by Dion Norman, EdTech Coordinator –
Last week, CIS joined thousands of other schools around the world to participate in the Hour of Code. Students were excited and engaged, and for some, this event may ignite a lifelong passion for coding and computer science.
Why Learn to Code?
In a recent article called “Learn to Code, Code to Learn”, professor Mitchel Resnick from the MIT Media Lab, argued that coding is “an extension of writing. The ability to code allows you to ‘write’ new type of things – interactive stories, games, animations, and simulations”. One clear benefit of learning to code is the job opportunities that will be available to students who have this skill. Resnick argues that there are “much deeper and broader reasons for learning to code. In the process of learning to code, people learn many other things. They are not just learning to code, they are coding to learn”. He argues that coding will not only provide new job opportunities, “but is a new form of expression and a new context for learning”. In a recent interview with the BBC, Apple executive Craig Federighi argued that coding is the “next level of literacy”. This view is supported by many others who believe that learning to code is as important as learning any other new language.
Beyond the Hour of Code
The Hour of Code is intended to introduce students to coding and computational thinking. We aim to build students’ excitement about learning this new language and for them to want to learn more. We encourage students to continue their learning so that they can find and pursue their passions using their coding and computer science skills.
Students in Grades 4-12 may wish to consider joining Code Camp 3 in January, where they will have the opportunity to learn and apply coding skills while creating new things.
Here are a few resources to help students continue their learning beyond just the Hour of Code:
- Code.org
- Code Avengers (students can access using their school email account)
- Code Academy
- List of free websites to learn how to code
- List of tutorials, apps and games to teach kids coding