Microsoft invites schools to Hour of Code

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Image: Mojang

Microsoft has unveiled its Hour of Code campaign to broaden global participation in computer science, to be held during Computer Science Education Week from 7 – 13 December. The company is inviting every Irish school to join children throughout the country for a ‘Minecraft’ coding tutorial next week.

Over the course of 60 minutes, students will be get an introduction to coding in a live online tutorial, by programming the Minecraft characters Alex or Steve to move through a simulated piece of a Minecraft world. Participants do not have to have Minecraft to participate in the tutorial just need access to a device and the Internet.

The Hour of Code is a global initiative with schools and children from around the world participating. With Ireland’s reputation as a global technology leader, Microsoft’s employees in Ireland are determined to drive strong participation amongst schools in Ireland.

Microsoft employees will be assisting by visiting schools through Skype and in person to deliver an Hour of Code to make it as easy as possible for schools to get involved and to provide students with an introduction to coding.

Here’s how to get involved in Hour of Code:

1. Log onto www.microsoft.ie/code to register your interest for a Microsoft employee to visit your school to deliver an Hour of Code
2. Register for a Skype in the Classroom Hour of Code live online tutorial.
   • Select the date and time that suits you:
   • Wednesday 9 December from 9:30 – 10:30 – click here
   • Thursday 10th December from 10:00 – 10:30 – click here

3. Microsoft has tutorials available at www.microsoft.ie/code that can be delivered by teachers easily in schools

4. Resources for schools with limited technology access can be found at www.code.org schools will find the tools to deliver the ‘Unplugged Computer Science’ tutorial available on the web site

“A core part of our mission to empower every person on the planet,” said Cathriona Hallahan, managing director, Microsoft Ireland, “is equipping young people with computational thinking and problem-solving skills to succeed in an increasingly digital world. With the Minecraft tutorial we plan to deliver during the Hour of Code we aim to spark creativity in the next generation of innovators in a way that is natural, collaborative and fun. We’re looking forward to supporting as many primary schools across the country next week and I’d encourage everyone to logo onto either Microsoft’s or Code.org’s website to find a way to get involved. There’s so many options to be involved that there’s something to suit every school.”

TechCentral Reporters

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