Microsoft and Code.org celebrate Computer Science Education Week with free ‘Minecraft’-based coding tutorial

Microsoft and Code.org are at it again this year with Minecraft Hour of Code Designer, a coding tutorial for students and educators. The two organizations partnered yet again for this entry for Hour of Code, an annual global campaign held during Computer Science Education Week from December 5 to 11. The web-based tutorial allows beginner coders to create and share their own simple Minecraft game, which at the same time is teaching them the needed critical thinking and problem-solving skills for working in this modern age.

The tutorial is available in 10 languages and is scheduled to be available in 50 languages by December 5. It’s designed for ages 6 and up and features Code.org’s drag-and-drop coding interface to teach computer science concepts like object-oriented programming, event handlers, and repeat loops. There will be a series of 12 challenges for players to overcome and resulting in them being able to create their own simple game that they can share with friends. Microsoft also plans to host hundreds of free workshops in Microsoft Stores around the world. You can secure a spot for these youth coding events through this link or by visiting your local Microsoft Store.

Apple hosting workshops for Hour of Code at Apple Retail Stores on Dec 11

I think everyone should learn how to program a computer, because it teaches you how to think. I view computer science as a liberal art, something everyone should learn to do.

- Steve Jobs

Apple stores around the world will host free one-hour coding workshops in support of Hour of Code on December 11, a movement to make computer science accessible to all students.  

Coinciding with Computer Science Education Week, workshops will offer an introduction to computer science and show that anyone can learn the basics of programming, inspiring young people to believe that they can build the next app that transforms the way we work or play. 

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Video: Code.org on what most schools don't teach

Code.org produced this compelling video promoting the need for more students to learn how to program and code. The 5 minute video explains how easy and empowering it is to code as well as the opportunties that open up for computer programmers and engineers. There are also various celebrity endorsements including Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Chris Bosh.