Hour of Code began as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to “demystify” code, to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort in over 180 countries reaching tens of millions of students around the world.
What began as one-hour coding activities has expanded to all kinds of community efforts that take place all year round, with a special emphasis during Computer Science Education Week in December. Inspired by the Hour of Code mission, global Dell Digital and IT team members banded together to bring the study of computer science to nearly 1,500 students worldwide.
In celebration of computer science, Dell team members reached out to local schools in their communities, and in some regions, invited students to the Dell campus.
In the United States, our team members worked with over 1,325 students in Texas and Massachusetts, visiting Wells Branch Elementary (Austin, TX), Liberty Hill Junior High (Liberty Hill, TX), W. Edward Balmer Elementary School (Whitinsville, MA) and Northbridge Middle School (Northbridge, MA).
In India, 90 students had the opportunity to visit one of three Dell sites in Bangalore and Hyderabad and participate in Hour of Code and one-on-one coaching with our team members. The event was attended by several leaders, including Hemal Shah and JP Sarkis. In Malaysia, our team members joined 35 students in year seven at ELC International School for an Hour of Code session.
Lisa Gogolinski, a technology teacher at Northbridge Middle School in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, noted that “the guests we hosted from Dell were fabulous. They were genuine, enthusiastic and were wonderful speakers to my teen audience. What great role models for my students’ young eyes.” She hopes to have Dell back to Northbridge Middle School for another Hour of Code session in the future.
Similarly, Shahab Alizadeh, head of computing at ELC International School in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, remarked that students found the Hour of Code session to be both informative and enjoyable and are “now more eager to move towards coding as one of their future ambition careers.”
Parents also praised the Dell volunteers, excited to see a passion for technology as a field of study and potential future career begin to develop in their young students. Many parents have inquired to learn more about Code.Org and how their child can continue their education in computer science at home. One parent wrote the following to Mrs. Gogolinski, expressing her gratitude for the Hour of Code session and the impact it had on her daughter:
“I just wanted to write you a note to let you know that Sarah thoroughly enjoyed your technology class today and the visitors from Dell!!! What a great thing to do! Thank you very much. Sarah is very proud of her ‘code’ certificate and it sounds like it was a huge success on many levels.
Thank you so much for all that you.”
Every student should have the opportunity to study computer science. It helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic, and creativity. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path. We look forward to continuing computer science education in our communities with future events already planned for the new year!
