Lockhart students, under the guidance of teacher-librarian Tara Gonzalez, discovered how to computer code along with millions of students worldwide when they logged into Code.org for the annual “Hour of Code” campaign held in conjunction with Computer Science Education Week, Dec. 7-13.
Launched in 2013, the Hour of Code was designed to take the mystery out of coding by providing computer users of all ages and populations access to fun, easy-to-follow programs that teach the basics of coding. Elementary-age students had the opportunity to learn the skill through new Star Wars and Frozen-themed coding programs, among others, that allowed them to build their own video games.
“By engaging in this campaign, students learned that creating code can be easy, fun, and inspiring,” Gonzalez said. “This campaign ties in beautifully with our goal of exposing and engaging students in 21st Century learning by fostering the use of critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, which are needed to advance through the programs.”
Because it is web-based, students can improve their coding skills outside the classroom and many are participating at home, according to Gonzalez. “Students are now sharing the coding they are doing at home on the Library Haiku page,” she said. “This will surely become an annual event at Lockhart.”
