In this edition of our company news blog post, we’re focusing on the freshest updates from WordPress. Discover how two of our team members contributed to the latest major release.

We’ll also preview upcoming WordCamps, where you can catch up with us and learn more about our initiatives. Plus, we have news of tutorials featuring our own plugins. So, grab an ice-cold drink, soak in the summer vibes, and let’s explore all the latest news from WebDevStudios and beyond.

WordPress 6.6 Released

On July 16, 2024, the WordPress community celebrated the release of WordPress 6.6, affectionately named “Dorsey” in honor of the legendary big band leader Tommy Dorsey. This release brings a host of new features and improvements designed to enhance the user experience and expand the creative possibilities for site builders. Among the standout features are:

• Expanded design options for block themes, allowing for greater customization and creativity
• A streamlined Site Editor workflow, making it easier and faster to design and manage your site
• Plugin auto-updates, complete with a safety net that includes rollbacks to ensure stability if any issues arise
• Synced patterns for consistent styling across multiple instances
• A whopping 58 accessibility fixes and enhancements to make WordPress more inclusive and user-friendly
• And so much more!

Contributor Credits

The release of WordPress 6.6 exemplifies the power of open-source collaboration. A remarkable 630 contributors from at least 51 countries united to make this update possible. We are especially proud of our own team members, Frontend Engineer Aslam Doctor and Principal Engineer Sal Ferrarello, whose efforts were instrumental in this release.

Sal discovered a bug that prevented global JavaScript code from loading on the login page using the `wp_localize_script` method. He promptly submitted a ticket to address the issue. Aslam took the lead in developing a fix, pushing the patch to the WordPress repository for review.

After rigorous testing and updates, the patch was approved. Sal and Aslam also created PHP test cases to ensure the fix’s robustness. Their collaboration exemplifies the spirit of teamwork and innovation that drives WordPress forward. Congratulations to Aslam, Sal, and all the contributors to WordPress 6.6!

Reap the Rewards of WordPress 6.6

WordPress 6.6 truly delivers on the promise of a better web, offering style, finesse, and a suite of creative possibilities for your site-building experience. This version empowers users to do more with ease, providing enhanced tools and unprecedented power behind the scenes.

Additionally, “Dorsey” continues to deliver the performance and accessibility improvements that users have come to expect from every WordPress release. These enhancements make it easier than ever to create beautiful, functional, and accessible websites.

Following the major release, WordPress 6.6.1, a maintenance release, has also been made available. This update includes important bug fixes and improvements, ensuring that your WordPress site remains in top shape. Be sure to update your WordPress to the latest version today and take full advantage of all the new features and enhancements!

Explore what WordPress 6.6 offers and elevate your site-building experience with this powerful new release. Happy updating!

WordCamps

“I hate WordCamps,” said no one ever! With 23 WordCamp events planned around the world for the remainder of the year, WordPress users, developers, and community members will have the opportunity to network, learn, expand their skills, and make memories. Here are the upcoming WordCamps, where you’ll find team members from WebDevStudios (WDS).

WordCamp Minneapolis / St. Paul (WCMSP)

Taking place at the world-famous Mall of America on August 16th, WordCamp MSP is a one-day event of learning and connecting. This conference unites WordPress enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds to discuss, share, and explore the endless possibilities of the beloved content management system.

WCMSP’s schedule features multiple talks on accessibility and AI, but one talk our team is particularly excited about is titled “WordPress at a Galactic Scale.” Former WDS team member Gary Kovar, a Principal Software Engineer who has worked on projects for NASA and Disney, is the presenter. Additionally, WordCamp organizer and agency owner E Daniel Swain will deliver the keynote speech, discussing the importance of community.

WDS Co-Founder and COO Lisa Sabin-Wilson, Engineering Manager John Heimkes, and Marketing Manager Laura Coronado will attend WCMSP.

WordCamp US (WCUS)

While WCUS is still a couple of months out, we want to let people know well in advance that WebDevStudios will be there. WordCamp US is probably the most popular WordCamp in the United States, but people from all over the world attend. In fact, Senior Frontend Engineer Alfredo Navas is flying in from Costa Rica to attend WCUS.

Other WDS teammates attending WCUS are Co-Founder and CEO Brad Williams, Director of Accounts Jen Miller, Accounts Manager Laura Byrne, and Senior Frontend Engineer Marty O’Connor. At every WordCamp they attend, Brad, Jen, and Laura always make themselves available to meet with and talk to company representatives in need of WordPress design and development. If you want to connect with WebDevStudios while at WCUS, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Plugins News

It all started with creating our most popular WordPress plugin, Custom Post Type UI, launched in February 2010. Since then, the WebDevStudios team has developed a diverse array of plugins that have been downloaded and utilized by millions of WordPress users. Explore them all at our plugin shop, Pluginize. Here’s the latest news about our plugins.

Best Practices for WP Search with Algolia Index Management

More and more people are replacing WordPress native search with the power of Algolia search by installing our WP Search with Algolia plugin. Backend Engineer Michael Beckwith published a blog post that walks users through WP Search with Algolia index management and site launch. Read it on the Pluginize blog.

