Coding for the Future: Hour of Code

by LaToya Fernandez, Teacher, Discovery Prep  

Next week, Rocketeers will be celebrating Computer Science Education Week by joining in the “Hour of Code,” an international coding educational event. With this early introduction to coding, young Rocketeers can nurture their problem-solving and logic skills and express their creativity. Our students will become the future of medicine, politics, law and education. A solid STEM foundation will help them continue on a college-bound path and open up doors to careers in the sciences.

With the role of technology continuing to grow in our society, computer science careers will no doubt have a massive impact on our future. I see technological literacy as a key to our students’ future success. But I also know that students of color and women are vastly underrepresented in STEM fields. According to the National Science Foundation, only 18% of computer science degrees are awarded to students of color. At Rocketship, we hope to change that.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DxWIxec6yo]

We are banding together as a network and partnering with Code.org along with tens of millions of students in 180+ countries around the world. Through this program, our students can learn the basics around computer coding and even indulge in some of their favorite games and movies such as Minecraft and Frozen. The Hour of Code is explicitly designed to “demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics.”

It is imperative as we are thinking about the opportunity gap that we provide our students with opportunities to access programs that will enhance their learning in today’s technology heavy society.

Let’s get coding!

LaToya started her career at Rocketship as a member of the support staff team. She transitioned to an enrichment coordinator then a Rocketship tutor (ILS) before becoming a fifth grade humanities teacher at Discovery Prep. LaToya graduated from Newbury College in Boston where she studied Media writing and English.

Published on December 3, 2015