Scott Forstall, the former Apple executive some people once speculated would take over from Steve Jobs as CEO, is making a rare appearance this week as part of Code.org’s free Code Break event.
Code Break is described as the “world’s largest live interactive classroom.” It features weekly computer science challenges for students of all abilities, hosted by founder Hadi Partovi alongside special guests. In addition to Forstall, this Wednesday’s Code Break will feature rapper Macklemore.
Next week’s #CodeBreak guests are Grammy-Award winning rapper and songwriter @Macklemore and co-inventor of iPhone and iOS, @forstall! Join us 5/20, 10am PT/1pm ET for some community and computer science (and unique this week, some music and dance ??)! https://t.co/9hHFJ0wGcM pic.twitter.com/0IyCIFusDC
— Code.org (@codeorg) May 15, 2020
Code.org’s description of the Code Break events is as follows:
“Computer science is super fun because it is creative and playful. Whether it’s solving a puzzle, coding art, or designing an app, students prefer learning by exploring rather than memorizing. Students even rank CS their favorite subject after art, music, and dance.
Computer science is foundational to all fields of study, but since many schools don’t offer it yet, this could be a unique chance to support your child in a fun new learning opportunity. Plus, recent studies show: children who study computer science perform better in other subjects, excel at problem-solving, and are 17% more likely to enroll.”
Users can tune in to the episode live via Zoom or watch it on YouTube. Associated resources are also available on the Code.org website.
Scott Forstall’s Apple career
Scott Forstall was a gifted programmer as a kid, who went on to study computer science at Stanford. He first worked for Steve Jobs at NeXT, before jumping across to Apple after Jobs rejoined. Forstall served as SVP of iOS Software from 2007 through October 2012, playing a key role in developing the iPhone and iPad.
He left Cupertino after the Apple Maps fiasco in 2012 and has been largely MIA since then. He’s done a few interviews focused on tech, but the majority of his attention seems to have been on his career as a Broadway producer.
Forstall’s appearance on Code Break takes place this Wednesday at 10 a.m. Pacific. You can sign up for the free course today if you plan to attend. Code.org says you will “receive each week’s activities, general updates, and unique opportunities to interact with our special guests.”
