Learning to Code

We are up for this challenge! We are ready to code! Click start to begin writing your lines of code. START

Last week was "Computer Science Education Week." The week was declared to bring computer science into schools and promote student interest in coding. A challenge was put forth for students to participate in an hour of code. The Connected Ones participated and wrote over 1500 lines of code in class. I see some future programmers in this class. 

We started as a class working through a tutorial on the computer science education week website: csedweek.org.  The students had to solve puzzles to program an angry bird to move through mazes.  While they are "playing" the students are learning how code with repeat-loops, conditionals, and basic algorithms.  They had to use logic and problem solving skills.  The challenges also tested their persistence and "I can" attitude.  As they moved up levels, the students received video tutorials by gifted computer scientists in the field like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.  The children were amazing.  After we worked together for awhile, the students went to the Chromebooks and began their own coding.  Look how intense!  The children can code from their home computer as well.  Just follow the link above.

Of course, we will also try coding on the ipad.  We will use the app LightBot where students use programming to move a robot and light up tiles in a series of puzzles.  We have also used apps called Run Marco and Kodable.  All of these apps are free on the itunes store.