Johnson Creek Takes Part in 'Hour of Code'

Most of us have a vague idea that a knowledge of computer science will help you get a job, but the actual numbers are pretty shocking:

• New programming jobs are growing 3 times faster than the number of students entering the field.
• More than 50 percent of all math and science jobs are for computer scientists.
• Computer science jobs are the highest-paying jobs for new graduates.

Software powers our economy, but, less than 2.4 percent of college students graduate with a CS degree. That means there aren't going to be enough graduates to fill the jobs. To make matters worse, 95 percent of our schools don’t teach programming.

“Learning to write programs stretches your mind, and helps you think better, creates a way of thinking about things that I think is helpful in all domains.“ - Bill Gates

Initially, The goal of Code.org was to get 5 million students in 33,000 classrooms around the world to learn at least one hour of computer science this week. The event continued to grow in popularity during Computer Science Education Week with the help of conventional media promotion, as well as social media. When all was said and done, 17,886,751 students took part in the hour of code. In its first three days, more students used the Hour of Code than Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram combined in their first three months. And it’s not a photo-sharing app or a game, it’s learning computer science.

Johnson Creek students in grades 4-12 were among those to try one Hour of Code during the Dec. 9-15 worldwide event. This movement, organized by Code.org and supported by Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and over 100 others, is a statement that today’s generation of students are ready to learn critical skills for 21st century success. As part of the “Hour of Code” event, students created interactive greeting cards, games, drew online, and other activities, including Angry Birds programming.

A special thank you to the staff that helped make this event possible. Staff members 4-12 took time to review lessons and materials to make sure everything was ready for students to have a successful hour of code.

Examples:

"Santa's Helpers" - By Kaylee Jablonski

Instructions: Click the green flag. Click the reindeer to make them float away.

Christmas on the Beach - by Alex Garza

Instructions: Click Flag then when the crab gets to the present he will say I can't wait to see what I got, wait about two seconds then press space . No further instructions.

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