Hour of Code

The 2017 Hour of Code!!

EdTechChristina Coding/Programming , , ,

What is hour of code?

The week of December 4th-10th is the “Hour of Code” (also Computer Science Education Week) sponsored by Code.org.  During this time students around the world will get an introduction to computer programming. Students (or teachers) will choose how to spend their Hour of Code through game-based activities on a computer or “unplugged” activity.

The goal of the event is to promote computer science skills now and as an option for future careers.  The Dept. of Labor states that computer science is one of the highest-paying industries and fastest growing industries (more than twice the rate of other industries).  Currently there are almost ½ million open computer jobs nationwide (and the Dept. of Labor expects that number to double in the next few years).

Watch an introduction to the Hour of Code here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DxWIxec6yo&feature=youtu.be

How it Will Work?

**EVERYTHING you need is HERE**

Scroll down the document to find links to TONS of online activities and 22 offline activities.

During the week of December 4th-10th or ANYTIME in December, teachers choose ONE HOUR to dedicate to the Hour of Code (it’s optional).

●        There isn’t a specific hour for the Hour of Code- it can take place anytime in December (ideally during the official week of 12/4-12/10) and you can break the lessons up into smaller increments–as long as the total number of hours adds up to at least one hour).

●        You can choose any activity for your classroom to complete.

●        It can be done with or without technology; individually, small group or whole class; with buddy classes or outside; it’s completely up to you!

●        All online Hour of Code activities are self-guided and do not require accounts/signing in/signing up for activities.  They also do not require any prior knowledge of or experience with coding.  It’s fun!

Participating in the 2017 Hour of Code?  Please let us know (all OUESD staff participants will receive a coding button):  https://goo.gl/oxYuRH

Last year, 100+ OUESD teachers and thousands of OUESD students participated in the Hour of Code.  Let’s see if we can beat that number this year and spread the Hour of Code even farther!

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The Hour of Code is HERE!

EdTechChristina Coding/Programming , ,

This week’s tip is…..  Try the Hour of Code!!  It’s easier than you might think, very engaging, and lots of fun!  No prior coding experience required!!  It’s time to celebrate Computer Science Education Week and participate in the Hour of Code (Dec. 5 – Dec. 11)!!

AND… did you see the new inspirational videos a new inspirational video featuring champions Serena Williams, Neymar Jr, Carmelo Anthony, Draymond Green, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo Vieira, Sue Bird, and gold medalists from Chile to Sri Lanka.  Just click the link to watch and show your class!  They were just released yesterday afternoon and are so cool!

In addition, there’s also a companion coding activity students can use to make their own simple sports game. Thanks to a partnership with the NBA, students can code a custom basketball app with their favorite team’s logo. 🙂

If you haven’t had time to think about it yet– it’s not too late!!  🙂  Sign up for the computer lab, or rotate through classroom computer/Chromebook stations, and ask your class to type in this link~   https://code.org/learn

They can pick any module and will be amazed at what they learn!  They can’t break anything, so it’s fine to just let them explore!  Students won’t be able to save their work this week (due to the millions of students using the site world-wide), but if they want to continue later, they can come back to this site and create their own account later- and then continue their computer science learning all year at school and at home!

OR

There are some fun offline activities too!!  A simple game of Simon Says is a great way for younger students to practice giving and following directions (which can lead to more complex “commands” and code!).  A few minutes of Simon Says each day (with students taking turns being “Simon” too!) adds up to a great introduction to the Hour of Code!   Other offline activities for all ages can also be found at http://code.org/learn (then click “No computers or devices” on the left hand side).

If you have or plan to participate in the Hour of Code- we’d love to hear about it!!  🙂

There are currently 76 OUESD teachers with over 4,200 student “hours of code” who have signed up to participate!  That’s Ah-maz-ing!!!  Each staff member who signs up and participates will receive a small token of “thanks” for giving your students the opportunity to learn coding and computer science!!!  Thank you!!!  We’d love to hear how it went!!

Please  complete this brief survey to share your thoughts

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Minecraft Joins the Hour of Code!

EdTechChristina Coding/Programming , , ,

Hour of Code (HOC) Update

Just this morning, Code.org, Microsoft and Mojang announced the all-new 2016 Minecraft Hour of Code Designer, a tutorial that lets students code their own Minecraft rules. This year, students can use code to control how animals and other Minecraft creatures behave—they can create a totally unique Minecraft experience, and then share it with friends or play it on their phones!  It is recommended for 2nd graders and older.

The new tutorial begins in a Minecraft world where sheep don’t move, the chickens don’t cluck, and nothing attacks: it’s a blank slate without movement or defined action. Over the course of an hour, students will bring this world to life using computer science. At the final level, they get to define the rules of Minecraft however they wish. If they want, the cows can lay eggs, sheep can explode, and zombies can run away from players!

Stay tuned for more exciting news and updates as the Hour of Code approaches!

Have you signed up to participate in the Hour of Code this year?  It’s not too late!  Sign Up Here or email me if you have any questions at all!

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