An Hour of Code. Cool, Important! Engaging?

If you are reading this blog (or any blog for that matter) you are probably familiar with the stats. For a refresher....

• There will be one million more computing jobs than students over the next 10 years (adding up to $500 billion in salaries).

• More than 50 percent of all projected math and science occupations are in computing occupations.

• Computing occupations are among the highest-paying jobs for new graduates. Yet fewer than 3% of college students graduate with a degree in computer science.

• In 25 states, computer science classes don’t count toward math or science high school graduation requirements.

• Less than 20% of AP Computer Science students are women. Less than 10% are black or Latino. http://hourofcode.com/us/resources/stats

An hour of code is a terrific way for you to try out the idea of teaching code in your classroom or your school. I have not tried it yet, but will be rolling it out this December. I would love your comments and ideas....

• Is coding as important as science, math, english?
• Is coding a way to reach a group of disengaged students?
• What is your experience with using code.org or codeacademy?