implementing STEM/STEAM activities but they seems to be all doing it differently. Having taught 6,7,8th grade after school STEM sessions AND speaking with employers who hire my university students, we need to keep improving STEM teaching. I do my best to keep at the front of this.
5. Does coding help create better thinkers?
YES. Not everyone needs to become a software developer (aka coder) but they do need to understand what coding is and how it will play a role in their future career. Technology is all around us and jobs will be created that we do not even see right now that will need professionals who can quickly solve problems using technology. Leaning how to code develops that ability.
6. "Everything cannot be fun Mr. Fred!" - says the mean guy. Or can it??
I spent 12 years in the United States Marines and believe me, I get that.
I also have worked alongside professors for many years who pour their heart and soul into learning. In time, the tough challenges arrive in any job.
But I flip the question and ask…WHY NOT?? No one ever gives me a clear answer.
Maybe it is how we define FUN. Fun is what happens when we explore. Fun is what we have when we have exciting challenges. Fun is a mindset that can also help us solve any problem.
That is why I built these courses. Not to pretend but to engage and explore what coding can be.
