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By THOMAS HARTWELL

Coding has become a skill that will almost guarantee a potential employee a job in today's digital workforce. Like many potentially valuable trades, though, coding has been ignored in public school curriculum -- that is, until now. Florida has begun a trend that a few other states have shown some interest in: substituting foreign language requirements with coding course work.

Coding is the make-up of many computer software programs, apps and websites. Without coding experts, we'd be without so many of the things that meet our ever-growing need for entertainment and in-the-moment updates. We teach, in most curricula and in theory, what we deem most essential to creating a well-rounded, prepared member of the workforce. In an age dependent on all things digital it only makes sense to offer courses in coding, right? But what do we choose to cut time from or replace to allow the teaching of code? Well, that's exactly the concern many have voiced in Florida and across the nation.

Critics of the coding replacement say, "why can't we have both?" Many feel that giving students the choice between foreign language and coding courses potentially takes away a vital exposure to the understanding of different cultures through language. 

"Instead of debating which is more beneficial for our students," says Erin McCormick of Middlebury Interactive, "why can’t we recognize the value of both coding and world languages as important 21st Century skills and the unique opportunities they each create?"

From codethefuture.org

I have to say, I agree with Ms. McCormick -- there should be some sort of happy medium between recognizing a new and important skill in schools and omitting another important subject. Let's support the creation of organizations like this one, that recognizes the importance and works to provide the training for these kind of skills. I am excited that coding is being incorporated into public schools, but let's also remember that there are other skills that have become increasingly important as they have disappeared from public school teaching (electricians, welders, carpenters, etc).

Coding is the future, but let's not forget what has proven to be important in the past.

Coca-Cola's cardboard competes with Google Cardboard

By THOMAS HARTWELL

Vertical reality is a growing medium of entertainment in the U.S, and worldwide. A few tech companies, namely Google and Oculus, have begun to master the science of the potential entertainment giant, but now Coke is getting into the game (see the article, here).

From http://mashable.com/2016/03/02/coca-cola-vr-cardboard/#9NcDAvC9RSqK 

Consumers of Coke only need a knife and some tape, and, for the price of a 12-pack, you have a pair of virtual reality goggles fit for your phone (and you get a 12-pack). The Coke makeshift headset works just like Google Cardboard, in that, through some folding, bending and securing, you can slip your smartphone into a slot and watch videos, movie trailers, etc. in virtual reality.  

From http://mashable.com/2014/06/25/google-io-2014-wtf-cardboard/#biHn8Vhb45qM

Coke isn't the only unlikely newcomer to the virtual reality front. McDonald's has been experimenting with the idea of a virtual reality goggle kit in the form of a happy meal box. The Swedish branch of the company has also provided a promotional app to go with the foldable cardboard so that children can immediately take advantage of their new gadget on a smartphone.

This competition from consumer good providers could put a damper on the excitement for tech giants' virtual reality breakthroughs, especially if they cost more than the price of a happy meal or a case of Coke. I don't expect the tech minds to drop the idea, though -- there will soon be a large market for virtual reality accessories, and once the tech really gets going, the more hardcore consumers are going to be willing to pay a little more for a high-quality product.

From http://static.gamesradar.com/images/mb/GamesRadar/us/Daily/2011/07-Jul/01/Sony%20Virtual%20Reality/SonyVirtualFront--article_image.jpg

While virtual reality hasn't yet exploded, a technology that, right now, isn't perfect but isn't terribly expensive or complicated either is sparking quite a bit of discussion. From movies, to video games, to a market in virtual travel, talk of virtual reality possibilities continue to spring up, and companies all over the globe are looking into it. Facebook, Nokia and Sony are only a few in the tech industry investing heavily, suggesting a myriad of gadgets and doodads in the near future, so keep your eyes peeled.