So you are excited about Hour of Code, now what??
If you are a student - simply head to our Kidzworld Hour of Code Game, created by Tynker and let's get started!
Codey's Quest
If you are a teacher and want to host your very own Hour of Code: here are the step by step instructions.
1. Watch this how-to video.
2. Try a tutorial.
There are many available tutorials through our partners at Tynker - but you can start right here at Kidzworld.
Codey's Quest
Our Hour of Code partner, Tynker will be hosting a variety of fun, hour long tutorials for students of all ages. New tutorials will be available to kick off the
Hour of Code December 8-14.
All Hour of Code tutorials:
- Require minimal prep-time for teachers
- Are self-guided - allowing students to work at their own pace and skill level
3. Register your Hour on the map
Make sure to sign up & you will see your Hour of Code on the map of worldwide events.
4. Plan your hardware needs - computers are optional.
The best Hour of Code experience will be with internet-connected computers. But you don't need a computer for every child, and can even do the tutorial without a computer at all.
Check out this tutorials on completing the Hour of Code without a computer:
- Test tutorials on student computers or devices. Make sure they work properly (with sound and video).
- Provide headphones for your class, or ask students to bring their own if the tutorial you choose works best with sound.
5. Plan ahead based on your technology available.
- Don't have enough devices? Use pair programing. When students partner up, they help each other and rely less on the teacher. They'll also see that computer science is social and collaborative.
- Have low bandwidth? Plan to show video's at the front of the class, so each student isn't downloading their own video's. Or try the unplugged / offline tutorials.
6. Inspire students / Get inspired - Let's watch a video!
There are many inspirational videos that can be used to kick off the Hour of Code.
Examples:
- The original Code.org launch video, featuring Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and NBA star Chris Bosh. There are 1 minute, 5 minute and 9 minute versions.
- The Hour of Code 2013 launch video, or the Hour of Code 2014 video.
- President Obama calling on all students to learn computer science
- Frozon: Hour of Code Intro
Let's get excited - Here is a short intro
Most kids don't know what computer science is. Here are some idea's:
- Explain it in a simple way that includes examples of applications that both boys and girls will care about (saving lives, helping people, connecting people, etc.).
- Try: "Think about things in your everyday life that use computer science: a cell phone, a microwave, a computer, a traffic light.. all of these things needed a computer scientists to build them."
- Or: "Computer science is the art of blending human ideas and digital tools to increase out power. Computer scientists work in so many different area's: writing apps for phones, curing diseases, cresting animated movies, working on social media, building robots that explore other planets and so much more. "
- See tips for getting girls interested in computer science here.
7. Start your Hour of Code
Start HERE:
Direct students to the activity.
- Write the tutorial link on a whiteboard.
https://www.kidzworld.com/online-games/293-hour-of-code-play-codey-s-quest
Head to the link and begin the tutorial. Following this initial tutorial - you will click through to Tynker's Hour of Code page.
https://www.tynker.com/hour-of-code/ for more tutorials, games and coding opportunities.
When students come across difficulties:
- Tell students, "Ask 3 then me." Ask 3 Classmates, and if they don't have the answer, then ask the teacher.
- Encourage students and offer positive reinforcement: "You're doing great, so keep trying."
- It's okay to respond: "I don't know. Let's figure this out together." If you can't figure out a problem, use it as a good leaning lesson for the class: "Technology doesn't always work out the way we want. Together, we're a community of learners." And: "Learning to program is like learning a new language; you won't be fluent right away."
What to do if a student finished early?
- Students can see all tutorials and try another Hour of Code at http://www.tynker.com/hour-of-code/
- Or, ask students who finish early to help classmates who are having trouble with the activity.
How do I print certificates for my students?
Code.org has certificates for students, Visit our printable certificate page to print as many as you need in one fell swoop!
What comes after Hour of Code?
The Hour of Code is just the first step on a journey to learn more about how technology works and how to create software applications. To continue this journey, find additional resources for educators HERE.
5th grade teacher talks about Tynker from Tynker on Vimeo.
We'd love to hear from you & your students. If your class uses Digital/ Social Media tag us. #kidzword
