Follow AAE on:

Subscribe to RSS Feed:

Even Beginners Can Participate in this Week's Hour of Code
posted by: Alana | December 06, 2016, 04:58 PM   

 

This week educators across the nation are participating in the “Hour of Code.” Celebrated annually during Computer Science Week, Hour of Code 2016 is being recognized from the 5th to the 11th December.

 

For those of you who may be unfamiliar, the project was started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify "code" by showing that anybody can learn the basics and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts.

 

Hour of Code and Computer Science Education Week Advisory and Review Committees as well as an unprecedented coalition of partners have made the Hour of Code what it is today. Organizations like Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the College Board have all come together to make Hour of Code a success! In fact, this grassroots campaign is supported by over 400 partners and 200,000 educators worldwide.

 

Part of what makes Hour of Code such a success is that you don't need any special equipment or knowledge of coding to participate. Hour of Code activities are self-guided for every age and experience-level, from kindergarten and up.

 

While this week is certainly geared towards students who have access to tablets and computers, no tech is needed at all for students to participate in Hour of Code. In fact, Code.org suggests a whole list of 'unplugged' activities for a student! All you have to do is try out the current tutorials, pick the tutorial you want, and carve out an hour of time to participate. Start planning your event by reading this how to guide.

 

And it's not too late to participate! Check out these 7 simple steps to throwing an event of your own with students:

 

1. Watch this how-to video link “Watch” (click link above for video)

2. Choose a tutorial for your hour:

3. Promote your Hour of Code

4. Plan your technology needs - computers are optional

5. Start your Hour of Code off with an inspiring speaker or video

6. Code!

7. Celebrate!

 

What are you and the teachers at your school doing to celebrate the project?

Tell us in the comments below!

Comments (0)Add Comment

Submit a comment
 (not published)
smaller | bigger

security code
Write the displayed characters


busy