This article was contributed by Michelle C. Mueller, Technology Coordinator at Christ, Prince of Peace School.
What is Hour of Code and why are so many people talking about it? The Hour of Code is a global movement to introduce students to computer science for one hour. We, as teachers of students in K-12, are responsible for the formation of the whole child. Students preparing for the 21st century need more than basic technology skills. Computer Science is about developing logic, critical thinking, and creativity. Hadi and Ali Partovi created Code.org in 2013 in order to create opportunities for students to be exposed to computer science, just like biology, or algebra. Many developers have joined the movement and provide activities specifically built for the Hour of Code. Many famous figures can be seen coding during the special week.
Our school has participated in the Hour of Code since 2014. It began with students accessing the activities on the website during their computer class. Most students enjoyed their experience and many wanted to know “Can I do this at home?” Disney jumped on board and created activities with “Frozen” characters. Students learned to code by building blocks of code to get Elsa to skate in repeated patterns. Disney returned this year with a Moana activity. Students get hooked when they see familiar characters, athletes, and movie stars participating. We expanded our experience beyond the computer lab. Teachers found subject area activities that supported their core classes. We also downloaded apps onto the iPads in primary grades. The apps are a huge hit. Students quickly mastered the basics of block coding.
This year 7th grade students completed “Hour of Code” reviews. The students took some time checking out the site in advance and experiencing multiple activities. They created a slideshow for the younger students to get an idea of the skills involved and to build excitement. The Google Santa tracker has always been a fun yearly tradition for our primary classes. This year they have included opportunities to code. Code Boogie and Code a Snowflake are perfect for non readers.
Don’t have devices at your school or only one teacher device? Don’t worry Code.org and many others who have joined the movement have created multiple “unplugged” activities that are great for Physical Education class or classrooms without devices. Our 5th grade students participated in the “Caught the Code” BreakoutEDU created just for Computer Science Week. If you have one device and a Smartboard, access the activities and have students participate as a group. It encourages collaboration, teamwork, and critical thinking.
The Hour of Code is only going to get better and better each year. Jump on board and introduce computer science skills to your students. Teachers and students are learning side by side. It is a first step to creating 21st Century skills our students need to have a successful future. Take their learning to the next level with a simple Hour of Code.
