This week we celebrate Computer Science Education Week in recognition of Grace Hopper’s birthday on Dec. 9, 1906. During this week, K-12 students are encouraged to participate in an “hour of code’ as part of the Hour of Code initiative to help students realize that they, too, can learn the basics of coding. If bringing coding into your classroom makes you a little nervous, don’t worry! You do not need any prior experience to have your students participate in an hour of code activity. Code.org, one of the leading resources for coding in schools, believes that “anybody can learn” and wants computer science in every school so that every child has the opportunity to be exposed to it. CS Week and Hour of Code have the goal of exposing students to code with the hope they will want to learn more about computer science going forward. As a former computer science teacher, this was always one of my favorite weeks of the year!
In 2010, Computing in the Core Coalition launched activities and events to support Computer Science Education Week. In 2013, Code.org launched Hour of Code during CSEdWeek which reached over 15 million students across 167 countries. Since then Code.org continues to develop materials and resources for teachers and students to use in the classroom beyond just the hour.
Simply put, technology is everywhere and is not going away. According to Code.org, 67% of new STEM jobs are in computing and the #1 source of new wages comes from computing jobs. As of 2017, there were over 20,000 open computing jobs here in Illinois.
“The Hour of Code is designed to demystify code and show that computer science is not rocket science—anybody can learn the basics,” said Hadi Partovi, founder, and CEO of Code.org. “Over 100 million students worldwide have tried an Hour of Code. The demand for relevant 21st-century computer science education crosses all borders and knows no boundaries.”
When I was teaching computer science, I was always searching for new and impactful materials to supplement my CS curriculum. In 2013 Code.org jumped in to help support the CS movement, and I was very grateful for more resources to use with my students. The materials available are so much more than just an “hour” worth of material to use to teach computer science. Code.org provides an incredible participation guide that will help you get started today.
They also have developed a free online curriculum and offer free training to educators! The CS Fundamentals are for K-5 students, CS Discoveries are for 6th – 10th-grade students and CS Principles are for 9th – 12th grades.
If you are looking for more free computer science resources to use with students, check out this list below.
AI for Oceans by Code.org. Code.org is featuring a new activity this year to expose students to artificial intelligence. Meet AI, the robot that helps clean up the ocean. Check out this video from Code.org to learn about machine learning.
Scratch by MIT. Students create interactive stories, games, and animations using block-based programming. Scratch statistics since 2008.
CSFirst by Google. Uses Scratch to help students learn about coding.
Swift Playgrounds by Apple. Learn to code on the iPad.
Microsoft Makecode. Students use a variety of devices to run programs on and receive immediate feedback.
As you venture into the coding world and your students want more challenges take a look at this list of Computer Science curriculum resources.
No matter your role in education and technology, conferences remain one of the best places to explore new strategies, discover new resources, and connect with peers. Check out all of these note-worthy edtech conferences coming
Many educators overlook the Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert certification because their school uses Google or Apple products. But MIEE has a lot to offer all educators, regardless of which apps they use. Here are 8
Whether in-person or virtual, conferences are a great way to network with fellow educators and learn a lot about the latest education developments and best practices. There are numerous education conference on the calendar for
Google Educator certifications are among the most popular today, particularly in this era of remote and hybrid learning. But how exactly do you become “Google Educator Certified”? You’ll find the answer and more in this
During CS Week, K-12 students are encouraged to participate in an “hour of code’ as part of the Hour of Code initiative to help students realize that they, too, can learn the basics of coding.
Google Education offers teachers the ability to pass two different certification exams that recognize users skills using G Suite Applications and the ability to implement them into the classroom. Google provides free online training to
Lisa develops and leads professional learning programs, trainings, and resources related to curricular integration, digital access, and technology infrastructure in western Illinois.
CS is so much more than syntax or writing loops. Here are six reasons to keep CS in the educational conversation right now + how CS prepares students for an AI-powered workforce.
This past year, Illinois has taken significant steps toward expanding K-12 student access to engaging CS education – statewide standards, funding, and professional learning opportunities.
Our inaugural edtech Mini Grants were announced at IETC 2024. Award winners are using their funds to enhance access to 3D printing, coding, digital creativity, and intergenerational learning.
