I have had the opportunity to observe the Hour of Code run by Code.org in two capacities. Both have led me to solidify my belief that coding is an essential skill and “Language” that needs to be an integral part of all learners educations.

The first was as a parent. My six year old son, who is has an immense desire for all things digital completed his hour at home with me using the Minecraft tutorial. The joy he took in completing each task as he worked towards a goal was infectious as we high-fived and hugged after each successful module. Listening to him write the code, explain his thinking out-loud and complete the sessions through trial and error working on problem solving techniques reminded me of the joy that learning can bring. Later that evening, listening to him explain what coding is to his Mother and explaining how he solved each problem reinforced how “sticky” authentic learning can be.

The second opportunity was as The Assistant Principal at my High School implementing the first Hour of Code within the building. As we prepared, we had 34 students voluntarily sign up to participate, along with 8 of our AP Computer Science students who had already completed an hour to assist anyone who had questions.  As student entered 9 more students came to the door asking if they could participate.  I certainly was not going to turn anyone away.  As I scrambled to find more devices in our overflowing antiquated computer lab I felt a sense of pride that in a school of 604, 51 students were working on coding, for no credit, or grade, just to see what it was like and get a sweet Certificate.  The students completely engaged and enjoyed their time throughout the hour.  Students took on challenges and moved from the Block programming to trying their hand at Java and those who had never touched a ounce of code before made comments like “this is cool” and “i did not know this is how games worked.”  Students of all ages, races, backgrounds and interests participated and both they and I left feeling great!

Lets hope that this is the start of a growing Comp Sci program here at my school and I want to Thank the students who participated for giving me that amazing teacher “high’ of student learning that AP’s often miss when they are out of the classroom.

I was given the opportunity to present to my colleagues as an “Innovative Leader.”   The prompt was that, “What does it mean to you to be innovative?”   The presentation was done in the Style of an Ignite session, like you would see at ISTE.  I had five minutes, no more no less and no clue what to talk about.  I thought about what my passion is, what I love to do and what is important to me as a parent of a 1st grader and and pre-k student.  I want schools to talk to me  I want to know what is going on in the building when I am at work.  I want to see.   Attached is what I presented on.  “I am the new connected parent, how can you reach me?”