RUSD Hour of Code

Last week was the Hour of Code at RUSD and other school districts across the country. The Hour of Code is a nationwide initiative by CSEdWeek and Code.org to introduce computer programming to students and encourage them to learn programming. Many schools participated through online tools such as Scratch, Code, and Tynker. I had a chance to visit Monroe and Longfellow Elementary, and saw first hand how engaged students were with new digital skills that will be imperative in their future.

Monroe Elementary School students started off by watching a great Flocabulary video on coding with a brief discussion on how coding can impact their future. Students shared ideas about what they might be able to accomplish by learning how to code before diving into the lessons. Each student had access to a Chromebook and used the tools from Code.org to move zombies across different maps.

At Longfellow Elementary, the Hour of Code took place after school as students in the HEARTS program participate in a coding club. Students have direct instruction on the daily lesson via a large screen television in the middle of the classroom. After the lesson is complete, students learn modular coding through click and drag interactions using their iPads.

At both sites, the Hour of Code was a success as students learned new skills and were exposed to computer science. Students displayed unbelievable enthusiasm and excitement as they navigated through their coding lessons and we look forward to seeing them develop their abilities in CS.