It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Computer Science Education Week! Throughout the year, but especially from December 4-10, 2023, our goal is to inspire students to engage in computer science by providing them with opportunities to learn about AI, advocate for equity in digital careers and becoming responsible coders.
With at least 9 out of 10 jobs requiring digital skills and demand continues to grow, educational institutions around the world are integrating computer science into curriculum requirements. At Microsoft, we want all learners to be confident in their digital skills and have the opportunity to develop the skills needed for their future careers. Learners who have access to computers at school tend to better results in reading and mathematics and develop skills employers seek, such as analytical thinking and problem solving.
With a wide range of opportunities to Minecraft Education, Microsoft MakeCodeAnd ReturnWe are excited to provide teachers and students with engaging, easy-to-access resources during Computer Education Week (CSEdWeek) and throughout the year. From professional learning experiences to game-based computing activities, learners will be able to explore new skills to become safer, smarter and more confident online, opening up potential career opportunities and raising awareness for use technology manager.
Start your planning with the CSEdWeek Resource Guide
Microsoft philanthropies Technology Teaching and Learning Support (TEALS) Program The CSEdWeek 2023 Resource Guide is carefully curated to help you plan an inspiring week for your students. The guide includes Hour of Code events, activities, and more from Microsoft and our IT education partners. Check out this helpful resource and sign up to get the guide!
Plan an inspiring week for your students with the Microsoft Philanthropies Technology Education and Learning Support (TEALS) CSEdWeek 2023 resource guide.
Do the new Minecraft Hour of Code with your students
All students deserve the opportunity to explore AI technology to understand its implications, access career pathways, and be equipped to safely and confidently navigate an AI-powered world. Designed for anyone aged 7 and over, Minecraft Hour of Code: Generation AI is a fun and accessible way to explore the fundamentals of coding and responsible AI. Sign up to participate in a free Play Along hour of code on December 6, 2023, and let your learners participate in the Hour of Code lesson alongside a guest presenter and other classrooms listening from around the world.
Minecraft Hour of Code inspires learners to learn the fundamentals of coding and essential computer science principles, while encouraging thoughtful discussions about responsible coding and AI development. Get involved in CSEdWeek and make the new Minecraft Hour of Code!
Explore Cybersecurity with the Complete Minecraft Education Curriculum
Raise learners’ awareness of cybersecurity, online safety and digital citizenship with Complete Minecraft Education Cybersecurity Curriculum Progress. Resources include information on cybersecurity career paths, lessons aligned with Cyber.org And CASW Standardsand family engagement strategies. Minecraft Education helps learners ages 7 to 18 gain the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves and their data in our growing digital world by allowing them to practice in a fun, immersive experience.
The cyber skills program not only familiarizes students with digital citizenship and cyber ethics through critical thinking learning experiences, but also covers essential cybersecurity topics such as digital footprints, phishing, protection by password and understanding encryption, malware and ransomware. Learn more about teaching cybersecurity concepts with Minecraft Education in this Microsoft Learn module at your own pace.
Minecraft Education allows teachers to bring coding into any classroom and demystify critical topics like cybersecurity and AI. Educators have access to many computer science educational resourceswith opportunities for differentiated, student-centered instruction, inclusive standards-aligned content, and professional learning.
Develop your coding skills at every level with Microsoft MakeCode and Visual Studio Code for Education
Microsoft MakeCode Arcade
Microsoft MakeCode is a free online platform that brings computer science to life for all students with fun projects, immediate results, and block and text editors for learners of different levels. MakeCode Arcade lets students create their own arcade games online! Try the new Sparks Flight Skills Card or the Sparks Junior Steering Wheel tutorial to create a simple and fun clicker style game. Check educational resources for Sparks experiments and create games with your students this CSEdWeek!
Try MakeCode’s new Sparks Flying Junior tutorial and create a fun clicker-style game with your students.
Visual Studio Code for Education
Visual Studio Code for Education is a free online version of one of the world’s most popular professional code editors, optimized for learners. This year, for CSEdWeek, challenge your students to explore Scary mansion and code their own Python text adventure game! Learn more about Visual Studio Code for Education and introduce the world’s first code editor to your classroom.
Challenge your students to explore Spooky Manor and code their own Python text adventure game.
Discover coding careers with Flip
Minecraft Education and Flip are also joining forces for an exciting opportunity focused on coding careers in honor of CSEdWeek. THE Careers in Coding The event, taking place on December 7, will feature robotics technologist Kamak Ebadi of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab. His story promises to ignite the STEM dreams of every student and aspiring space enthusiast. During the event, he will discuss the power of coding to shape future careers and talk about NASA’s Artemis missions.
Take part in the experience and register for free Careers in Coding event. You can even submit your video questions in the Careers in Coding with NASA and Minecraft Flip Group for a chance to participate in the event!
Check out the Careers in Coding Flip event with NASA and Minecraft experts, taking place on December 7, 2023.
To extend student learning after the event, learners can code their way to the moon with Minecraft Artemis: Return to the Moondeveloped in collaboration with NASA.
Continue learning computer science long after CS Education Week
There’s a lot of learning to be had with so many Microsoft, Minecraft Education, MakeCode, and Flip opportunities to choose from before, during, and after CSEdWeek. Ready to explore even more complex topics like AI? Check out these resources to learn more.
Microsoft aims to inspire students to engage with computing by providing opportunities to learn, create and do. From our professional learning experiences to game-based activities, learners can discover new skills that will help them access career opportunities and thrive in IT, during IT Week computer science teaching and throughout the year.
