Data structures and algorithms are two essential components of computer science. Learn everything you need to know about these two concepts in our new course: CS102: Data Structures and Algorithms.
In March, we updated our Computer Science Career Path with content and modules designed to teach learners the foundations of programming. Now, we’ve taken it a step further by adding a new course: CS102: Data Structures and Algorithms.
Every application uses algorithms to transform and utilize data, so it’s vital that you understand how to structure your data properly. As Curriculum Developer Alisha Grama explains:
“Data structures are what your code is built with, and algorithms are how you tell your code what to do.”
Why?
Our Computer Science Career Path is designed to prepare you with all the knowledge and skills you’ll need for an entry-level position. As such, we’re constantly adding new courses and content to ensure it encompasses the same information you’d find in a degree program.
Along with CS102, we’ll also be releasing CS103, CS104, and CS105 later this year — so stay tuned!
How will this affect learners who have already completed the Computer Science Career Path?
You’ll retain the progress you’ve already made in the Path, but you may see a decrease in your completion percentage due to the new content in the course.
Who is the new course right for?
CS102 is the next step for learners who have already completed our CS101: Introduction to Programming. It could also serve as supplemental material for students enrolled in a university course on data structures and algorithms.
What will you learn from the course?
The first half of the new course contains conceptual articles and lessons that’ll deepen your understanding of data structures and algorithms. After building your foundation, you’ll apply your new knowledge by coding with Python.
Content from the new coursework covers topics including:
Nodes
Linked Lists
Doubly Linked Lists
Queues
Stacks
Hash Maps
Recursion
Asymptotic Notation
Pattern Searching
Sorting Algorithms
Brute Force Algorithms
Trees
Tree Traversal
Divide and Conquer Algorithms
Heaps and Heapsort
Graphs and Graph Search
Path Finding Graph Algorithms
Dynamic Programming
Recommendation System Portfolio Project
We’ve also added new quizzes and projects throughout the course to help cement your new knowledge, including a Portfolio Project that’ll illustrate your skills to prospective employers.
What skills will you take away from the course?
After completing the course, you’ll have a greater understanding of the advanced algorithms used for traversing, sorting, and pattern matching data. You’ll also be able to create and manipulate your own data structures, such as lists, queues, hash maps, and more. Lastly, you’ll learn how to analyze the space and time complexity of your data structures and algorithms.
Recap
We’ve added a new course, CS102: Data Structures and Algorithms, to our Computer Science Career Path. Data structures and algorithms are the next logical step to developing a foundation in Computer Science. Learners who are already enrolled in the Path will retain their progress, but their completion percentage will decrease because of the new content.
Web developers play a crucial role in our society. Responsible for developing and maintaining web pages, they’re behind all of our favorite websites, from Wikipedia to YouTube.
Today, practically every organization needs web developers to keep up with competitors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, web developers have a rapidly expanding job market, expected to continue rising by up to 8% by 2029. But why are web developers so essential? What exactly do they do? Below, we’ll walk you through a web developer’s responsibilities and skills, with tips on where you can get started.
Web developer job description
Web developers build websites that meet their company’s or client’s needs. To do so, they need two things:
The ability to create websites
The ability to discern how to satisfy a client’s needs using a web page
Think of a web developer as a “solutions architect.” First, they determine the best way to address the challenges faced by their client. Then, they design a website that meets their objectives.
This is one of the key differences between web development and web design. While web designers focus on a page’s layout and aesthetic, web developers are more concerned with structure, functionality, and efficiency and ensuring everything stays within budget.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics explains how web developers “develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.” To achieve this, web developers need to:
Meet with clients and IT teams.
Understand the company’s web hosting and security architecture.
Work with decision-makers to attain more resources if needed.
What skills do you need to be a web developer?
To be a web developer, you’ll need a mix of technical and soft skills. Technical skills, like proficiency with different programming languages, are those you’ll use to actually build websites. Soft skills, like good communication, are those you’ll use to work effectively with others and drive yourself forward as a professional. Below, we’ll look at the different skills web developers need and explain how they play a role in their daily responsibilities.
Technical skills
Three programming languages lie at the heart of every web developer’s tech stack: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. HTML creates a web page’s structure, CSS adds stylistic elements like colors and typography, and JavaScript enables interactivity. Together, these three languages form the foundation of web development.
Along with the languages listed above, web developers also use libraries and frameworks like jQuery and AngularJS to expedite development and add greater functionality to their web pages.
