Research and Current Trends

One of the trends that is popular in schools to introduce students to coding is the Hour of Code. The hour takes place during Computer Science Education Week (for 2017, it will be December 4th - 10th).  It's a global grassroots campaign that reaches tens of millions of students in over 180 countries and over 45 different languages. But why participate in Hour of Code? The partners who developed this movement believe that all students should be introduced to computer science and coding. They believe that introducing computer science early will "demystify" coding and show students that anybody can learn to code with hopes of sparking interest in the field of computer science. Research has shown that coding helps "nurture problem-solving skills, logic, and creativity." Computer programming jobs are the number one source of new wages in the United States, and these jobs are growing at twice the rate as other jobs. Can you believe that only ten states have created standards related to computer science and Virginia is NOT one of them! The best part about Hour of Code is as a school or educator, you don't have to try and figure all this out on your own. There are over 200 lesson plans and activities from beginner to "comfortable." There is even robotics coding activities if a school is lucky enough to have access to robots. Hour of Code makes it easy by providing so many resources: how-to videos and help with technology needs.

Check out this link to find out more about Hour of Code and to view more stats!

    

Even if your school doesn't participate in the Hour of Code, it doesn't mean opportunities to code can't be easily integrated into everyday instruction. Websites like edutopia, PBS, and code.org offer tips, tricks, workshops, tutorials, and advice. Your schools' Technology Resource Teacher (TRT) is also an invaluable resource to help get started with coding. The best thing to do is to just jump right in and DO IT!