Microsoft Corp., Mojang AB, and Code.org unveiled a “Minecraft” coding tutorial for students aged 6+ and educators, created especially for the third-annual Hour of Code, a campaign to broaden global participation in computer science, held during Computer Science Education Week, December 7–13.
“A core part of our mission to empower every person on the planet is equipping youth with computational thinking and problem-solving skills to succeed in an increasingly digital world,” said Satya Nadella, chief executive officer, Microsoft. “With ‘Minecraft’ and Code.org, we aim to spark creativity in the next generation of innovators in a way that is natural, collaborative and fun.”
On behalf of the University of Cyprus, Dr. Demetris Zeinalipour quoted: “Computer programming provides a unique instrument for fostering logic and analytical thinking. It teaches us how to abstract problems and formulate solutions that master complex problems in a structured way. The earlier our children learn to code, the sooner they will be able to understand the modern digital world and envision the sciences of the future. Computer programming is undoubtedly one of the most important tools of the modern scientist. We would like to thank all the children for their enthusiasm and creativity.”
The Hour of Code week was completed on December 13, with the implementation of a special event, held at the Microsoft Innovation Centre. Students of secondary education and university level, had the opportunity to meet Cyprus start-ups in person who inspired them by presenting how coding has helped them create and develop an idea that later lead to a successful business. A live link, a photobooth and the special prizes for the attendees, made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
Vanessa Antoniadou, Academic Program Manager at Microsoft Cyprus commented about Microsoft’s initiative by saying that: Through Minecraft curriculum that is available under code.org, students using a game they know and love, such as Minecraft, learned the fundamentals of programming in a creative and fun environment. In today’s digital era which we live in, programming and the ability that students have not only to use but to create technology themselves are key skills that prepare them for the future labour market.
It is Microsoft’s strong belief that all young people should have access to computer science education so they can learn this foundational subject matter and develop the computational-thinking and problem-solving skills that are critical for their future. Regardless of the career they pursue, young people globally will benefit from understanding how technology works as well as how to create, apply and use it. And for those young people who are excited about pursuing a career utilizing computer science, Microsoft will show them how this can help them build their futures.
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