WELLS — In an effort to garner greater interest in computer science among K-12 students and others, the Wells- Ogunquit Community School District designated Dec. 7-13 Computer Science Education Week. A component of this week known as “Hour of Code” is a growing phenomenon in education around the globe.

Hour of Code “is an opportunity for every student to try computer science for one hour,” said the WOCSD Director of Technology Michael Richards. “There are many layers of activities to fit all learners K-12 regardless of the type of device you use.”

Working with students in the WOCSD during Hour of Code activities this year were educators Marty Cryer at Wells Elementary School, Beth Goodwin and Kerry Georgitis at Wells Junior High School and Cheryl Oakes with Andre Mercier in the computer lab at Wells High School. According to Goodwin, this coding involves Java Script and is a guided step-by-step process. Students work with a split screen with coding on one side and the resulting reinforcing animation on the other.

“Anyone can learn to code because code is just writing line by line instructions for a computer to follow,” said fifth-grade resource teacher Goodwin who, along with eight-grade science teacher Kerry Georgitis, held several hours of coding sessions during the week in the computer lab. With just one hour of instruction and practice, Goodwin is confident that anyone can gain enough information to understand what basic computer coding is and therefore be able to create a simple game to play.

According to Cryer, learning to code involves many components including “critical thinking, high order thinking, math, reading, science and problem solving all wrapped up into one neat package.” Goodwin said she would add “resilience” on the part of students to that list.

During the week, Goodwin’s students used the website code.org and other similar websites to learn about creating code with such games as Minecraft, Flappy Bird and a Star Warsthemed game. Disney Pixar also offers an elementary online coding experience based around the movie “Frozen.” To get coding skills and have fun at it, Goodwin also recommends a free app called Box Island, which can be downloaded for free on an iPhone.

According to Richards, code.org offers teachers oneday workshops “… to prepare educators to introduce computer science basics in a format that’s fun, accessible and relevant to the youngest learners. Students of all ages enjoy learning these fun and applicable skills,” he said.

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