Hour of Code
December 4-10, 2017 (But really, anytime is coding time!)
The Hour of Code is coming!
What is it?
We are encouraging teachers to give their students an opportunity to explore computer programming for at least one hour. Not one hour each day…one hour total. The goal is not to create proficient programmers, instead to introduce the idea of coding and give students an opportunity to explore. You do not need to understand computer programming. You just need to be brave enough to allow your students the chance to explore. One hour of your time might make a lifetime of difference for your students.
Take a look at the video some of our Region 13 students created back in 2013!
Resources
General resources:
Computer Science Education Week
Screen-free ideas:
No computer or device? Click here.
Videos:
Computer Science Education Week - 1 min., 5 min., and 9 min. videos to start off your Hour of Code
Hour of Code specials for desktops (more coming soon!):
Hour of Code - Learn - including new Minecraft game
Kodable - a favorite with the PreK - 2 students
Code.org - The Maze - Introduction to writing code with Angry birds and Piggies!
Light-bot - specially designed for Hour of Code - for iPad or desktop
Scratch - create a holiday card
Tynker - Hour of Code puzzles - different levels available
iPad apps - most are available on the old iPads
Cargo-bot - Get the free app!
Daisy the dinosaur - Get the free app!
Light-bot - Get the app! ($2.99)
Move the Turtle - Get the app! ($2.99)
Information for parents:
Coding should be challenging and fun!
No! Give your students the opportunity to try something new and let them figure it out. That is part of the fun! See the resource section for ideas.
Do you need a computer or device?
No! Take a look: Traveling Circuits
Why coding?
“Learning to code makes kids feel empowered, creative, and confident. If we want our young women to retain these traits into adulthood, a great option is to expose them to computer programming in their youth.“
Susan Wojcicki
Senior Vice President, Google
"The hour of code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify "code" and show that anyone can learn the basics to become a maker, creator, and innovator!" from csedweek.org.