Strong communication skills
Web developers need to be good listeners. To truly understand a client’s core objectives and come up with an effective solution, you’ll need a patient, empathetic ear. You’ll also need to be able to communicate your own ideas in a way that compels your clients to take action. This may require proficiency with presentation tools like Excel and PowerPoint.
Web developers also need to know how to express complex ideas in simple terms without being condescending. Just like how you may not know the best way to route an exhaust pipe for a septic system, your clients may not understand the basics of web development. But with good communication skills, you can explain anything, including how it helps boost their bottom line.
A passion for learning
Like all technologies, the programming languages, libraries, and frameworks web developers use are constantly evolving. Having a passion for learning makes it easier to stay on top of the latest developments in the industry. Plus, it helps improve your capacity as a professional and ensures your skills are always in demand. When a new language pops up and gains popularity among potential clients and other developers, you won’t have to waste time playing catch up.
What kind of jobs do web developers have?
Web development encapsulates several different roles, and all of them involve coding, using predesigned development tools, or a combination of both. Let’s take a look at some of the most common jobs in web development.
User experience (UX) developers
UX designers are primarily concerned with a website or application’s end-users, whether they’re members of the general public or employees using a product designed specifically for their company. UX designers fine-tune the design, functionality, and even the marketing of a product to ensure the target users get what they need.
Front-end developers
Web pages consist of a front end that people interact with and a back end with resources the front end depends on to function. Front-end developers create an attractive, functional, efficient interface for the user. While discussing his responsibilities as a front-end engineer, John Pham explains that the role is great for “someone who enjoys being at the intersection of art and logic.”
Back-end developers
Back-end developers structure the back end of a website to adequately support the front-end experiences of users. This involves structuring the core logic of an application, implementing APIs (application programming interfaces), and building and integrating databases that support the front end. For more information, check out our article on the role and responsibilities of a back-end developer.
User interface (UI) designers
UI designers set out to create websites that look good from the user’s perspective. They need to understand how colors interact with each other and trigger emotions and how fonts communicate brand-central messages. UI designers make their clients’ wishes come true by providing an effective and attractive site that meets their users’ needs.
How do I become a web developer?
The first step in becoming a web developer is learning how to use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. But knowing is only half the battle — you’ll also need practical experience. Once you get these tools under your belt, use them to build a website. Having a portfolio of websites you’ve created will help impress potential clients and employers when you’re looking for a job.
If you want to build all the skills you’ll need as a web developer, check out our Career Paths. Our Career Paths are designed to teach you everything you’ll need to know to land an entry-level position in your desired field. They also include projects that you can use to create a portfolio and certificates upon completion for you to add to your resume. Ready to get started? Click any of the links below.
After a long day of coding, sometimes you just want to kick back and relax — and what better way than with a movie? We reached out to our community in a forum post and asked our learners about their favorite coding-related films. Here’s what they shared.
WarGames
WarGames was the most highly recommended film among our community of learners. Starring Matthew Broderick, the movie follows a young high school student who inadvertently incites international conflict by triggering a military supercomputer while searching for a local game company.
WarGames is a great choice if you’re a fan of thought-provoking movies, as it raises questions about the use of AI in warfare. It also exemplifies the severity of nuclear war and the role of probability in machine learning.
The Social Network
Released in 2010, The Social Network was the second most highly-rated movie among our learners. The biographical film depicts the problematic origins behind Facebook, the world’s most popular social networking site.
After receiving a wave of buzz for its subject matter and A-list cast, including stars like Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Justin Timberlake, the film went on to win Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing, along with several Golden Globes.
The Social Network sheds light on the development of Facebook, chronicling everything from Mark Zuckerberg’s first foray into web development to the lawsuits he faced from his co-founders and former business associates.
The Imitation Game
Tying for second place in our learners’ list of favorite movies, The Imitation Game portrays the life of Alan Turing, famous cryptanalyst and founder of the Turing Test. The film depicts Turing’s groundbreaking innovation during World War II as he struggles against foreign cryptography and the influence of homophobia, gender roles, and misogyny.
The Imitation Game stars celebrities like Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. After its release, it won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and the People’s Choice Award.
This movie is a must-see for anyone interested in machine learning, as the Turing Test has played a vital role in the conceptualization and development of artificial intelligence. Plus, Turing’s work contributed to the development of computer science and data manipulation, so it’s also an excellent movie for technology and history buffs.
