Computer Science Education Week is December 9-15. One of the activities the Computer Science foundation is promoting this is year an Hour of Code for every student. The goal is to introduce students to coding because we need more coders, because kids should get the exposure, because, as the video below explains, coding is cool.

Here’s more explanation from the website…

What’s an Hour of Code?

It’s a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify “code” and show that anyone can learn the basics to be a maker, a creator, an innovator.

We’ll provide a variety of self-guided tutorials that anybody can do, on a browser, tablet, or smartphone. We’ll even have unplugged tutorials for classrooms without computers. No experience needed.

Watch this “how to” video for more information. Check out the tutorials in beta.

My favorite catch phrase on the Computer Science Ed Week website is – “No math needed, no computers either.” It’s true. I was never a great math student in high school but I did well in computer class. It’s more about logic, imagination and motivation. And the Hour of Code folks have created curriculum that makes it easier for teachers and students to get involved.

I think we owe it to our students and our communities to give kids the glimpse into coding. It opens the doors to new career opportunities and interests. Also I don’t want to put any limitations on the definition of students – these tools are there for lifelong learners too. Never too old to get caught in the for-next-loop!

I just watched a video on Student Success on the Blandin Foundation website. The students talk about the importance of trying their best. But they also talk about opportunities – this is an easy opportunity and it just might ignite a light under the next Minnesota-grown Mark Zuckerberg!