“Minecraft” Hour of Code tutorial aims to introduce millions of youth to the creativity of computer science
BANGKOK, 3 December, 2015 — Microsoft Corp., Mojang AB, and Code.org recently unveiled a “Minecraft” coding tutorial for students and educators, created especially for the third-annual Hour of Code, a campaign to broaden global participation in computer science which will take place during the Computer Science Education Week (7-13 December 2015). Similarly Microsoft Thailand will also host its annual Hour of Code on 19 December 2015. Held at Microsoft Thailand’s office, Thai youths aged 6 years and above are strongly encouraged to participate in this fun, engaging event. Interested participants can visit https://1rseminar.azurewebsites.net/FY16q2/Registration_1022_Hour_of_Code.aspx for more details.
Hour of Code has also been expanded to reach Thai youths in remote areas. To equip a greater number of local youths with skills essential in the digital age, Microsoft Student Partners in Thailand will train 50 students on 19 December at the King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. The training session will also be virtually connected to the Hour of Code event at Microsoft Thailand via a Skype for Business video conference call, epitomizing the digital transformation of education today. Prior to the session, Microsoft also provided “Minecraft” coding tutorial to local youths in remote areas in an effort to support coding education throughout Thailand.
The new tutorial, now available at https://www.code.org/mc, introduces players to basic coding within the fun and popular “Minecraft” environment. Created by “Minecraft” game designers together with Code.org, the tutorial features Steve and Alex from “Minecraft” and “Minecraft”-inspired challenges that will be familiar to its more than 100 million players around the world.
“A core part of our mission to empower every person on the planet is equipping youth with computational thinking and problem-solving skills to succeed in an increasingly digital world,” said Satya Nadella, chief executive officer, Microsoft. “With ‘Minecraft’ and Code.org, we aim to spark creativity in the next generation of innovators in a way that is natural, collaborative and fun.”
Designed for ages 6 and up, the “Minecraft” tutorial introduces players to basic coding skills, encouraging them to navigate, mine, craft and explore in a 2-D “Minecraft” world by plugging together blocks to complete all actions and generate computer code. Players are offered a set of 14 challenges, including free play time, to explore coding concepts they’ve learned through the tutorial.
“‘Minecraft’ is a special game that girls and boys alike often can’t be pried away from,” said Code.org CEO and Co-founder Hadi Partovi. “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. This year’s ‘Minecraft’ tutorial will empower millions of learners around the world to explore how a game they love actually works and will inspire them to impact the world by creating their own technology or apps.”
To date, more than 100 million students across 180 countries and 40 languages have participated in the Hour of Code. This year, the campaign expects to exceed 100,000 events during during the Computer Science Education Week and to continue introducing more girls and underrepresented students to this foundational 21st century field.
In support of Code.org and the global Hour of Code campaign, Microsoft will also lead thousands of Hour of Code events in more than 50 countries around the world, including Thailand. Events will take place at Microsoft stores, offices and innovation centers as well as facilities of Microsoft’s YouthSpark nonprofit partners and schools. They will be led by over 7,000 Microsoft Student Partners, Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) and employee volunteers. In addition, Microsoft is gifting Windows Store credit to every educator who organizes an Hour of Code event worldwide.
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About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services, devices and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Established in 1993, Microsoft (Thailand) Limited aims to Make 70 Million Lives Better by enabling Thai people and businesses to realize their full potential through technology that transforms the way people work, play, and communicate. We offer software, services, and devices that deliver new opportunities, greater convenience, and enhanced value to people’s lives. Working with communities and the Thai government, Microsoft and its partners are committed to working closely with organizations and people across Thailand to fully harness the power of technology and innovation.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Thailand News Center (https://news.microsoft.com/th-th-stage/), or keep track of the latest updates through the Microsoft Thailand Twitter account (@MicrosoftTH).
About Code.org
Launched in 2013, Code.org® is a non-profit dedicated to expanding access to computer science, and increasing participation by women and underrepresented students of color. Its vision is that every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science. Code.org believes computer science should be part of core curriculum, alongside other courses such as biology, chemistry or algebra.
For more information, visit https://www.Code.org.
About Mojang
Mojang is a game development studio based in Sweden, best known for developing “Minecraft.” In 2014, Mojang joined Microsoft Studios to continue work on “Minecraft” and bring their vision, creative energy and innovative mindset to the development of future games.
For further information, (press) please contact:
Pornravee Suramool or Walaisamorn Bheungnoi
Hill+Knowlton Strategies Thailand
Tel: 0-2627-3501 ext. 110, 222 or 081-735-9213, 081-615-0542
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
For press inquiries about “Minecraft”: [email protected]
To try the new tutorial: https://code.org/mc
For more information about Microsoft’s commitment to education or for press assets related to the “Minecraft” Hour of Code tutorial: http://news.microsoft.com
For more information about using “Minecraft” in education: http://education.minecraft.net