Hour of Code - Extended!

We've introduced the concept of Hour of Code to all classes in 4-8 and they absolutely LOVE it!

There are a bunch of browser-based programs that half the groups are working through on the laptops and a smaller number of iPad apps that the other half are enjoying. I am continually amazed at how well the students are doing overcoming their initial frustration with limited or no instruction from "The Front" and figuring things out on their own. The fist pumps and excited exclamations when they figure things out far outweigh the grumbling when I won't let myself or others just tell them what to do when they're stuck.

My mantra has become, "The beginning of learning is curious confusion and frustration." This week several principals toured our school to check out all the great math learning happening in different classrooms and it was wonderful to have them visit our Grade 8's working on their Hour of Code projects. Perhaps some of the pictures they took will appear where we can see them or better yet, their schools will implement some of these ideas to bring their students from end-users to digital designers.

Stay tuned for more details!

Let's talk about the iPad apps I've found to introduce critical digital thinking to our students. These ones are all free, so that's an added bonus!