Scott Forstall, Apple’s former head of iOS development, is this week scheduled to take part in Code.org’s Code Break, a weekly online seminar that helps students learn about computer coding during the coronavirus pandemic.
Announced by Code.org, and subsequently shared by Forstall in a tweet on Monday, the upcoming session will also feature musical guest Macklemore.
“I look forward to joining students around the world this week for a #CodeBreak,” Forstall said.
Created by coding nonprofit Code.org, the weekly online meetups take place every Wednesday and aim to keep students of all ages engaged in coding during the ongoing coronavirus crisis through the presentation of interactive at-home activities. Code.org is responsible for organizing the annual Hour of Code event, a learning experience consistently promoted by Apple as part of educational outreach initiatives.
Hosted by Code.org founder Hadi Partovi, Code Break features special guests and a new activity or coding challenge each week. Options are available for beginners, experienced students and those without computers, according to the program’s website.
Once a major force at Apple, Forstall was ousted from the company in 2012 following the controversial launch of the then-new Maps app. Complaints over mislabeled data, failed graphics, guidance issues and other problems prompted CEO Tim Cook to issue an apology, a note sources say Forstall refused to sign.
Forstall is slated to go live on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Pacific. Code Break requires users to sign up for a free account before viewing.
