The Hour of Code, a one-hour introduction to basic computer science, is the largest international educational event in history: Over 78 million students have participated – including every interested student at Brockport’s Oliver Middle School.
Launched in 2013 by nonprofit Code.org®, and adopted immediately by OMS, Hour of Code is designed to demystify code and help students prepare for a future surrounded by technology. “Our Hour of Code program is a statement that Oliver Middle School is ready to teach these foundational 21st century skills,” says technology teacher Casey Coon. “Coding helps with college and career readiness. It helps kids develop math skills and utilize language competencies in order to comprehend the task at hand.”
OMS eighth graders took part during their regular technology classes, following coding tutorials based on popular characters from Disney’s “Frozen” or the Angry Birds game. They will have a full computer coding unit later in the year, along with the option to continue with computer science courses. Brockport offers video game design in ninth grade and AP computer science in conjunction with The College at Brockport. Sixth-and-seventh-graders signed up to participate: All 25 slots were filled every day for five days straight.
Code.org is an organization dedicated to expanding participation in computer science by making it available in more schools, and increasing participation by women and underrepresented students of color. The Hour of Code tutorials are all available online for anyone to use: http://code.org/learn
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