While the approval for full school participation didn't make it through, the Hour of Code was a huge success in Mrs. Thompson's classes. Students had an opportunity to work through one of several computer units that explained elements of code while allowing them to write some code using visual blocks of code which is the same way university students start to learn coding.
There were a few technical glitches with so many students internationally accessing the units, but we made it through. I worked through a geometrical art program with Anna and Elsa from Frozen first. Then I moved on to the Angry Birds unit. The coding was't as difficult as I expected, but it was definitely at a beginner level and in several instances I really had to apply my logic skills.
Having experienced the units ourselves, Ms. Thompson and I were able to help students when they ran into challenges. Some of the students tried a more advanced coding activity that allowed for the creation of an interactive game. After creating it, they swapped and tried to beat each others' games. Now, I must admit, this was far more advanced that what I was willing to attempt this year, but look out for next year!
Wednesday and Thursday will be the LightBot competition between the guys and the girls. Students will have to guide Lightbot (the avatar) to light up all the blue tiles! Lightbot is a puzzle game that uses programming game mechanics to let players gain a practical understanding of basic coding. They actually learn to sequence instructions, write procedures, and utilize loops to solve levels. Since many of the guys are experienced gamers, I'm a little worried for my gender's chances of success, but who knows, it could happen!
There were a few technical glitches with so many students internationally accessing the units, but we made it through. I worked through a geometrical art program with Anna and Elsa from Frozen first. Then I moved on to the Angry Birds unit. The coding was't as difficult as I expected, but it was definitely at a beginner level and in several instances I really had to apply my logic skills.
Having experienced the units ourselves, Ms. Thompson and I were able to help students when they ran into challenges. Some of the students tried a more advanced coding activity that allowed for the creation of an interactive game. After creating it, they swapped and tried to beat each others' games. Now, I must admit, this was far more advanced that what I was willing to attempt this year, but look out for next year!
Wednesday and Thursday will be the LightBot competition between the guys and the girls. Students will have to guide Lightbot (the avatar) to light up all the blue tiles! Lightbot is a puzzle game that uses programming game mechanics to let players gain a practical understanding of basic coding. They actually learn to sequence instructions, write procedures, and utilize loops to solve levels. Since many of the guys are experienced gamers, I'm a little worried for my gender's chances of success, but who knows, it could happen!
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