The events of this year have further shown this to be true, illuminating both the great promises and perils of technology. We rely on technology to keep us connected, but we’ve also seen how biased algorithms can divide us on the basis of race or gender. We rely on our technology to keep us informed, but we’ve also seen how easy it is to spread misinformation. We rely on our technology to stay productive, but we’ve left behind those who don’t have access to the internet.
In a year full of unexpected events, one thing is certain: it is more important than ever for students to learn computer science and technologies like artificial intelligence to help build the society we envision. (Read full article here.)
Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries during Computer Science Education Week December 7 - 13, 2020. Help us celebrate by hosting an hour of code this year! We’ve put together resources to help teachers, coaches, and administrators from PreK to high school host events in their classrooms and buildings. Visit our team’s Hour of Code resource page for everything you need to build a brighter tomorrow!
ALL PreK-12 GWAEA Educators: Don't forget to REGISTER with us at bit.ly/GWAEAHoC20 and at the Hour of Code website. We'll send you stickers and posters when you register.
4th Grade Teachers: This year, we are collaborating with NewBoCo & the IT Sector board to ensure that every 4th grade classroom in GWAEA can host an Hour of Code event with an Industry Partner! Industry partners will briefly share about their jobs in Information Technology and then assist 4th grade teachers with hosting an Hour of Code with your students. You can host your Hour of Code face to face or virtually, depending on your needs. 4th grade teachers can sign up here to request an industry partner.
Step 2: Plan Your Event
Need help planning an Hour of Code? The Digital Learning Team has an Hour of Code Event Planning Template and an example you can use to get started.
Code.org has wonderful resources for you at https://hourofcode.com/us/how-to as well as their own planning guide.
Step 3: Select Activities from our Resources
This year we have created resource collections to help you quickly and easily host an hour or code no matter the current instruction model in your district.
Grab & Go resources you can use immediately:
- CodeBytes! - Live 20 minute lessons at 10a & 3:30p hosted daily December 7 - 11
- Take a Code Break! - 12 recorded episodes with inspirational guests & activities for all kids
Variety of resources to meet your unique classroom model & needs:
- Activities for Social Distanced Classrooms
- Activities for Hybrid Classrooms
- Activities for Virtual Classrooms
Resources to use CS for Change:
- Activities for #CSforGood & #CSforSocialJustice
Check out our Hour of Code resources from 2018 & 2019 that include our favorite online and unplugged activities at the Grant Wood AEA Digital Learning Team's website. You'll find resources organized by grade bands and by content areas.
Check out these Hour of Code activities designed specifically for your robots and physical computing kits: https://hourofcode.com/us/learn/robotics
Step 4: Share Your Event on Social Media
Use the hashtags #CSforGood, #CSforGWAEA, #CSforIA, #CSEdWeek, and #HourOfCode on social media to spread the word before your event and to celebrate afterword!
Let us know how you're planning to celebrate CS Ed Week this year in the comments. You can connect with us on Twitter with your plan @DLGWAEA. We can't wait to see how you and your students build a better tomorrow!
- Corey Rogers
Digital Learning Consultant