MCSD students take part in global Hour of Code event


Students at Monticello Middle School and Carpenter Elementary took part in the global initiative of Hour of Code on Dec. 5. Students of all grade levels learned to problem solve using coding techniques. From left are fourth-graders Caitlin Lopez, Collin Cashner, and Emee Himes-Luensman. (Photos by Kim Brooks)

Fourth-grader Rebecca Dirks enjoys using code to program her robot to perform various dance moves. Curt Tauke and Heather Hansen led Hour of Code on Dec. 5 in the middle school and at Carpenter School.

Chase Shover, fourth grade, at Carpenter Elementary School concentrates on his coding program.
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     Last week on Dec. 5, Monticello Middle School students and Carpenter Elementary students (grades second through fourth) were all part of a global initiative: Hour of Code.

     The students spent an hour learning different coding programs. This was part of Computer Science Education Week, Dec. 3-9.

     Hour of Code spans numerous countries throughout the world, introducing students of all ages to coding.

     Monticello School District Technology Director Curt Tauke said the Hour of Code movement “believes that the students of today are ready to learn critical skills for 21st Century success.”

     Computers and technology impacts everything we do in life. And it’s changing every day. Every 21st Century student should have the opportunity to learn how to create technology. Computer science also helps nurture one’s creativity and problem-solving skills. Students are better prepared for careers having been exposed to computer science.

     “We encourage the students to problem-solve on their own versus always relying on a teacher,” said Heather Hansen, elementary technology coach.

     Hour of Code began as a way to introduce kids to computer science. Now, hundreds of one-hour activities in 48 languages have been developed for grades K-12.

     Computer Science Education Week is an opportunity for school districts to spotlight computer science programs and see how to expand upon those opportunities.

     “It exposes students to the computer science curriculum and possible careers as they get older,” explained Hansen. The MCSD follows a coding curriculum throughout the school district. “It’s something we try to incorporate district wide,” added Hansen.

     She said of those kids who like to play video games, coding is a way to expose them to a future career in creating video games themselves.

     “Some kids really latch on to it,” shared Hansen. “It’s interesting to see the difference in grade levels.”

 

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