Hour of Code in CVSD

This week marks the 5th year that schools in CVSD, the United States, and the world participate in Hour of Code. The premise behind the Hour of Code is that sometime during this week, schools will provide an opportunity for students to learn about coding, or computer programming, for an hour. The CVSD schools have all participated since the inception. The momentum continues this year in our district, along with about 120 other Vermont schools and nearly 700 million participants globally.

From the Hour of Code website:

What is the Hour of Code?
The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify "code", to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts. 

Why Computer Science?
Every student should have the opportunity to learn computer science. It helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path.

Most popular during this week are the offerings on the code.org website. There are opportunities for all ages and abilities. Many have popular themes, such as Minecraft or a connection to a recent animated movie. They are all very engaging.

The excitement is not limited to this week; many classes have other things scheduled and will engage in the Hour of Code sometime over the next two weeks. There are opportunities for coding year-round in all of our schools, such as Lego robotics clubs, coding in design tech classes, CVU’s computer programming classes, and CVU’s Computer Club, which participates in CyberPatriot competitions. There’s a competition today - perfect timing! Plus, the resources from code.org are always available.

Here are a few examples of how the Hour of Code has been a focus this particular week in CVSD:

Younger students used iPads apps such as Hopscotch, Scratch Jr., Kodable, CodeSpark Academy with the Foos, or Daisy the Dinosaur. They have explored offline coding through games, small robots (Beebots, Dash & Dot) and physical activities like providing directions for classmates to go from one part of the classroom to another.

CVU students engaged in code.org activities and some were challenged by the Advent of Code. One student tried out an app created by another. Last week, 9th graders in Nichols Core were given choice in how to show their understanding of Neolithic Evolution. One student created a multi-level game to share his learning in a unique way. (see the end of the video below)

There are a myriad of ways in which coding, problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking are integrated into our daily work with students. This week’s special focus brings it to the forefront and connects these skills to real life.

We hope you will explore the code.org site and try out a few of the activities on your own or with a student. Let them teach you. And watch out, it’s a lot of fun!