The global Hour of Code initiative is coming to Slovakia again! From December 4 to 13, we will become part of an event during which everyone can try the basics of programming—just a willingness to create and the determination to learn new technologies is enough. Microsoft is also releasing a new tutorial again this year, thanks to which even a beginner can create their own game in the Minecraft environment in just one hour.
The Hour of Code is an initiative whose goal is to introduce children to the basics of programming in a playful way in just one hour. Every year, tens of millions of pupils and students around the world take part in the Hour of Code. “Digital skills will play an increasingly important role in the future. If today’s students want to succeed in the future labor market, they should master not only user skills but also the basics of programming. Advanced knowledge of technology will be required in 9 out of 10 professions. The Hour of Code is the ideal springboard for everyone who wants to start with programming. Through a playful approach, children will practise logical thinking and learn the basic principles of programming. In short, the Hour of Code simply shows that programming is not boring,” says Marcela Havrilová, Director for Education, Microsoft Slovakia.
This year, the Hour of Code in Slovakia will also have an inclusive character, as technologies are for everyone and in many cases can help people with disabilities integrate into society. With the help of assistants, pupils with hearing impairments will therefore also be able to try out the Hour of Code. Last year, almost 4 000 students from more than 50 primary and secondary schools participated in it here. Everyone who participated also received an international certificate. “The interest in the event confirmed to us that the Hour of Code is attractive to children and adults alike. I believe that this year the Hour of Code will inspire more teachers to include programming in the curriculum, and students to further improve their newly acquired skills,” adds Marcela Havrilová.
Microsoft gives everyone the chance to participate in the Hour of Code; no previous programming experience is required. You just need not be afraid to explore new things and have ordinary internet access and a computer, smartphone, or tablet. All information about how to organize the event is on the website hourofcode.com. On this site, you can also register your event and thus add it to the Hour of Code map of events around the world.
For schools that want to actively participate in the Hour of Code with their pupils and students, a virtual Hour of Code via Skype is prepared, which will take place on Monday, December 11, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The global Hour of Code initiative is brought to Slovakia by the nonprofit organization Code.org with the support of Microsoft.
About Microsoft
Microsoft is a leading technology manufacturer for a world where mobility and cloud are top priorities. Our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Microsoft Corporation was founded more than 40 years ago – in April 1975. The Czech branch began operations in 1992. In autumn 2015, we moved together with the Prague Skype division to the new world of work – offices created for work-from-anywhere across the world. In July 2016, the Czech branch joined forces with the Slovak one and Microsoft Czech Republic and Slovakia was formed. In autumn 2016, in Prague a Microsoft Dynamics development center was opened.