150 events are taking place across the country this week as part of the global Hour of Code initiative, run by Code.org. As a platinum supporter of the global initiative, Microsoft is taking a leading role in Ireland to help drive awareness of the campaign and to create as many opportunities as possible for people – young and old – to get a taste of coding.
Over the past number of weeks, Microsoft worked with the Arts Council, Digital Schools, Junior Achievement and CoderDojo to get as many Irish events organised and registered as possible for the Hour of Code.
The global ambition for the programme is that ten million students will learn to code on the day.
While the focus is primarily on students, Microsoft is also seeking to open up the opportunity to learn to code to people who have already completed their education and are in a variety of roles across the economy and society.
Speaking about the initiative Orlaith McBride, Director of the Arts Council, said: “We were delighted to partner with Microsoft on the Hour of Code initiative. For many in the arts sector, coding is second nature – it’s a medium for use in creating artistic work or a tool to utilise in the building of an arts organisation’s app. Many others are just beginning to see the immense potential of coding, and left today’s event inspired to discover more about its promise.”
Speaking about the efforts, Cathriona Hallahan, MD, Microsoft Ireland said: “Coding is an international language and one which can be used and drawn upon regardless of where you live or work or what your passion is. We believe that learning to code is as important as learning the core subjects in school. Through the Hour of Code we want to create as many opportunities as possible for people to experience a taster for coding through a specially developed 60 minute course.
“While a lot of the focus will be on students, we also want to encourage older people, artistic and creative people, those in professional roles - and especially those who are not IT literate to get involved and try out coding. Coding has been described as being like poetry and we believe that if people try it out it could spark a love for a new language which could open up endless opportunities for them – whether they are 4 or 104.”
For more information about the Hour of Code log on to www.hourofcode.org/ie.
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