Learn How to Import Your YouTube Channel as Posts

Get ready to have your mind blown when you watch this video tutorial from The Cre8tive Diva. Using our plugin, Automatic Featured Images from Videos, and WP All Import, The Cre8tive Diva shows viewers how to import a YouTube channel to WordPress as blog posts. Watch her video below or on YouTube.

The post Company News – July appeared first on WebDevStudios.

Disclaimer: IT IS NOT EASY. You will need a LOT of PATIENCE and TRY to remember that they’re your kids and you LOVE them.

The younger the kid, the harder it is. My kids were four and five years old when we first started homeschooling them. They did not know how to read and write. They’re teens now and it did get easier, but then again, teens have their own sets of challenges, too.

Below, I have outlined resources that you can use (most can be used for all ages) to keep your kids educated and entertained. We’ve either personally used them or tried them out or have read and/or considered using them. But before we get into these resources designed to help you work remotely with kids at home, the first thing you need to do is to make sure that your children understand what we are currently facing and why they must stay at home. Do not hide information from them. You’ll be amazed at their ability to adapt once you open doors for them. They have these amazing minds that just gobble up information. So, help them choose the right resources for understanding COVID-19.

• This Kid’s Guide to Coronavirus infographic from Rise and Shine offers a very simple way to help kids understand what COVID-19 is and what they can do to make sure they’re healthy.
• This quick video about the Coronavirus is especially useful for kids.
• And for younger kids, they might enjoy learning more about the virus through a song.

Now that your offspring know why they must stay at home and wash their hands thoroughly, let’s look at some resources that will help keep them remain engaged and help parents successfully work remotely with kids at home.

Recommended Online Resources

• Time4Learning – We have been using this for a few years now and the lessons are easy to follow and fun according to my kids. They also offer a 9th-12th grade curriculum that we might get next year. They have free resources, but the curriculum is $19.95 for the first student and $14.95 per additional student per month.
• BrainPop – This has been one of our go-to resources when the kids were younger, and they are currently offering free access for schools and families impacted by school closures. Just sign up and you’ll get 30 days of free access.
• Tynker – My kids learned about computer programming using this free site. They have lessons for ages 5-7, 7-13, and 13+.
• Khan Academy – This is my personal favorite. The resources here are really good. My kids have been using this since forever. For those who do not know how to create a home school schedule for their kids, Khan Academy has created one for you to use here.
• Udemy – There are a lot of free lessons here that older kids can work on. We usually use these for supplemental lessons for math, science, and computer programming.
• NatGeo Kids – This hub of free videos offers lots of interesting scientific facts that my kids have loved.
• ABCmouse – We used this when we first started homeschooling and the kids learned a lot. This is for children ages 2-8, and you can try it free for 30 days.
• DreamBox – We used this together with ABCmouse, and the kids liked it. They are now offering a 90-day free trial. You just need to sign up before April 30th.
• Starfall – This is a free educational resource for younger kids with interactive online reading and math activities.
• Clever Dragons and Always Icecream – My kids love these sites. They’re gender-targeted which might not be your thing, but I do know that all the lessons and videos are the same. The program costs $19.95 per month, per child with a $1.99 trial for the first month.
• ClickSchooling – Once you subscribe for free, ClickSchooling will email you web-based curriculum ideas daily, six days a week. Children go on a virtual field trip every Friday!
• Academic Earth – This one is for older kids and offers access to online college courses from the world’s top universities. We haven’t started on this yet, but the playlists looks really great and did I mention it’s FREE?

YouTube Channels

• Crash Course Kids – What a really, really great resource for visual learners (and all types of learners)! I know for a fact that kids will love their videos.
• Crash Course – This educational platform is perfect for older kids. My children have transitioned to this channel. I’ve learned and relearned a lot from watching the videos with my kids.
• Science Channel – This is another meant for older kids, specifically those who love to learn about outer space, technology, and science as a whole. Younger kids might find it boring, so beware.
• SciShow Kids – For the younger children, this will keep them entertained while they learn about science.
• Free School – These videos are about the arts, music, literature, and natural science. It’s a very good resource for older kids.
• GEOgraphy Focus – These mini-documentaries are about several countries and geared toward older students.  This channel has videos that include profiles of countries and regions, descriptions of important landmarks and geographical features (both natural and man-made), and discussion of international issues.
• The Brain Scoop – Here, you’ll find really cool videos about the work and research of natural history museums. Older kids will enjoy it, and so will parents.
• Kids Learning Tube – Younger kids absolutely love this channel because they learn through music. Just skip to the one-minute mark.
• Mike Likes Science – This is another option for learning through the art of song, but for older kids.
• Science Max – These really cool, turbo-charged science experiments are impressive.

Bonus

Cells at Work (Hataraku Saibō) is a Japanese anime that you can watch on Netflix. Turn the subtitles on, and I guarantee you will learn your kids will learn a lot about the human body and how it works.

Want to be a part of a company that knows how to support team members working remotely with kids at home? Join WebDevStudios. We’re hiring! Head on to our Careers page to learn more and apply today.

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