Education 2.0 & 3.0

During the #HourOfCode, we're celebrating #CSEverywhere. Discover the connections!

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)

Shelly Terrell

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)

The Hour of Code is coming! Are you ready? Here's your guide to this annual event that ANY teacher can facilitate!

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)

Hour of Code season has arrived, and we’re excited to unveil new activities from our partners!

Via John Evans

Learning to code without a computer may seem illogical, but it makes perfect sense.  Unplugging the computer and teaching coding through more familiar mediums such as hands-on activities, can make the subject less intimidating and more interactive.

In the grand scheme of things, the basic principles of coding teach metacognition, problem-solving, and abstract thinking.  These are valuable skills to have even if a career in computer programming isn’t in the immediate future.  We’ve compiled a list of our favorite hands-on coding activities from our Pinterest Board, Coding Unplugged, so you can have fun coding in a variety of ways!

Via John Evans

Every year in December, Hour of Code inspires thousands — tens of thousands — of students to fall in love with problem-solving, coding, and programming. Like a favorite web-based game, …

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)

With Computer Science in Education (CSED) Week and Hour of Code right around the corner, we have a simple request: Don't teach coding. Instead, we suggest that you introduce computational thinking and creative problem solving into your classroom. This way, you can get at the big ideas behind computer science rather than focus on a single activity or lesson involving "code."

Via John Evans

Via John Evans

What is The Hour of Code? "The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify "code", t

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)

In a few weeks, people around the world will celebrate Computer Science Education Week. Millions of kids and others will participate in an Hour of Code, a global call to action to spend an hour learning the basics of coding.

Today, it’s my privilege to announce that Microsoft has released a new Minecraft tutorial for Hour of Code, called Hero’s Journey, that will be used in classrooms, at after-school programs, community centers and homes everywhere. The tutorial uses game elements loved by so many young people, and introduces a fun character called the Agent, to present computer science concepts in a fun and creative way. Learn more in a post today by Deirdre Quarnstrom, Minecraft Education general manager, and start planning your Hour of Code.

Via John Evans

Microsoft & the Hour of Code initiative have partnered together in teaching the youth of today how to code using Minecraft or other YouthSpark activities.

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)

Coding–that geeky subject that confounds students and frightens teachers. Yet, kids who can code are better at logical thinking and problem solving, more independent and self-assured, and more like…

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)

The Hour of Code is here. Computer science is foundational for every student to learn.

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)

From robots to Minecraft, there are thousands of different ways to introduce programming to your class in fun and interactive ways for the upcoming Hour of Code (December 8-14). While most apps and tutorials do require internet connected computers or mobile devices, it does not mean that schools without this level of technology cannot get involved. In fact, coding with paper can be an even more engaging and meaningful way to introduce students to early programming concepts.

Via John Evans

While this week and the Hour of Code are great ways to spark awareness, educators should also look for long-term ways to keep computer science in their classrooms.

In an Education Week blog, experts note that while Hour of Code activities are great for building momentum, educators should look to foster a broader knowledge of computational thinking and problem solving. While reading and writing code is a great way to teach this, teachers can also focus on the underlying thought process.

 
“… students don’t need to be future computer science majors to benefit from computational thinking skills. Solving puzzles, splitting up large problems into small ones, getting stuck and then figuring out how to get unstuck, will help future designers, writers, artists and makers just as much as our future engineers.”
 
Computer science should not be relegated to just one week per year, either. Educator Steven W. Anderson writes on EdTech that choosing Hour of Code projects that can be continued throughout the year is a great way to allow students to continue to explore their skills. He cites MIT App Inventor as a great tool for letting students step outside their initial activity.

Via John Evans

The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students of all ages in 180+ countries and over 45 languages.

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)

Partners In Research Canada has you covered for Hour of Code! We’ve scheduled 4 free webinars during the week, at various times of day and for various elementary and secondary grade ranges. More information and/or free registration for each webinar is available by clicking on the images below.

Via John Evans

This December will again host the Hour of Code, a one-hour introduction to programming designed to demystify the subject and show that anyone can be a maker, a creator, and an innovator. Last year,…

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)

Are you ready for Hour of Code? Check out Hour of Code webinars dedicated to helping students understand the power of computer science.

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)