Creative Coding Through Games and Apps (CCGA)

Description/Rationale

Explore the value of the Creative Coding through Games and Apps curriculum.

  • "More than 50% of today’s jobs require some degree of technology skills, and experts say that percentage will increase to 77% in the next decade.” - US Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • "Computer science is a top paying college degree and computer programming jobs are growing at 2x the national average. - Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Science Foundation, Bay Area Council Economic Institute.

Creative Coding through Games and Apps (CCGA) is designed to attract and reach a broad range of students, including those who may have never before considered programming.

  • Online and in-class lessons emphasize hands-on coding
  • Students learn to program by writing real code.

Objectives/Learning Goal(s)

  • Learn how teachers with little to no coding experience can help their students learn to code with the Creative Coding through Games and Apps curriculum

This session applies to:

  • Grades 1-12
  • All subjects/content areas
  • Professional Learning Communities
  • Teacher Professional Development
  • Administrators

Activities

Group discussion #1 As a group, answer the following questions:

  • Do you currently incorporate coding lessons in your curriculum?
  • If so, what do you use? What impact does it have on student learning?
  • If you do not currently incorporate coding lessons, discuss your thoughts on coding in the classroom.

Watch the video shown right

Play

  • Go to Touch Develop to get a taste of programs your students can learn how to code.
  • The script simulates the rolling of 3 dice to provide examples of how random numbers are used in programming.
  • Tap/click the screen to roll the dice. Get points for 2 or 3 alike.

Explore

Microsoft has an entire program dedicated to coding with students. It's called Creative Coding with Games and Apps. Teachers can use all or just part of the curriculum to use with their students.

Watch the Office Mix

Group Discussion

Based on the Office Mix and your review of the notebook, answer the following questions:

  1. What age levels could use this course?
  2. What skill level is required for students taking the course?
  3. What skill level is required for teachers teaching the course?
  4. What is the structure of the course? (How long is each lesson? How many weeks are required? What flexibility is offered in the course?)
  5. What value do you think the course could add to students' learning?
  6. What personas are met by using CCGA? Why?

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