Learning to code is the single most important step that students can take to prepare themselves to fully participate in – and benefit from – our digital economy. That’s why, this year during Computer Science Education Week and Hour of Code (a global call to action to spend an hour learning the basics of coding), Microsoft helped to support educators, students and nonprofits in driving awareness for computer science education.
To inspire students to start coding, Microsoft released a new Minecraft tutorial called Hero’s Journey and Microsoft stores across the country hosted free coding workshops, giving kids a chance to use fun, interactive coding to learn how creativity and problem solving come together to make something of their own.
Microsoft and its employees ensured that students are getting the computer science education they need to prepare themselves for the future. In total, we saw 2,500 kids across the country participate in coding activities via more than 100 unique activations.
When it comes to Minecraft, it’s inspiring a new generation of students to learn to code and not just during Computer Science Education Week. Recently, the National Post’s Chad Sapieha took an in depth look at the power of Minecraft, how it is helping kids to learn about, not only computer science, but also geography and architecture, as examples. He spoke to a computer science teacher in New Brunswick, who has introduced Minecraft to his classroom, about the power of Minecraft to introduce kids to the core concepts of computer science in a fun and creative way. If you’re interested in reading the article, it can be found on the National Post’s website here.
The World Economic Forum predicts that 65 per cent of children who enter primary school today will work in completely new jobs that don’t currently exist. Among the study’s recommendations: the need for students to have technical skills to better adapt to our changing workplace. It has also been shown that when students use technology to create something of their own design by coding, it builds both technical skills and confidence, both of which are critical for success in the future.
It’s why we’re working in Canada – and around the world – to ensure that young people become creators of technology, advance their careers and grow their local economies.
As you kick off the New Year and think about learning new skills – or teaching your kids something new – consider learning to code. It’s something that all of us can, and should, learn and there are a lot of great, and often free, resources to help. Start by trying out the new Minecraft Tutorial.
