The Processing Foundation is a group of arts educators that came together to make simple but powerful coding tools for making interactive art and 2D games with computers. Over the last few years, their efforts have focused on developing p5.js which is a versatile javascript library that has all the functionality of “Processing”, but in a browser environment.

Educators are starting to use p5.js to teach computer science, and importantly Dan Shiffman’s The Coding Train YouTube channel uses p5.js extensively. The STEMcoding project, led by Prof. Chris Orban at Ohio State, also uses p5.js to show kids how coding relates to science and math by using it to create 2D video games with simple physics. In 2017, the STEMcoding project launched a YouTube channel and created “The Physics of Video Games” activity on Hour of Code.

Prof. Orban will give an overview of the STEMcoding project and talk about possibilities for collaboration, for example, in the development of new coding activities that he would share with his educator network, and “Physics of Video Games” workshops at Columbus libraries.

This session will begin with a brief introduction to NoSQL. Relational databases have worked on past projects. Why change now? Is NoSQL just a buzzword with no real substance? What can it do that relational can’t? What about all those horror stories and memes?

We’ll look at the best use cases for non-relational databases, how projects have succeeded and failed, and the tools and patterns for using NoSQL and SQL together. If scaling, flexibility, and speed are major concerns on your radar, or if you’re skeptical that the world needs anything but relational, then this session is for you.

This session will look at NoSQL through the lens of the characters from the Halt and Catch Fire TV show: Do you work with a “visionary” like Joe who thinks NoSQL will solve every problem? Are you an engineer like Gordon who doesn’t want to rush into it? Are you like Cameron and just want to smash the big establishment databases? Do you know a Tom who distrusts open-source? Or are you more like Donna and want to find a sensible approach that uses the best of both worlds? Come to this session to find out if you really need NoSQL.

There will be no November meeting this year as it lands on the day before Thanksgiving. So, Happy Thanksgiving and we’ll see you in December at the annual Holiday Party!

We will not be having our regular meeting in December. Instead, we’ll have a holiday party! More details as they arrive.