MILLSTONE — More than 100 students and parents became participants in a growing event when they attended “An Hour of Code” at the Millstone Township Elementary School. The children and adults were given a chance to do computer coding, regardless of whether their level was beginner or expert.
Code.com was responsible for kicking off the Hour of Code initiative throughout the United States and overseas. The goal was to reach at least 100 million students worldwide during December, according to Thomas Semko, director of Science Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) and District Data in the Millstone Township K-8 School District.
“I am very excited about the response here in Millstone,” Semko said. “We held ‘An Hour of Code’ to promote the importance of computer science education. It was wonderful to see parents and students working on computer coding together. This worldwide event reinforces the value of it.”
Semko organized the event with Michelle Falanga, a specialist in education for gifted and talented students, Beth Topinka, a fifth grade teacher, and Doreen Laskiewicz, who is the music teacher at Millstone’s elementary and primary schools.
A video about coding that included cameo appearances by President Barack Obama and actor Ashton Kutcher was shown. According to the video, millions of students around the country and around the world are being encouraged to try coding in computer class.
Coding is what makes it possible for people to create computer software, applications and websites, according to the website www.codeconquest.com.
Semko told the participants to try the Chromebook computers that had been placed on the tables in the lunchroom. Each Chromebook had program highlights software that introduced the user to the logic of computer programming regardless of one’s level of experience.
While the students and parents worked with a Chromebook, Semko lent a hand and spoke with the participants.
“As educators, we are preparing students for a world that is increasingly reliant on technology, and while ‘An Hour of Code’ serves to draw attention to coding, we hope to integrate these activities throughout the year as we push forward with our STEAM initiative,” he said. “Our district is dedicated to exposing students to design challenges that more closely align with the world they live in. That world will require students to have a basic knowledge of computer coding.”
Kristin Saker, the mother of a third grade pupil, was impressed with the program.
“This is good exposure to coding and an opportunity for people to socialize,” Saker said. “Some people say using computers makes us less sociable, but I can see that people are helping each other out and we are gathered in groups. Tonight was a great chance to learn together.”
Saker’s son, Jack, said he attended because he wanted to learn more about computer coding. He was also glad to spend time with his friends.
Parent Frank Smith said he enjoyed working on an ice skating computer code exercise. Although he had some knowledge of computer coding, it was interesting to see some of the cutting-edge programs for children.
“I think ‘An Hour of Code’ is relevant for the children in the community and the parents, too,” Smith said. “I am very happy we got invited to participate in something like this.”
Before the evening came to an end, Semko told the participants it always seems like an hour goes by in a blink when people are engaged in computer coding. In the future, he said, the program will allow the users to create their own apps, program the Internet, or design a game.
“We offered ‘An Hour of Code’ last year in classes, but we hope that evening events such as this one will provide a chance for parents and students to get excited about our curriculum,” Semko said.