Microsoft and Code.org brings a gaming special to this year’s Hour of Code
Hong Kong, December 28, 2015 –Microsoft teamed up with Code.org to bring Minecraft to this year’s Hour of Code, a global movement during Computer Science Education Week from December 7 to 13. This new Minecraft Hour of Code tutorial encouraged millions of young people around the world, including 4,000 students and teachers from 22 primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong, to try an hour of coding during the week.
The Minecraft Hour of Code tutorial, created by Minecraft developers and game designers together with Code.org, introduces learners to basic coding in a fun and familiar environment – even if they are not well versed in Minecraft. This tutorial is designed for anyone above age 6 to learn the basics of computer science. It provides learners with a set of 14 challenges through which they explore the coding concepts that they have learned. They navigate, mine, craft and explore the concepts in a 2D Minecraft world using a block-based visual programming editor to complete all actions. The new tutorial is available at code.org/mc.
“Technology has become an integral part of people’s daily lives around the world and the demand for technology skills is rising rapidly, both globally and in Hong Kong. As a leader in the technology industry, Microsoft is committed to providing opportunities for young people across age and gender to learn computer science, giving them valuable skills to get ahead tomorrow,” said Horace Chow, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong.
“Microsoft and Code.org have a shared vision to bring access to computer science education to all youth around the globe. Our goal is to teach youth not only how to use technology, but also how to create technology to help them become the innovators and drivers of growth and opportunity in their communities. Entering into the third year of partnership, we are delighted we have done it in a creative way,” added Chow.
Entering into the third year, Hour of Code is a global campaign driven by Code.org and Microsoft is a founding sponsor of Code.org and the Hour of Code. With Microsoft YouthSpark’s commitment to increase access to computer science education to all youth around the globe, the Hour of Code presents a great opportunity to encourage millions of students around the world to try one hour of coding and spark their interest in computer science.
More than 300 partners of Code.org spanning 180 countries in over 40 languages will join in to back the campaign and host events worldwide to spark interest and encourage people of all ages to code.
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About Code.org
Code. Org believes that every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science. Microsoft continues to be Code.org’s most generous donor and one of the largest supporters of the worldwide movement to give every student the opportunity to learn computer science.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Hong Kong was established in 1991.
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Microsoft
Jocelyn Cheung
Tel: +852 2804-4437
Email: [email protected]
Hill+Knowlton Strategies for Microsoft
Leo Yau
Tel: (852) 2894 6357
Email: [email protected]
Jeff Tam
Tel: (852) 2894 6353
Email: [email protected]
