Computer Science Education Week at Brook Knoll Elementary

The week of December 7 through 11 saw the 3^rd annual “Hour of Code.” School kids worldwide participated in this global event in more than 180 countries, according to the web site https.code.org.
Technical Integration Specialist Kelly Utic facilitated this event locally at BrookKnollElementary School for 522 students in Kindergarten through 5^th grade. The one-hour tutorials taught the kids “snap block coding as a way to grasp the basic fundamentals to computer coding,” said Utic.
During the school year the kids in computer lab are learning basic computer skills appropriate to their age level. The kids learn the foundations of technology and keyboarding, according to Utic, and each student receives his or her own Scotts Valley Unified School District Google account. They use Accelerated Reader Program and Lexia while the older students (grades 3 to 5) learn Google Suite: Docs, Slides, Drawings, and Sheets.
“Hour of Code” is an introduction to the concept of coding and computer science developed by KhanAcademy and Code.org, who have put together a “comprehensive package that teaches basic block coding. These fundamentals allow students to learn basic coding at any age. As the student start to understand code, they can be challenged and move to advanced levels. Some of our 4^th grade students are learning Java Script,” said Utic
“Not only is it fun, it teaches problem-solving, creativity and communication skills,” Utic continues, “the skills learned through coding transfer over to other subjects including writing, reading and math. Today the 4^th grade class partnered with the two kindergarten classes for pair programming. Together the older students and younger students worked together to create, collaborate and learn unknown activities like coding.”
Brook Knoll Elementary School students have enjoyed participating in the nationwide event to support Computer Science Week – it’s a magical time for learning,” added Utic.