The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify “code”, to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts! Over the past years since its inception in 2014, the Hour of Code has reached tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. The campaign is supported by over 400 partners and 200,000 educators worldwide. You can check out statistics on the global impact of the Hour of Code at code.org/about/evaluation/hourofcode.

DCU Institute of Education is proud to participate in Hour of Code. We believe that our students can enable primary schools to be introduced to the concepts of computer programming for the first time. Coding and computational thinking is now a key component of the B.Ed. programme. By partnering with schools, DCU can extend this learning opportunity past our walls.

Pupils walk through a basic tutorial using a computer or tablet and follow simple to understand instructions. They are introduced to programming basics through fun, drag & drop based Minecraft instructions that really do make programming fun.

With the advent of the STEM Education Policy Statement, schools are now expected to provide a wide range of STEM learning activities which focus on skills such as problem-solving, inquiry-based learning and team working so that young people are equipped with the skills needed to participate in our changing world.

Yes, there are many benefits for schools who take part in the Hour of Code. These include:

• The class will receive an Hour of Code Certificate to recognise their participation.
• Classes completing the Hour of Code will be eligible to enter into the draw to visit the Microsoft DreamSpace microsoft.com/dreamspace including €500 towards bus hire.
• Coding is now a key aspect of STEM Education in primary schools. The Hour of Code supports your school in the implementation of the STEM Education Policy.
• Participating in the Hour of Code may help your school in working towards being Highly Effective in the Learner Experiences Domain as set out in the Digital Learning Framework.
• The Hour of Code can be included as evidence for the SFI Discover Science and Maths Award.
• Your school is providing an opportunity for a future teacher to give something back to the school.

To find Hour of Code activities, visit code.org/learn. These are updated each year with new and exciting tutorials from new partner organisations.

You can find all four of the Minecraft activities at code.org/mc. They are Minecraft Voyage Aquatic; Minecraft Adventurer; Minecraft Designer; and Minecraft Hero’s Journey. Each one starts with an introductory video which set out the task or problem. The activities are self-explanatory and very child friendly.

Hour of Code activities are best experienced with internet-connected computers that can access the web-based activities. However, you can go to studio.code.org/download/mc to download the offline version of Minecraft Adventurer. If using a USB to put this on to school devices, check with the teacher that this is OK.

The only school data that will be shared with third parties is the number of pupils and geographical spread of schools that have participated in the Hour of Code. No identifying details of pupils or teachers will be shared with third parties. The details of draw winners will be shared with Microsoft Ireland in order to make arrangements for the Dreamspace visit.