Computer Science Education Week: Hour of Code

This week, Dec. 7-13, is Computer Science Education Week. Teachers are being encouraged to teach an Hour of Code in their classrooms this week. Computer Science Education Week is an annual program dedicated to inspiring K-12 students to take interest in computer science. According to the Computer Science Education Week website, “Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) was founded as a call to action to raise awareness about the need to elevate computer science education at all levels and to underscore the critical role of computing in all careers.”

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. You can check out information on the Computer Science Education website. They provide one-hour tutorials that are available in over 40 languages. No experience is needed for coding. You can also visit the Hour of Code website to find out more about this initiative. The Hour of Code is organized by Code.org, a public 501c3 non-profit dedicated to expanding participation in computer science by making it available in more schools, and increasing participation by women and underrepresented students of color. An unprecedented coalition of partners have come together to support the Hour of Code, too — including Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the College Board.

Pepper Resource Library partner, Graphite, has a many digital tools to support classroom learning. They provide reviews of coding resources and programs for instructional use. You can find them by visiting Graphite in the Pepper Resource Library and searching for “Code”.

Your Pepper Professional Development Courses and Resource Library can help you create a more engaged and active classroom that includes 21st century skills and learning concepts. We’re adding new courses and resources regularly, so be sure to check them out.

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