Why it's important for parents to know about coding and how Swift Playgrounds makes it accessible for everyone

We're hearing more about "coding" but how many parents actually know what it means? Even a conversation today with friends over lunch we had discussed coding. While I had assumed that we all have some basic understanding, it was really not the case. Coding is a language. It's universal. It's what is used to create games, software, apps, and websites. It's not only for computer whizzes but for everyday...hello Facebook users? So, why should we, as parents, care? It's the language that powers the computers and if I look around me right now, I can tell you that my phone, microwave, coffee machine, fridge, lights, car and television are all running because of computers. Coding is the step-by-step commands that makes all these machines follow what we need them to do.

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Alberta government releases app to survey Fort McMurray damage

Using technology in the service of the community, the Alberta government has released an app to help evacuees survey the damage of the wildfire at Fort McMurray that forced over 90,000 from their homes early May.

"Having been through a devastating fire and evacuation myself, I know firsthand how stressful it is to wait for updates on which homes have been lost. We are committed to providing information to you as soon as we can, and these images will help us begin to answer the questions you have about the state of your homes and community," said Municipal Affairs Minister Danielle Larivee.

Technical specialists have been working for several days to improve the quality and resolution of these images in order to provide you with the most accurate information possible. These maps are intended to provide a high-level satellite overview of the status of the city following the wildfires. Structures that appear to be standing should not be considered undamaged. These images should not be used for official damage assessments, determining the status of individual structures, or planning re-entry to the city. The app can be found  here.

Source: CBC.ca

Samsung and Autism Speaks Canada launches #WhoEyeAm Campaign

By Sonya Davidson

A little over a year ago Samsung successfully launched the "Look At Me" app designed for families with children living on the Autism spectrum. This week the tech company, along side Autism Speaks Canada, announced further expansion of the project raising awareness and sharing real stories from families first-hand in the #WhoEyeAm campaign. 

We were introduced to 13 year old Niam Jain and his family this week to see just how this app has incorporated into their daily lives. "He has a lot of the same interests as other boys his age," said his mom. "But he also has minimal speech ability and this technology has helped him, and our family, tremendously." 

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Nintendo launches Miitomo App for smart devices

By Sonya Davidson

There's a new way to add Nintendo to your day. Nintendo just launched Miitomo, the company's first ever smart device app, in Canada and other countries. Currently free, the app offers users a new way of socializing with friends and family using Mii characters. 

Teasers were noticed the last couple of days leading up to the Canadian launch allowing people to pre-register on their devices. A notification will be sent to let those registered know when the app goes live today. Users can create a customized characters with features like eyes and hair as well as voice and personality. There is also the option to take a photo which can be used to create a character. Mii Characters can also be imported from their Wii U or Nintendo 3DS systems.

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