Hour of Code with Disney Codeillusion

 

As the world becomes immersed in the ones and zeros of technology, basic coding skills become increasingly useful. 

Apart from it’s technological utility, coding expands minds and offers exciting opportunities for people around the world. Not only are there 1.4 million software development jobs out there for the taking, but only about 400,000 computer science students to fill them. Even if you’re not interested in a career in computer science, you can still benefit from the skills it fosters, such as:

  • Communication skills
  • Logical reasoning
  • Organization
  • Creativity
  • Problem-solving
  • Resilience

Hour of Code opens the door for coding beginners to experience the brilliance and beauty of computer science. And with great pride, we’re excited to announce that Disney Codeillusion will be taking part in this mission. 

Read on to learn more about the Hour of Code and how Disney Codeillusion will be sprinkling in its own fairy dust this year.


What is Hour of Code?

Founded in celebration of Computer Science Education Week (CSedWeek), Code.org’s Hour of Code has evolved into one of the largest global educational programs to date. 

More than an event, Hour of Code is a movement. 

Dedicated to spreading the joy of coding, Hour of Code features hundreds of fun coding activities to capture the creative minds of students and adults alike. This year, you can organize an Hour of Code event at your school, household, or company from December 7 through 13. 

You won’t be alone in this endeavor. This program has managed to have an extensive global reach since its inception. In fact, the numbers speak volumes:

  • 42,000 events are hosted worldwide
  • 180 countries have participated
  • Coding resources are available in more than 45 different languages

Their goal? To reach 100,000 classrooms worldwide. You can help make that dream come true.


How Does Hour of Code Help You Learn?

To understand how Hour of Code helps you learn, you first have to grasp the nature of coding. When most people think coding, they think long, complicated series of text on a dark screen. 

Coding, at its core, is much simpler than that.

Coding at its Core

When people think of coding, they’re often thinking of something called syntax, or the grammar and spelling of a particular coding language. However, the crux of coding is actually in the logical reasoning behind this syntax. The words and numbers that make a program run are nothing without the fundamental problem solving that drives the code.

In essence, coding is no different than solving a puzzle (but it is more fun). 

This is why your coding education doesn’t necessarily need to start with a computer. Unplugged activities (covered in more detail later) can introduce you to the fundamental concepts behind programming without an internet connection. These can involve physical movement, cards, or even something as simple as a pencil and paper. 

Much like how humans learn to speak before they learn to write, coders learn to think before they learn to write code. 


Where Does Hour of Code Come in?

Hour of Code helps kids learn by emphasizing computational thinking over syntax. 

That’s why most of their activities are based in a block coding language similar to Scratch called Blockly. 

This language allows students to drag and drop various commands across their screen, fitting them together like puzzle pieces, pressing “run,” and watching the magic unfold as their code comes to life. This clever program lets kids immediately see the results of their efforts, empowering them to learn more. 

All you need to start is a laptop, tablet, or even paper and pen. 


Who Can Participate?

The short answer: anyone! 

While the main goal of Hour of Code is to reach every classroom around the globe, you don’t have to be a student to experience the fun. Even presidents can program a computer! 

Whether you are a teacher introducing your K-12 students to coding, an adult wanting to make a career change, or a curious mind exploring a new skill, Hour of Code is the perfect way to start. 


Join Disney Codeillusion for Hour of Code

This December, join Mickey Mouse and Disney Codeillusion on Hour of Code for a special Media Art adventure where you’ll explore JavaScript! (Pro tip: You might even see Rapunzel and original Disney movie scenes from Tangled make a magical appearance!)

Through Disney Codeillusion’s engaging narrative, you’ll code your way through a fantastic Disney-packed adventure. This activity will not only teach you about basic commands and algorithms, but it will also inspire you to learn more about coding. 

Why You Can Trust the Process

While Hour of Code activities are easy, becoming a Curriculum and Tutorial Partner is not. Disney Codeillusion had to go through extensive review by the following committees to be approved:

  • An advisory committee made up of experienced members of K-12, nonprofit, for-profit, academic, and international organizations.
  • A review committee of 15 representatives across various K-12 institutions that ensure submitted activities have an ability to engage students, appeal to a diverse set of learners, and hold immense educational value. 

Needless to say, our activities and methods have been given a thumbs up from dedicated educators and advisors—and once you experience the fun, you’ll give it a thumbs up too! 

As far as our magical activity with Mickey and friends, you can look forward to your Disney-themed adventure this December. 


Getting Excited For Coding

You don’t have to wait for Hour of Code to get excited about coding. To prepare (and get pumped), give your students a taste of programming through unplugged activities, either inside or outside the classroom.

Here are just a few that are as fun as they are educational:

  • If/Then Simon Says – This unplugged coding activity takes kids outdoors with a twist on the classic game of Simon Says. Instead of simply making commands, “Simon,” or the programmer, will make conditional statements, like “if I spin once, then you jump twice.” The players, or the computers, will then try their best to follow along. Hilarity—and learning—ensues!

  • PB&J – Learn the basics of coding logic through a fun role-playing activity. Have a friend, student, or teacher act as a computer (robot motions are a bonus) and tell them to be as literal as possible. Everyone else needs to tell the computer how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Once you start, you’ll find this isn’t as simple as it seems.

  • Feed the Mouse – Set up a path out of playing cards and place tasty treats in various locations around the path. One player will be the mouse, hungry for snacks, while the other player will be the computer program, which tells the mouse how to move. The goal: move the whiskered creature through the maze without skipping any treats! This fun game teaches communication, algorithms, and debugging. 

    • Once you’re hooked on the thrill of coding, you’ll be all set to host or participate in an Hour of Code event! Whether you’ll be working on one of our online activities or embarking on more unplugged adventures, you’ll step into this fun-filled world on the right foot. 


    Turn an Hour of Code into a Lifetime With Disney Codeillusion

    Once you’ve experienced the magic of coding through the Hour of Code, don’t stop at those marvelous 60 minutes. Instead, stay on your enchanted carpet ride of coding for a bit longer.

    With Disney Codeillusion, you and your students can explore the logic and problem-solving skills behind coding, all while immersing yourselves in a breathtaking adventure! Its comprehensive program will take you through a whimsical journey, which includes:

    • 125 coding lessons
    • 30 minutes per lesson on average
    • A hands-on Magic Book
    • Mystery puzzles to unlock
    • Themed, keepsake postcards

    Whether you want to build on your skills from the Hour of Code or branch out into a new coding language, you’re in luck—Disney Codeillusion introduces you to four new languages, including:

    • HTML
    • CSS
    • JavaScript
    • Processing

    No matter what your dreams are for animations, web design, or game development, Disney Codeillusion gives you the power to make them come true. No need to wish upon a star—just turn on your computer and sign up. Try our free trial and revel in the magic today!  


    Sources: 

    Getting Smart. 5 Things You Need to Know About the Hour of Code. https://www.gettingsmart.com/2015/10/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-hour-of-code/ 

    ThinkFun. 6 Unplugged Coding Activities for Hour of Code. http://info.thinkfun.com/stem-education/6-unplugged-coding-activities-for-hour-of-code