Connected Code

This essential guide reframes the conversation around why coding matters for today's youth, moving beyond technical skills to explore how programming fosters collaborative problem-solving and digital citizenship. Kafai makes a compelling case that coding represents a fundamental new literacy rather than just a vocational track, examining how young people use programming as a means of creative expression and community engagement. The book thoughtfully transitions the discussion from isolated "computational thinking" exercises to what the author terms "computational participation"—where coding becomes a social, collaborative activity. This perspective shift acknowledges that the most valuable coding experiences happen when students create and share projects with real audiences.

What sets this work apart is its grounding in both educational theory and practical classroom examples, showing how coding connects to broader learning goals rather than existing as a standalone technical subject. Educators seeking to implement meaningful computer science curriculum will find invaluable insights here, particularly around designing projects that encourage peer feedback and community impact. The book speaks directly to parents and teachers wondering why coding deserves space in already crowded academic schedules, providing convincing evidence that these skills build communication and critical thinking abilities that transfer across disciplines. Kafai ultimately presents a vision where learning to program means learning to participate more fully in our digital world.