From the website, The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. Anyone, anywhere, can organize an Hour of Code event. One-hour tutorials are available in over 30 languages. No experience needed. Ages 4 to 104." The Hour of Code was launched to celebrate Computer Science Education Week during December 7-13, 2014. In that one week 15 million students worldwide learned an hour of code and more girls tried computer science than in the last 70 years. Clicking on the above image will take you to the Hour of Code's US website.
"Why computer science? EVERY student should have the opportunity to learn computer science. It helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path."
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While the Hour of Code is officially celebrated during Computer Science Education Week (to celebrate the birthday of computer science pioneer Admiral Grace Murray Hopper on December 9, 1906) it can be hosted any time. There is a how-to guide available on the Hour of Code website. There are tutorials available for PC's, smartphones, tablets, and some that require no computer at all! The tutorials can be used on a Smart Board with an entire class or students can work in pairs, which research has shown is the best way for students to learn programming anyway. No signup or login is required for students to try the Hour of Code. The most popular tutorials for all students feature either Anna and Elsa from Disney's Frozen or Angry Birds. Teachers report 100% engagement for all students, making this a four-star technological resource all the way.
Considerations for Exceptional Learners:
With tutorials available in 30 languages there should not be a problem for most English Language Learners to have access to the Hour of Code in their heritage language. Also, since coding is a universal language there is a common denominator for all learners which can be accessible regardless of one's level of English fluency.
The Hour of Code is intended to be used by people of all abilities and requires no computer--tutorials are available that require no more than a pencil and paper. This means that teachers can adapt the lesson to be as complex or as simple as needed for students to gain access to computer science principles. On top of this students are learning real world skills that directly impact career options, making this an exceptionally useful resource for students whose learning is focused on life skills.
Students identified as gifted are often drawn to computers and technology, but computer science education in many schools is still limited to basic word processing and computer-use skills. Access to learning about programming can open a world of job-ready and entrepreneurial skills for these students as well as spur further learning of computer science and programming knowledge.