Hour of Code
Here we have the official website for the Hour of Code movement. On it you will find a wealth of resources that will help introduce you to coding, as well as activities and resources for starting to use code in your classroom.
Google-Gallup research report: Perceptions of computer science reflect and reinforce stereotypes
This report explores participation in and perceptions of CS learning by gender, race and income. We surveyed nearly 16,000 respondents, representing students, parents, teachers, principals and superintendents. Here’s a summary of the findings:
- Parents and teachers of lower-income students view CS as critical to a student’s future, yet lower-income students are less likely to have access to CS learning in school
- Image about CS is positive, but confidence to learn it is low
- Perceptions reflect stereotypes
- Computer science is misunderstood
Read more about the report here.
CS in media: we are what we see
Based on analysis from the Geena Davis Institute (GDI), only 11% of family films, 19% of children’s shows and 22% of prime-time programs feature women and men equally in speaking parts. Combine these staggering statistics with an overall dearth of CS characters on-screen (see chart below), and it’s no wonder we all think of the same stereotypical image for a programmer.
Read the full article here.
Computer Science tips for parents
Parents are champions and changemakers in education. During this CSEdWeek, here are a few easy steps to dispel CS stereotypes and encourage all students to explore the power of code. If you or your students are ready to try an hour of code, get started now with High Seas and Inside Out.
What can I do to encourage my student Ensuring that your kids have access to computer science education, however, is just half the battle. You also have a critical role when it comes to encouraging your kids. For some parents it might be learning alongside your kids or driving them to coding events. While for others it may be helping to critique a science fair project like Hania Guiagoussou’s father who pushed her to focus on ideas that would have a social impact.
Read the full article here.
Google Code-in: may the source be with you
For the sixth year running, teens from around the world now have the chance to learn and develop new CS skills by competing in Google Code-in (GCI). By working on real software projects—with help from mentors along the way—students just starting out with Computer Science can begin to investigate and discover the countless opportunities at their fingertips through code.
Read the full article here.
The movies you love are Made with Code
If you’ve seen Disney•Pixar’s latest hit Inside Out, a film about 11 year old Riley as she journeys through life with the help of her Emotions, you know it’s a movie with the power to capture students’ imaginations, engage their creativity and tap into their emotions.
This year, in celebration of Computer Science Education Week, Google’s Made with Code initiative is tapping into that spirit by teaming up with Disney•Pixar to launch a new Inside Out coding project—inspiring students to explore how computer programming plays a role in animated films like Inside Out.
Read the full article here.
My coding journey
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="269"]Hania hard at work on her Rasberry Pi / Java-based WaterSaver project[/caption]
Hania Guiagoussou is a junior attending Dublin High School in Dublin, California. Born in Montreal with parents from Chad, Hania is a tri-citizen Canadian / Chadian / American. Hania, when not coding, is also a long distance runner with Dublin High’s Track & Field team. She joins us today to share her perspective on how she became a coder. We celebrate CS Education so students like Hania can keep changing the world through apps like Hania’s WaterSaver.
Read the full article here.
