Module 6.3 - Hour of Code Part 1

 Hour of Code Part 1

The Hour of Code is a global movement by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries through a one-hour introduction to computer science and computer programming. In this module you will learn how to schedule your own Hour of Code activities and lesson plans. Watch the following video to get started:

 

LaptopSchedule Your Hour of Code

Ideally, the Hour of Code should take place during Computer Science Education Week. If that isn't a possibility for you that's OK, select a day and time that works best for you and your students. Many schools, teachers, and even districts do this in a variety of ways. Some teachers just do it on their own and find a time during their regular school day. Some teachers work with other teachers in their grade levels and/or school and schedule their Hour of Code together. I have even heard of schools take all students grades 3 - 6 and put them in the gym and for that hour ALL of those students are coding. Now I know that sounds like a crazy thought, but my ed tech colleague who did this said you could have heard a pin drop. All of the students were coding.

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LaptopChoose a Tutorial

There are many coding resources available for students and teachers to use. Code.org is a FANTASTIC resource and a really easy one to find Hour of Code Tutorials. In fact, every year they develop tutorials specific for the Hour of Code. These tutorials do not require logins or passwords. Students just need the link to the website and they are good to go!  (Hint: A link to Hour of Code is in Clever for elementary students.)

Click on the picture below to view the Hour of Code tutorials that have been created and shared by Code.org.

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LaptopPromote Your Hour of Code

Get the word out there that your class will be doing the Hour of Code. Make it a big deal, and get the students excited! Code.org provides so many resources that teachers and schools can use to promote the Hour of Code. Below is a list of what Code.org has created and shared to help promote your Code.org event. If you click on the picture below you will be taken to Code.org and have access to all of their resources.

  • Handouts and brochures about the Hour of Code that you can send home with students.
  • Videos you can show to inspire students.
  • Posters you can hang in your classroom and school.
  • Images you can post and share on social media.
  • Hour of Code logo that you can download and use to help spread the word.
  • Stickers that you can print and give to students that show they participated in the Hour of Code.
  • Emails that you can use to help promote the Hour of Code.

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LaptopPlan Your Technology Needs

Computers are optional! The best Hour of Code experience includes Internet-connected computers, but you don't have to have a computer for every child. In fact, you can even do the Hour of Code with a computer at all. Code.org provides unplugged activities that teachers can do with their students. These activities teach and reinforce various coding concepts. Unplugged activities and lessons can be found in any of the Courses that have been created by Code.org. Click here Links to an external site. to view an example. 

If you are using devices make sure to test the tutorial you have chosen on the device your students will be using. iPads, Chromebooks, and computers are examples of the devices your students can use. Provide headphones for you class, or ask students to ring their own because most of the tutorials have sound.

Don't have enough devices? Use pair programming. When students partner up, they help each other and rely less on the teacher. They'll also see that computer science is social and collaborative. Click the video below to learn more.