The McMinnville School District (MSD) will join an international event next week called an “Hour of Code.” Created to coincide with Computer Science Education Week, this year celebrated December 3 – 7, the event is a one-hour introduction to computer science.
The Hour of Code is designed to demystify computer coding, to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. Studies show that learning to code can nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity.
“The Hour of Code has been a popular activity for our students, and we’ve expanded on that interest with after-school coding clubs, robotics at all levels and Makerspace activities that incorporate coding,” said Dr. Maryalice Russell, district superintendent. “We’re prioritizing this because we believe exposing our students to computer science through coding will help them envision a career path they may not have thought about, while they’re also building a foundation of skills to succeed in any 21st-century career path.
“We also believe it’s important to embrace new languages, both world languages and the language of coding.”
The Hour of Code takes place every year during Computer Science Education Week, which was created to honor the birthday of computing pioneer Admiral Grace Murray Hopper (December 9, 1906).
11/29/18