Hello World Issue 9: Computing & the Arts

What happens when code leaves the screen and meets a dance studio, an art gallery, or a classroom full of curious makers? Hello World Issue 9: Computing & the Arts brings together educators’ projects and teaching ideas that connect computing with creative practice.

This issue pairs inspiring classroom stories with activities teachers can adapt for their students. The result is a lively look at computing not just as a technical subject, but as a way to make, experiment, express ideas, and work across disciplines.

Where code meets creative practice 🎨

Explore projects that bring computing into conversation with the arts: data-driven dance and ballet, algorithmic drawing, digital fabrication in the art studio, and creative work with the micro:bit. A feature on a Tate Modern learning project shows how children combined physical and digital movement through hands-on making.

These examples offer educators concrete starting points for connecting programming and digital tools with artistic questions, materials, and movement.

Ideas to take into the classroom

The issue includes practical activities and lesson plans across a range of computing topics. Readers will find Scratch-based explorations of repeating patterns and pixel art, an introduction to algorithms, an unplugged activity, a first database in Python, and an activity exploring HTML and web content.

Rather than keeping computing concepts in isolation, the activities invite students to encounter them through making, play, and connections to other subjects.

More perspectives on computing education

Alongside the arts theme, this issue looks at primary Code Clubs, video games as a teaching resource, data literacy, and efforts to improve gender balance in computing. It also includes reflections on computing in schools and reports from educators’ projects and events.

For educators who like ideas they can use

Teachers, computing educators, and digital-making facilitators will find a mix of classroom inspiration, project examples, and adaptable activities. If you’re looking for ways to make computing feel more connected to students’ creative interests, this issue offers plenty of avenues to explore.