Palliser Regional Schools students will join youth around the world this week in a campaign designed to open their eyes to the possibilities of computer science.
Those schools are taking part in The Hour of Code 2016 , which shows students what it takes to create the computer programs and apps many of them use so frequently. It’s also hoped that by encouraging students to start with one hour of coding activities, they might consider a career in computer sciences.
Students at Arrowwood and Milo community schools, Calgary Christian School’s Elementary and Secondary Campus and Picture Butte High School are among those in Palliser taking part in the self-guided, online tutorials that are available in more than 45 languages. It is being billed as the largest education event in history, with more than 145,000 schools around the world registered to date.
This year features an expanded list of more than 200 tutorials and lesson plans for students of all ages and abilities including Star Wars and Minecraft-themed activities. There are robotics-related tutorials and even unplugged activities for those without access to computers, as the exercise also helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity.
The Hour of Code campaign is held each year during Computer Science Education Week, an annual event which recognizes the birthday of computing pioneer, U.S. Admiral Grace Murray Hopper.
Code.org® is a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding access to computer science, and increasing participation by women and underrepresented minorities.
For more information on the event go to https://hourofcode.com/ca
Here are some photographs of students at Arrowwood Community School doing group programming last year, courtesy of the school.
Hour of Code File Photos
