Celebrate CSEdWeek with Hour of Code: Creativity with AI
Students and teachers alike can learn computer science and coding, as well as how AI works.
Today kicks off the most wonderful time of the year — Computer Science Education Week, of course! To celebrate, we’re taking our annual Hour of Code — a free introduction to computer science through fun activities and videos for all skill levels — to new heights with Hour of Code: Creativity with AI. Whether it’s coding new apps and algorithms, generating unique art, or crafting choreography to get us dancing, artificial intelligence is opening up fresh opportunities for digital expression that expand our understanding of creativity.
In just one year, generative AI has changed the trajectory of our day-to-day lives, and at Code.org, we want to help modern education meet this era of technological advancement.
Through this year’s Hour of Code, students will have the chance to learn not only computer science and coding but also how AI works, the ethical implications of AI, and how AI can be used to solve real-world problems.
What’s new?
Along with the over 100 new Hour of Code activities submitted this year — many of which introduce AI concepts — these standout activities promise to bring joy and surprises to any classroom.
Code.org, in collaboration with longtime supporter Amazon and its Amazon Future Engineer program, is launching an update to its most popular activity with Dance Party: AI Edition. During this hour-long introduction to coding and AI, students will create their virtual music video set to hit songs from artists including Miley Cyrus, Lil Nas X, Harry Styles, Nicki Minaj, and Rosalía.
Students will code their virtual dancer’s choreography and use emojis as AI prompts to generate visual effects. The activity will introduce participants to generative AI, including large language models and how they are used to power the predictive analytics responsible for creating new images, text, and more.
Minecraft Hour of Code 2023 | Minecraft Education
Venture through time to create your AI-powered inventions in the new Minecraft Hour of Code: Generation AI. This activity teaches kids ages 9–18 core principles of Microsoft’s Responsible AI framework, introducing young learners to the world of coding, instilling essential principles of computer science, and emphasizing the importance of responsible AI.
Versatile Hour of Code possibilities for every classroom
Whether students are seasoned programmers or embarking on their first journey into computer science, this Hour of Code is sure to be extraordinary. Explore a variety of classroom learning avenues, such as:
- Facilitate an Hour of Code session — With an extensive selection of over 700 activities, categorized by grade level, expertise, and the incorporation of AI, the possibilities are diverse.
- Google’s Discover AI in Daily Life lesson, part of the Applied Digital Skills curriculum, introduces students to artificial intelligence, how people use it every day, and its benefits and challenges using common Google products like AutoDraw, Google Translate, and Google Slides.
- Educators can introduce their class to at least one brief video from our student-centric series “How AI Works” — uncover the intricacies of ChatGPT, computer vision, and other AI concepts, explained by the innovators behind these technologies.
- Teachers can immerse themselves in AI 101 for Educators, a comprehensive five-part professional learning video series by Code.org, ETS, ISTE, and Khan Academy.
2023 Hour of Code and Code.org’s impact on AI education
The Hour of Code is designed to be accessible to everyone and no experience is needed. This global movement has reached tens of millions of students in 180+ countries.
Anyone, anywhere, can organize an Hour of Code event or try any of the over 700+ one-hour tutorials, available in over 45 languages. The event is supported by more than 400 partners, 20,000 educators, and 58,000 volunteers.
Dedicated to broadening the reach of computer science education, Code.org is steering its efforts toward enhancing diversity with various initiatives. Alongside these endeavors, there’s a fresh focus on introducing kids to the fascinating realm of generative AI. Acknowledging AI’s pivotal role in our modern landscape, Code.org underscores the importance of students gaining insights into it.
Along with the ETS, ISTE, Khan Academy, and the World Economic Forum, Code.org introduced TeachAI earlier this year. This initiative brings together a community of education and technology experts committed to supporting educators in comprehending AI and implementing effective teaching strategies for students.
The group recently unveiled the AI Guidance for Schools Toolkit — a valuable resource tailored for educators, school leaders, and policymakers navigating the integration of technology into classrooms. This toolkit outlines seven fundamental principles to guide the development of AI policies: purpose, compliance, knowledge, balance, integrity, agency, and evaluation.
We look forward to hearing about all of your #HourOfCode activities on social media and seeing more students responsibly learn about the fun, creative power of AI.
—Tanya Parker, Hour of Code Lead, Code.org
Code.org is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to every student having the opportunity to learn computer science as part of their core K-12 education. We are publicly funded by people like you. If you would like to join our commitment to computer science education by making a donation today, please click here. For questions, please contact Development at giving@code.org or (206) 593–5521. Thank you.
