AZCOMP Technologies Medisoft May 2018

TEACH PROGRAMMING WITH A ROBOT How Root Gets Kids (and Adults) Excited About Coding

If you were to ask 10 educators what the most useful technical skill a child can learn is, at least nine of them would say computer programming. Classes that teach people of all ages how to code are exploding in popularity, but there’s still a long way to go before they are widespread. Many parents are turning to outside sources to get ahead of the curve. A new product called Root seeks to make learning code fun and engaging for aspiring programmers of all ages. Root is a robotic learning device that pairs with a companion app. The robot, which looks like a small white stop sign, can move, draw artwork, play music, and more. You instruct it on how to act via the app. Unlike many other computer learning tools, Root can benefit total beginners and more advanced coders alike. The programming systems are divided into three levels. The first and simplest is graphical coding, which teaches concepts like events, sequences, and loops in a way that’s easy to understand and implement. The next level is computational coding, which introduces variables, flow control, and more. Finally, level three features advanced, full-text coding in three popular programming languages: Python, JavaScript, and Swift.

HOW IN-N-OUT BURGER BECAME A PHENOMENON IN THE MIDST OF A FAST-FOOD BACKLASH The publication of Eric Schlosser’s “Fast Food Nation” in 2001 was the first salvo in the fight against fast food. In the ’90s and before, most consumers were not aware of the unhealthy, industrial nature of most fast-food chains. But that changed quickly. All of a sudden, there were dozens of books, documentaries, and even Hollywood movies about the dangers of too much fast food. The major fast-food chains saw business in the U.S. suffer. That’s not what happened to In-N-Out Burger, but then again, In-N-Out is not your typical fast-food chain. While other fast-food chains focused on being as cheap and efficient as possible to compete, In-N-Out never lost their focus on quality. Long before it was popular to be meticulous about sourcing ingredients, In-N-Out avoided freezing, prepackaging, or microwaving any of their items. All of their beef is ground at the restaurant, and it never has any additives or preservatives. Now, a burger and fries is never going to be the healthiest choice, but In-N-Out is a lot better than most of the Frankenfood alternatives. Another factor of their success is that they don’t overcomplicate things. You won’t find a thousand-item menu at In-N-Out. Instead, everything is streamlined, and each item is crafted with care. One of co-founder Harry Snyder’s favorite sayings was, “Keep it real simple. Do one thing and do it the best you can.” In short, don’t expect kebabs or acai bowls to appear at In-N-Out anytime soon. Just as important as their product is In-N-Out’s focus on employee and customer experience. They have the lowest turnover rate in the fast-food industry because they value their staff tremendously. On the customer side, they strive to create a welcoming experience that encourages loyalty and repeat visits. Ask anybody about In-N-Out and they’ll tell you about the “secret menu.” In reality, it’s not much of a secret, but that’s why it works. It feels exclusive without excluding anybody. In-N-Out Burger has no shortage of zealous fans — there’s probably one in your office right now. It turns out that if you want to create a fan base willing to travel hundreds of miles for a burger, all you have to do is focus on quality, do something simply, and execute it well.

At only $199, Root is the perfect tool to introduce people of all ages to the wonderful world of coding.

DANIEL COYLE’S ‘THE CULTURE CODE’ Daniel Coyle’s “The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups” begins with a fundamental question: “Why do certain groups add up to be greater than the sum of their parts, while others add up to be less?” Will Give Your Team a Boost

The answer, in short, is a collaborative culture. “Group culture is one of the most powerful forces on the planet,” Coyle writes. “We sense its presence inside successful businesses, championship teams, and thriving families, and we sense when it’s absent or toxic.” Using examples like the San Antonio Spurs, SEAL Team Six, and Pixar, Coyle then explores the tenets of a successful group culture. He identifies three key skills that exceptional cultures share no matter their size or industry. Great organizations build safety , share vulnerability , and establish a purpose between their teams. “The Culture Code” explores each of these concepts in detail, giving you the tools to apply the lessons of hyper-successful organizations to your business. If you want to take your workplace culture to the next level, you’ll benefit from reading Coyle’s book. Before you know it, your team will be reaching new heights.

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