This year’s Computer Science Education Week, December 8 – 14, 2014, was exciting. Millions of children and adults around the world tried coding and engaged in conversations about computer programming’s role in schools and society.
As the dust settles, I am left wondering:
What did we learn?
1. Coding is something even presidents can do! President Obama is the First President to Write a Line of Code
2. There are growing opportunities for careers in coding. It is predicted that there will be 1,000,000 more computing jobs than computer science students by 2020. See article.
3. Learning to code is not only about finding a career path. It can give you superpowers that you can use in lots of areas of your life! Check out more about this perspective in this this fantastic blog post by a high school senior
People treat me like I have superpowers. It’s not that complicated. Everyone’s always on computers and iPhones, now you can understand how they actually work. You don’t have to ask someone else. Everyone doesn’t have to become a programmer but they should have a basic understanding of the process.
4. Learning to code is learning to think in new ways. As our culture evolves, schools and teachers must be prepared to support new types of thinking and learning. Coding and Computer Science can support the next generation of learners.
5. Coding seems pretty darn awesome when its advantages are rapped. “Coding’s like music. It’s rhythmic.”
6. “Coding for all means coding for girls, too!” Here are some resources:
- Coding for all Means Coding for Girls, too!
-
Hour of Code Initiative Engages Middle School Girls in Computer Science
- Girls who Code
- Girls Develop It
7. Libraries are leading the way in many communities.
Libraries everywhere are repositioning to become hotbeds of innovative thinking and learning. Libraries all over the US hosted “Hour of Code” workshops, and most likely won’t stop offering this type of education. Here’s a couple links to innovative libraries in the Denver area, but be sure to check out what your local library is doing!
- anythink: Anythink Partners with Code.org to Host An Hour of Code
- Denver Public Library: Hour of Code at the Library!
8. Wooden blocks, robots, and code are friends.
9. Kindergarteners can do it. Check out this Edutopia article by Sam Patterson with fantastic considerations for introducing coding to very young children.
10. Parents are getting involved. Check out this Edutopia article for resources.
Introducing computer programming to your kids can be a challenge, especially for those who aren’t familiar with the nuances of code. Fortunately, in the last few years, a number of apps, software, and guides have been produced that make the often-complex subject of computer coding easy to grasp for young learners.
11. Teachers are getting involved. Not so sure about introducing it yourself? Here are some resources:
- 6 Tips To Integrate Coding In The Classroom
- 7 Apps for Teaching Children Coding Skills
- 10 Student Learning Objectives For The Teacher Not So Sure About This Hour Of Code Thing
- Coding In The Classroom: 10 Tools Students Can Use To Design Apps & Video Games
12. Celebrities are getting involved. (Who knew that Shakira cares about coding?)
13. Even Santa is getting involved! (Image Source)
14. Coding is making the holidays sparkle, and YOU can participate. Click below for more:
Teacher Learns to Code 