The 'Hour of Code' is a Global Initiative by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org to Introduce Millions of Students to Computer Programming
PORTLAND, Ore., Jan14, 2022 – Blackbird has released user statistics for two free activities offered on Hour of Code™.
User feedback was positive and enthusiastic, with students expressing their enjoyment of the activities while praising Blackbird's unique approach to teaching text-based coding.
"I love how it specifically says you need to do this thing and its not overwhelming as it's broken up into pieces! This was very fun as I love how interesting text-based coding is."
"It was really good and explains pretty much everything I needed to know."
"I did the tetherball and this is my second time doing this screensaver one. I want more!"
Both activities provide free, easy access to the Blackbird lesson environment, which teaches JavaScript through engaging, project-based lessons. Beginners have the opportunity to try text-based programming through fun, step-by-step activities.
"Screen Saver" teaches students how to build an interesting "moving line" animation in JavaScript.
Students learn to use:
Variables, including simple objects
Conditional statements
Color theory
Animation
"Tetherball" is an exciting learning experience creating a JavaScript game. Students learn to build a complete game that is surprisingly fun to play and invites the student to learn more.
Students are exposed to several important computing concepts:
Declaring, assigning, incrementing and using variables
Boolean and numeric data types
Simple objects
Using graphics commands to draw shapes on the canvas
Conditional statements
Modeling velocity and acceleration
Both learning experiences are designed to be enjoyed by students from sixth grade on, especially those who enjoy computer games!
About Blackbird:
The Blackbird education platform is now open for students and instructors. Blackbird offers full access to our coding content through a 15-day free trial. Their simple, affordable pricing structure includes full support and professional development. Teachers do not need coding experience! With Blackbird, any science or math teacher can teach a coding elective, or even include coding in their regular curriculum. With district-wide scalability, superintendent consultation and ongoing expert support, Blackbird is designed to enable school districts to efficiently implement code education to reach all students from middle school on. For more information, visit Blackbird on the web at https://www.BlackbirdCode.com.
About Code.org
Code.org is a 501c3 public non-profit dedicated to expanding participation in computer science and increasing participation by young women and students from other underrepresented groups. Its vision is that every student in every school has the opportunity to learn computer programming. After launching in 2013, Code.org organized the Hour of Code campaign – which has introduced over 100 million students to computer science to date – and partnered with 70 public school districts nationwide to expand computer science programs. Code.org is supported by philanthropic donations from corporations, foundations and generous individuals, including Microsoft, Facebook, Infosys Foundation USA, Amazon, and others. For more information, please visit: code.org.