CSEd Week -- code.org & an Hour of Code
Today kicks-off the CSEdWeek and code.org's Hour of Code!
Whether you use Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or the Intel Edison, we can probably all agree that programming and writing code are a central part of what a lot of makers/hackers do -- especially here at SparkFun. Do you remember when you first learned to write your first program? Do you remember how it felt? I do.
I was about 8 or 9 years old. At this age, I had very little control over my own life. My parents told me when to wake up, go to school, eat and go to bed. My choices were pretty limited. But when I learned to write my first lines of code, I felt a sense of empowerment in that I could tell this thing, this machine, what to do -- and it did it! I found a sense of control over the world around me that I desperately yearned for.
]10 PRINT “BRIAN IS AWESOME!!!”
]20 GOTO 10
Learning to program is a basic literacy skill that should have the same focus as reading, writing and arithmetic do in our schools. According to code.org, roughly 90% of schools don't offer any type of computer science or programming options for students. This week -- Computer Science Education Week -- is dedicated to encouraging as many students to participate in an Hour of Code. The Hour of Code is a mission created by the team at code.org to provide opportunities and experiences for ALL students to learn to code.
Last year, the Hour of Code reached over 15 Million students in one week! During that week, “[m]ore girls tried computer science than in the last 70 years." This is such an incredible program and initiative. From CEOs of major companies to Will.i.am to President Obama, this week, the Hour of Code movement is connecting with children across the world!
By the end of 2014, code.org hopes to reach over 100 Million students!
Hour of Code
Take a moment with your own children or children in your local community, schools and libraries to participate in an Hour of Code. Experiencing just one Hour of Code can influence our future generation with an immediate sense of success, pride, and confidence.
The team at code.org have curated an amazing list of resources and activities for individuals, teachers, or entire schools to conduct with their students. Check out the activities at code.org/learn. These activities are appropriate for all students from ages 4 - 104.
Some of our favorites include:
BitsBox -- the latest javascript app development environment for designed for kids.
Beyond an Hour of Code -- SparkFun & Arduino
In partnership with our friends at BitsBox, we have created an on-line virtual Digital SandBox /Arduino programming environment for Beyond an Hour of Code.
Please Note: As of 4/5/2019 this virtual Digital Sandbox is no longer supported. We apologize & encourage you to explore the real SparkFun Digital Sandbox & reach out to us with any questions you may have.
This week - we urge you all to spend an hour with your children and learn to code. Whether you're a programmer or not -- check out the amazing activities at code.org. There are a number of local events worldwide -- ask your neighborhood school, library, or community center.
Share your Hour of Code experience -- #HourOfCode
“Every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science”
