Hello, everyone!
I know that spirits are high with Thanksgiving break just around the corner. So hang in there! Before you leave for break, let's start mapping out your Hour of Code Event.
Library Stations
Are you working face to face with some or all of your students? If so, you might set up stations for the students to rotate through. I'm quite sure socially distancing and hygiene are weighing heavy on your mind.
Do your students have their own computers they bring to class/library? If so, count yourself blessed. You can use some task cards/handouts for your students to use when they visit you in the library. They can use their own device and follow the tasks you have set up for them.
But, if that is not the case, don't worry! You won't have to wipe your laptops or iPads down after every session if you choose some unplugged activities. Unplugged activities are just what they sound like. They are "unplugged" because they do not require any devices. Unplugged activities use tangible objects or even just paper and marker to teach programming concepts through activities that seem like games.
On the Hour of Code website, you can choose the filters: Classroom Technology - No computers or devices. Then, because you are working with the students face to face, I'd recommend also filtering it down to the one-hour unplugged activities. You will find unplugged activities that use decks of cards, plastic cups, and even plain paper.
Here is one that caught my eye: iRobot Code Break. You'll find some cute printables where the students must solve offline puzzles using programming concepts, math and more! By the time they finish that have cracked the code to discover where the Root Robot is hiding!
Remote Access for Hour of Code
But, I will imagine for the vast majority of you, you need to plan something that can be completed remotely. So, think about the digital learning platform your school is using. Is it Seesaw? Google Classroom? Canvas? Teams? Or something else?
In all cases, URLs are an essential part of the platform. They all accept URLs and can easily be shared with students with a simple login. I think a simple Choice Board would be perfect for your Hour of Code. You can set up a different board for different grade levels. Create some fun activities for your students to use and include some eBook literature tie-ins when appropriate. Be sure to offer a little variety of activity types. (This is a still image below. The links will not work for you.)
With a little bit of ingenuity, you can have a fantastic Hour of Code for your students whether you are face to face, hybrid, or remote. Make it fun for you and them! Be proud of what you've accomplished!
Previous posts:
Two weeks ago I introduced you to Computer Science Education Week.
Last week I talked a little about your personal preparation for Hour of Code.
Dr. Laura
Have you met Nicole Kang? Talk about a code expert! She studied engineering at MIT and fell in love with education as she worked on various education related projects. Her website www.elementari.io was one of the recipients of the 2019 AASL Best Website for Teaching and Learning Award.
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