Computer Science Education Week

This week, through Dec. 15, is Computer Science Education Week. The week is designated in an effort to introduce children to the field of computer science – one of the most lucrative and in-demand careers out there. However, 75 percent of the population is underrepresented. Of that percentage, only 15 percent are women and only eight percent are Hispanic or African-American.

As part of Computer Science Week, students from Cotswold Elementary are participating in an Hour of Code that allows students to learn how a computer works, thinks and teach it to do what they want it to do.

The Hour of Code is a nationwide event designed to encourage more interest in computer science. Through gaming programs such as “Angry Birds” and “LightBot” students will receive instruction for core programming logic, sequence commands, identify patterns, use procedures and utilize loops. Corporate partner Sonic Automotive will be on hand to assist students with writing their first computer program.

If you’re interested in introducing your child to coding, check out code.org that has tutorials for beginners. There’s even a introduction video utorial on how to create your own interactive holiday card.

Check it out. Who knows, you might have the next Bill Gates sitting with you at your dinner table.