The Matrix
No list of coding-related movies would be complete without The Matrix — a classic film set predominantly in a world entirely built of code. The Matrix follows Neo, played by Keanu Reeves, who finds himself pulled into (or made aware of) a post-apocalyptic dystopia in which AI rules the world.
The Matrix has long been considered one of the greatest sci-fi films of all time. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re definitely missing out — but you can get up to speed by streaming the movie on HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube.
To protect the world from hyper-advanced robots, we’ll need quality developers overseeing the creation of AI. Contribute to the Matrix-prevention efforts by learning the basics of machine learning.
Ex Machina
Fourth on the list of our learners’ favorite coding movies is Ex Machina. The film is set in modern times and follows a young software developer who wins the opportunity to perform the Turing Test on an android named Ava. All goes well as he travels to her holding facility, and he quickly finds himself fascinated with her — but things take a turn once he starts to question her creator’s motives.
Ex Machina is a personal favorite, as it raises some pertinent questions as we edge closer and closer to fully autonomous AI. Should such technology be considered sentient? If it is, how should this influence its utility?
Sneakers
Our last film is sure to appeal to coding enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists alike. Sneakers is a heist movie in which Martin, a young hacker and fugitive-in-hiding, is contacted by the NSA and tasked with recovering a device capable of decrypting any computer network or system.
Written by the screenwriters behind WarGames, the film is filled with suspense and betrayal as Martin and his team try to outmaneuver federal and foreign agents. It also illustrates the steadily rising importance of cybersecurity in our national defense. Wanna help keep your country safe from cyber threats? Start with our introduction to cybersecurity.
Each of the movies listed above is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat. Think we’re missing something from the list? Leave it in a comment below — or join the discussion on our forums.
The temperatures are rising and summer is almost here! If you have school-aged children, you may be wondering how you’re going to fill those long summer days once the final bell rings. Or maybe you want to check off some sites you’ve been meaning to visit around town. This free summer bucket list printable can help you make the most of your summer days.
Summer Bucket List
You can either write your list directly on the printable or have it printed at a photo lab and place it in a frame behind glass. You can write with a permanent or wet erase marker directly on the glass and wipe it off with a wet cloth when you’re ready to make a new list.
For Personal Use Only.
Do you like bucket lists? What are your plans for summer? Share them in the comments below!
If you are looking for more Printable Freebies, make sure to check our free printables library
Looking for something specific?
If you have an idea for a printable, let us know in the comments! We are always looking for inspiration. If you decide to print today’s Summer Bucket List Printable, make sure to share photos of your summer plans with us via Instagram or Twitter.
In a 1993 study, Robin Dunbar, a British anthropologist, theorized that humans could have no more than about 150 meaningful relationships, a measure that became known as Dunbar’s number.
But researchers at Stockholm University published a paper in May calling that number into question, finding that people could have far more friends if they put in the effort.
Even without reading the article about this topic, what do you think? How many friends do you have, and how do you define “friend”? What number of meaningful relationships do you think a person can have in general? Why?
Tell us in the comments, then read the related article to learn more.
Students 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.
2. a literary genre that uses humor to ridicule human failings and vices
_________
The word satire has appeared in 280 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on May 20 in “‘This Town’ Review: Love and Rifles” by Devika Girish:
Set in rural New Zealand, “This Town” wrings dark humor from an off-kilter premise: Sean (David White, also the writer/director), a young man accused of murdering his entire family and then let off on a technicality, falls in love with a naïve country girl, Casey (Alice May Connolly). Parodying the loose tongues and petty aspirations of kooky small-town types, White’s film borrows the mockumentary trappings of deadpan comedies like “The Office.” But beneath the movie’s wry exterior is a pungent darkness — a streak of real-life danger that’s more wince than cringe.
… The mystery of whether Sean is a misunderstood “good guy” or a sociopathic killer keeps “This Town” on a tightrope between twee comedy and “Dateline” drama, toying with the anxiety that gendered violence instills deep in many of us. Yet White squanders the opportunity for true satire, speeding past the many topical issues kicked up by the script — police corruption, mental health, gun crime — into a feel-good conclusion that leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
Daily Word Challenge
Can you correctly use the word satire in a sentence?
Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.
Then, read some of the other sentences students have submitted and use the “Recommend” button to vote for two original sentences that stand out to you.
If you want a better idea of how satire can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com.
Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.
