This course explores programming for creative works using p5.js, a JavaScript library. Programming opens the possibility to create not only tools, but systems, environments, and new modes of expression. The class will introduce programming concepts, and show how these concepts can be applied to make creative web products that span many different disciplines.

The first four weeks serve as an introduction to programming through p5.js, and the rest of the workshop is dedicated to applying and expanding on that knowledge base with a focus on making creative projects and exploring the possibilities of computer programming (including apis, data visualization, natural language processing and machine learning).

This course does not require previous programming experience.

SYLLABUS

• 10/7 Week 1: Coding your first sketch

• Coding is a creative tool used by artists, scientists, programmers and designers to create a huge variety of interactive experiences.

• Covers what is p5.js?, setup and draw functions, drawing shapes, variables and using mouse interaction

• 10/14 Week 2: Generating, saving and modifying data

• This session will review variables and introduce arrays, and how to store, modify, and reuse data; and how to use Random to get random values from the computer.

• 10/21 Week 3: Your code can make logical decisions

• This session will introduce functions. We will cover the basics of functions, functions with parameters, and returning values from functions. It will also introduce conditionals, making decisions in code

• 10/28 Week 4: Objects and collisions

• Use objects to save the state of more complicated elements over time as they change. Learn how to track location and report collisions between objects. Learn how to use an object to make a variation of an element with very little code.

• 11/4 Week 5: HTML, CSS and DOM manipulation

• Learn how websites go from your text editor to the screen. Create a web page and use p5.js to modify the dom. Use css in a creative way to make animations.

• 11/11 Week 6: Data visualization and APIs

• We’ll cover the purpose of data visualizations, what an API is, how to get data from it, and ways to display that data with maps and charts.

• 11/18 Week 7: Generative literature and bots

• Cover the way computers understand and “learn” language. Use the rita.js p5 library to create projects based on existing texts.

• 12/2 Week 8: Machine learning

• Learn about machine learning how artists are using this technology. Cover Wekinator, and either create a new p5 sketch or use an existing one with wekinator to train a neural network.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Leandra Tejedor is a co-founder of Vidcode, an award-winning software that teaches teens computer programming through their favorite hobby: video-making. Vidcode has reached nearly 300,000 students in over 113 countries. She studied Design and Interactive Media in undergrad, and fell in love with the creative potential of code, and started working for all teens to find a path to computer programming early in their lives. In 2017 she was named one of Forbes 30 under 30 in education.