Can you make one hour last a lifetime?

“Kids don’t always need to be told what to do to understand things, through computational thinking you can find out for yourself.”
– Alfie Finch-Critchley (age 14), MADD HATT GAMES Masters of the Kodu Kup Europe 2014

To most, the technology we use every day is always someone else’s responsibility. When it works we take it for granted, and when it doesn’t we hope that someone else can fix it. But for some people, those who speak the right language, the millions of the PCs, tablets, laptops and phones represent not just utility, but opportunity. A chance to make something, to share something or maybe to sell something.

This week we’d love you to take the first step to becoming one of them by joining the Hour of Code at: http://code.org/educate/hoc

“When you learn to code, your canvas is your device. Your strokes of paint are the instructions you give. Your potential is only limited by your imagination.”
– Michael Vermeersch, Enterprise Architect Microsoft Services Enterprise Strategy

Everybody Starts Somewhere is the mantra for Computer Science Education Week, which starts today. The week is dedicated to inspiring people of all ages across the world to try their hand at coding, either starting at the very beginning with an Hour of Code, or honing their existing skills with a range of brand new tools and platforms specifically aimed at helping people to learn independently.

As we head into a week packed with coding activities, including an employee “Hour of Codathon” hosted at Microsoft offices all around the UK, we are also proud to unveil Microsoft Imagine.

“Coding is one of the best ways of teaching children how to look at problem solving in a structured manner. Once the technique has been learned, it can be transferred into problem solving in any field.”
– Robert Hogg, Managing Director Black Marble, Microsoft Partner Business

This brand new programme will provide the tools and knowledge which budding coders need in order to create, code and develop their ideas. Everyone has the right to access relevant support to help them on their coding journey, no matter where they start. As part of Microsoft’s YouthSpark initiative, this programme is deliberately designed to be accessible for those new to coding, as well as those studying it in school or planning a career in technology.

Here in the UK, these key skills have been given the recognition that they deserve, with computing now a key part of the curriculum for all pupils from the age of 5. The job is not done though. It won’t be done until anyone who wants to knows how to code. If you can manipulate the tools of today then you can create the apps, networks and businesses of tomorrow. This week is our chance to change perceptions and open as many eyes as possible and we invite you to take the plunge.