Last summer, seasonal routines were reinvented in response to the coronavirus pandemic. This summer, depending on where you live, things may look more normal.
Either way, what are the things you can only do in summer that you’re looking forward to this year?
Tell us in the comments, then read this related article, published at the end of summer 2020, about how to “step up your leisure game” and enjoy things like going to drive-in movies and tubing down rivers.
Students 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.
Fans are once again seated in the grandstands that stood eerily empty last year as athletes played through the pandemic.
How did the coronavirus pandemic affect your experience of sports during the past year, whether as a participant or fan? Which athletic activities are you most looking forward to?
Quotation C: Breaking Bread
Friends and family are gathering at the table to reconnect over shared meals. There are special occasions to celebrate, stories to tell and lockdown recipes to share.
How has the pandemic affected your friendships and family? How has it strengthened these bonds? And how has it tested or hurt them? Did the pandemic shrink your social circle or just clarify who is most important to you (and why)? What joys of family and friendship do you most look forward to?
Quotation D: The Moment
Across the country, people are coming together for annual traditions, rites of passage or just woodland walks.
What coming-of-age traditions have you had to cancel or change over the past year? What new rituals have you created to celebrate your teenage years? What are ways you are enjoying the moment now?
5. In a reader comment, Philip S. Wenz from Corvallis, Ore., writes:
My wife and I (both fully vaccinated) live 1.5 hours from Portland, Oregon. Back in the day, we’d go there about once each month, almost always having lunch or dinner at our favorite restaurant and strolling along the street full of little shops and galleries.
On Mother’s Day, we did it for the first time in well over a year. Boy did it feel good! So nice to see “our” waiter still working, visit the little gallery with the outstanding local art, buy a few items in the craft supply store.
Talk about being able to appreciate life! We almost felt like some guy who’d been trapped on a deserted island being rescued and returned to the big city.
What “firsts” have you recently experienced or celebrated? First hugs, kisses, walks, gatherings or prayers? What aspects of your old life do you still hope and yearn for? Who do you most desire to see again, to sit or talk with face-to-face, to hug or to cry with? In what ways has the pandemic helped you to appreciate everyday life?
6. The photographic essay ends:
The pandemic isn’t over. On May 12, the virus killed 848 people in the United States and 13,425 around the world. It may never leave us.
But after a year, grief and fear have begun to give way to optimism. There’s a path back now, to the lives we knew, to something closer to normal.
How would you characterize this moment, for yourself, for Americans or for the world? Do you agree that there’s a path back to the lives we knew? Or do you think it’s still too early to tell? What are your hopes and dreams for the summer, the fall and the year ahead?
Going Further
Option 1: Share your thoughts and experiences.
How are you feeling right now?
What are you thinking, feeling and experiencing at this moment? Are you ready to unmask? Are you eager to return to aspects of your old life that have been disrupted for the past year? Are you craving the opportunity to experience the world anew and try new things? What are you hopeful about? What worries you? Why do you think you feel the way you do — and do you think others your age feel the same?
Whether you are excited, anxious, scared, hesitant or unsure of what lies ahead, tell us how you are making sense and processing the moment.
Note: This is our final “What’s Going On in This Picture?” for the 2020-21 school year. The feature will start again in September.
1. After looking closely at the image above (or at the full-size image), think about these three questions:
2. Next, join the conversation by clicking on the comment button and posting in the box that opens on the right. (Students 13 and older are invited to comment, although teachers of younger students are welcome to post what their students have to say.)
3. After you have posted, try reading back to see what others have said, then respond to someone else by posting another comment. Use the “Reply” button or the @ symbol to address that student directly.
Each Monday, our collaborator, Visual Thinking Strategies, will facilitate a discussion from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern time by paraphrasing comments and linking to responses to help students’ understanding go deeper. You might use their responses as models for your own.
4. On Thursday afternoons, we will reveal at the bottom of this post more information about the photo. How does reading the caption and learning its back story help you see the image differently?
The Reveal
We’ll post more information here on Thursday afternoon. Stay tuned!
Brenda J. Allen is the instructor for the new course Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Workplace Diversity. In this entry-level course, she draws upon her extensive experience and expertise to educate, equip, and empower learners to become more inclusive leaders.
Dr. Allen is a retired Chief Diversity Officer and Professor of Organizational Communication, and renowned as an excellent educator and compassionate communicator. She has a track record for scholarship, teaching, service, mentorship, and training relating to communication, social identity, and leadership.
