Empowering users through new skill sets: Dr. Carlos Balam-Kuk Solís and Texas State’s No-Code Initiative

From scrolling through social media to checking financial accounts, we interact with software programs nearly around the clock. For the most part, only those with expertise in programming have enjoyed the freedom to design these creative and commercial outlets. More recently, though, a new way of programming, known as “no-code development,” has begun to dissolve barriers to universal participation in online spaces. Using graphics-based, drag-and-drop functionality, individuals with no programming experience now have the power to create and transact in online spaces. And while no-code programming has gained impetus in business and commercial settings, usage in higher education primarily has been limited to information technology teams. At Texas State University, Dr. Carlos Balam-Kuk Solís is taking the no-code movement in a different direction. Solís’ Texas State No-Code Initiative provides digital tools to empower online engagement for users of all technical backgrounds, from students to faculty and staff. 

Amplifying No-Code Education 

Among institutions of higher education, no-code development is typically used only by IT teams and business units, with a focus on workplace productivity and agility. Solís, however, believes the true value of these tools is in the digital equity they offer. According to Solís, no-code tools reduce barriers to success, providing an alternative route to participation in the digital economy by typically underrepresented groups of students. 

“Coding skills can be intimidating and often exclude people who may not have the time or resources to acquire them,” says Solís. It helps that Texas State has licensed access to Microsoft’s Power Platform, a top-rated no-code development space, for all users. Using the MS Power Platform tools available to university students, faculty, and staff, Solís has conducted workshops and information sessions focused on supporting digital competency. 

Narrowing the Digital Divide 

Solís first began working with students in Texas State’s TRIO program, a federally funded initiative with three components: Student Support Services, Talent Search, and Upward Bound. Solís’ work with TRIO, though extracurricular in nature, proved beneficial to students. Building off TRIO’s participation in the No-Code Initiative, Solís forged a partnership with Texas State’s Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies (OWLS). The OWLS program prepares students, many of whom are non-traditional, for success. Solís’ work with OWLS is unique in that his course is offered for credit. Solís considers this partnership just one more step toward closing the digital divide. 

He explains, “In collaboration with the OWLS program here at Texas State, I have been running a pilot program offering no code-development as a credit-earning course. The typical student in this program is already in the workplace and needs support with upskilling or reskilling.”  

Focusing on Students 

The introduction of no-code development for credit is significant. “I don’t know if we’re the only ones, but if there are others, they are very far and few in between,” says Solís. This focus on developing student skillsets applies to a broad range of careers. Solís’ curriculum encompasses elements applicable to a variety of workplace roles, including data source identification, user classification, and app sharing methods. Emphasizing the value of his No-Code Initiative, Solís states, “We are really in a very unique space with this program.”   

Looking ahead 

In the future, Solís anticipates process enhancements for Texas State’s faculty and staff, too. Using no-code tools, Solís believes teams with more limited resources will have the ability to address their own challenges. From empowering students in the digital economy, to providing productivity tools to faculty and staff, Texas State’s No-Code Initiative hopes to support the success of all populations, regardless of technical background. Learn more about Texas State University’s No-Code Initiative. 

Learn More 

If you’d like in-depth information about no-code programming and the No-Code Initiative at Texas State, check out these Division of Information Technology Blog posts by Dr. Solís: 

• I want to develop an app, but… 
• I want to create my own tech solutions, but I am not a coder. Where do I begin? 
• Driving digital equity and inclusion with no-code tools 

Kimberly Conner is a publications writer for IT Marketing and Communications.