DALLAS – May 19, 2017 – iCode., offering after-school, weekend and summer programs that provide science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education to students in first through 12^th grades, today announced that Dave Thomas, best-selling author, software developer and consultant, one of the original creators of the Manifesto for Agile Software Development, and member of the iCode Advisory Board, will be the guest speaker at iCode’s 2^nd Anniversary Celebration, taking place Friday, May 26, at the iCode Frisco campus.

Thomas is a best-selling author of numerous influential books, articles and videos on computer programming. He is co-author with Andy Hunt of The Pragmatic Programmer, and responsible for the popularity of the Ruby programming language and the Rails framework, which have changed the face of the programming industry. Thomas also serves as an adjunct professor of computer science at Southern Methodist University and recently joined the iCode Advisory Board. He studied at the Imperial College London and moved to the United States in 1993. He currently lives in North Dallas.

“I became interested in computer programming education because I was so distressed about how programming skills are taught,” said Thomas. “All too often the magic and excitement are taken away, to be replaced with rote learning and tedium.”

He went on to say that programs such as iCode, which focus on growing local computer talent, are not only good for the United States, but also good for the students who are gaining the necessary skills for a rewarding career.
“I really respect the people who run iCode and I like the fact that the program is solid. It’s not just teaching at the surface level, but teaching kids to be real programmers,” he added.

iCode’s courses use agile approaches to provide computer science and robotics instruction in a fun and creative environment. Students not only receive coding instruction, but also learn how to work in a cooperative environment, using critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

“Critical thinking is a pivotal element in all the lessons we teach at iCode,” said Abid Abedi, co-founder and CEO of iCode. “We want to help prepare students to contribute and stand out among the growing number of workers seeking employment in our increasingly global economy.”

As part of the anniversary celebration, approximately 65 iCode students will receive certificates of completion to mark their accomplishments over the past year. Before taking the stage, students will write out what they hope to accomplish at iCode in the coming year and make their predictions for the next “up-and-coming” technology. These goals and predictions will be placed into a time capsule to be opened a year from now.

For more information about iCode, its Summer Boot Camps and other programs, visit icodeschool.com.

About iCode Inc.

Based in Dallas, iCode. was founded in April 2015 and provides instruction in an exciting and unique learning environment that resembles a high-tech campus. iCode offers after-school, weekend and summer programs in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) courses in computer programming, robotics, and innovation for students from first through 12th grades. Its courses use agile approaches to teach students the latest in robotics and embedded technologies. iCode students not only control and play with artificial intelligence technology, they actually learn how it works. iCode also offers adult boot camps to help adult learners obtain new technology skills for the workplace. For more information about offerings and enrollment, visit iCodeschool.com. 

Media Contact for iCode

Linda Graham
The Power Group
linda@thepowergroup.com
214-498-6313