Instead of playing games, kids in Edmonton spent an hour learning how to make them.
Children took part in the Hour of Code on Sunday at the Microsoft Store in West Edmonton Mall, joining eager tech pupils in 198,979 Hour of Code events across the globe, 4,655 in Canada alone.
“We are teaching kids the fundamentals of code and the basics of coding using Minecraft inspired challenges,” said Diviyan Matheendran, community development specialist Microsoft Store West Edmonton Mall.
While it may have looked like fun and games, these children were learning important computer skills that can help them pursue a successful career in a computer-oriented future.
By 2019, the Information and Communications Technology Council expects over 182,000 more tech related job openings in Canada.
“It opens up a lot of doors. A lot of kids these days grow up with computers and they know how to play these games and interact with computer programs, but they might be mystified when it comes to understanding how to build those programs,” said Matheendran. “We’re here to show them that it’s very easy, and it opens up a lot of creativity.”
He said in just one hour, kids can learn some of the fundamental skills that could turn into a life-long interest in computer science.
Leah Workman made a point of bringing her nine-year-old daughter Abigail to the Hour of Code event, hoping it will open her eyes to future opportunities.
“I think coding is very important for her future. It’s a foundation for any career opportunity in the future,” she said.
But Abigail, who takes part in other coding clubs for girls, said she truly enjoys creating with computer code.
“You get to make your own world with coding,” she said with a smile.
Abigail said she wished more girls her age would take up an interest in computer coding.
“In my opinion, I think the future world will be revolving around computers, so coding would be a good thing to have,” she said.
Online computer coding exercises for kids and teachers are available for free at www.code.org
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