What is the Hour of Code?

You've seen it in the news...  you've seen it online...  you've even seen people in your building doing activities related to it...  But what is it, really?  What is "coding" and what is the Hour of Code?!?

Coding is synonymous with computer programming.  Different computer programming languages use different "codes" to make computers perform different functions.  These codes can be put together like building blocks to make different things happen.  Even if students don't pursue computer science in college, some of the concepts learned in coding, like following logical patterns and figuring out complex sequences, are important skills to have in most math, science, and technology related jobs!

Hour of Code was developed with the idea that in one hour anyone can learn to code, even if only a small amount.  The ultimate goal of the event is to encourage a widespread awareness of coding, and to give students some exposure to creating simple programs with code.  

Here are a few sites where you can get more information about what coding is and what Hour of Code is all about...  You can even learn to code yourself!

The code.org Hour of Code webpage is where you can learn more about the Hour of Code event directly from the source, and even sign up to be a part of it:

Kahn Academy has resources for you as a teacher to learn more about coding and Hour of Code, and resources for students to use as they learn more about coding:

  

Edutopia is always a great resource for teachers and here they provide specific ways to teach coding, some that don't even use computers!

 

If you are like me and never really learned coding yourself, don't panic!  It's never too late for you learn to code!  There are online Professional Development courses created for teachers, so you can show your students how it's done!