What is Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Workplace Diversity? Why is this topic important and how is it applicable to today’s world?
Inclusive leadership has emerged as a unique and crucial capability for achieving the benefits of diversity in the workplace. In today’s world, “diversity” expands beyond gender and race. It also encompasses nationality, sexual orientation, religion, social class, age, ability, diversity of thought, and so forth. To promote inclusion, leaders need to consider all aspects of diversity—among employees, clients, customers, contractors, patients, students, and other stakeholders. Take employees, for example. They are expecting—if not demanding—equal opportunities and work-life balance. Employees want to work in environments where others value and respect their unique skills and experiences. They seek contexts where they have a strong sense of belonging, where they can “be themselves.” This course guides learners to cultivate that type of context.
How did your personal experiences with leadership influence your decision to create this course?
While serving in a wide variety of roles, I realized that many leaders do not know how to “walk the talk” of valuing diversity. So, I started offering workshops on diversity and inclusion for a leadership development program at my university. Participants in that year-long program are current and aspiring leaders at all levels. The workshops were so well-received that the Associate Vice President for Digital Education and Engagement invited me to create a course for Coursera. I readily agreed, and I’m glad that I did. I appreciated the opportunity to share knowledge and practices that my colleagues found useful. Plus, I welcomed the chance to design a course for a global audience.
What do you want prospective learners to know about this course?
To inform prospective learners, I’d like to share feedback from individuals who have completed the course. A learner from Austria wrote:“The course is highly inspiring, thought-provoking, and practical – full of strategic topics, case studies, and real-life examples.”
Course content explains and exemplifies how leaders can help all members of groups feel valued and respected—whether leading a large or small organization, a department, a work team, a committee/task force, a class, a performance group—you name it. Learners gain information and practical insights from global research on six proven traits of highly inclusive leaders: commitment, courage, curiosity, cognizance of bias, cultural intelligence, and collaboration.
A learner from the Netherlands stated: “I learned how highly inclusive leaders from around the world use processes of social influence to interact effectively with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds. This included deepening my understanding of the benefits of diversity and exploring a wealth of perspectives and practices to help me to reap those benefits.”
A learner from Germany asserted, “I really enjoyed the additional reading material and feel well equipped on how to approach workplace diversity in the future!” Learners who have the time and interest can dive deeper into course topics through optional readings and videos for each lesson. As a bonus, they can consult an array of materials in the Resources section, which I often update. I recently added a file on Inclusive Leadership, Racial Equity and Racism that includes international viewpoints.
Who should be taking this course, but might not think it’s for them?
One learner said it well: “This is a great course for leaders in any leadership role and discipline.” The course is especially relevant for early to mid-career learners who are currently in managerial or leadership roles or aspiring to be in such roles. Learners in high-level leadership roles can also benefit from the course. I’m working with an executive leadership team that is taking the course to enhance the professional development that I’m providing them.
Prospective learners might assume that the course focuses only on for-profit organizations. In actuality, the course content is relevant for learners and leaders in any type of workplace: for-profit,not-for-profit, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, international/multinational firms, armed forces, charities, small businesses, media, law enforcement, healthcare—really, any place where people are working together!
After completing this course, what will learners be able to add to their resume or claim they understand?
The quotes from previous learners offer excellent examples of what future learners will be able to claim that they understand. In general, learners can indicate that they have knowledge, skills, and abilities related to a variety of topics, such as:
Proven leadership practices that promote and enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
Inclusive communication
Contemporary DEI concepts
Signature traits of highly inclusive leaders
Current DEI challenges and opportunities
In addition, learners who earn the course certificate can list it on their resume as evidence of their commitment to valuing DEI, which many organizations seek in prospective employees.
What is one of the most surprising things about Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Workplace Diversity that you cover in this course?
Learners will probably be surprised at how much this course encourages them to know themselves and grow. Self-awareness—a crucial element of leadership in general—is imperative for inclusive leadership. I model this by disclosing my own experiences, including times when I doubted myself or I wasn’t as inclusive as I would have liked. I also share ways that I’ve felt good about myself, or when I’ve helped others feel valued and respected. The course includes videos and readings about other individuals who describe their challenges and successes. These stories and examples bring to life course concepts like emotional intelligence, implicit bias, privilege, power, and microaggressions. And, they illustrate how to develop and enact the signature traits of highly inclusive leaders.
