Hour of Code: Minecraft

Hour of Code is a project designed to get different people interested in programming and computer science, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or technical expertise. It serves as a short introduction into the world of code, by allowing each individual to do as much coding as they can learn in an hour with guided expertise. The Hour of Code is extremely encouraging as it does not discourage people from writing either more simple or few lines of code, nor does it discourage them from really getting involved with the code. It is an event for anyone. Although not extremely complicated, when the Hour of Code sparks an interest in an individual, it has served its purpose.

The article “Microsoft Retools Minecraft to Teach Kids to Code” from Tech News World, discusses Microsoft’s recent announcement of participating in the Hour of Code project using Minecraft. Using Minecraft as a medium in Hour of Code mostly targets younger kids. This can be good because many kids have played Minecraft, and even if they haven’t they have probably seen it or heard of it. If a child has played Minecraft, they will be even more excited about the Hour of Code project. It has to do with something familiar that they enjoy. I believe that video games can be an important tool in interesting young students in programming.

First, many children already have an interest in video games; showing them something new they can do within or with them. In the video within the article, the creator of Minecraft mentioned that he himself sparked an interest in programming from video games.

Second, many games, especially Minecraft provide modding opportunities to those especially interested in programming. Modding for Minecraft is incredibly easy with the amount of free tutorials online, and communities willing to help you learn how to create your own mod. Many kids start off programming in just this way. They see something they like, and they want to make it better or more customized. An Hour of Code may not be as in-depth as modding is, but for those who never thought that they could do something like program, or for those who are a little uncertain that they can do something, this may be the perfect push into the world of code.

Certain games can encourage coding skills within them as well. For example, Minecraft has red-stone circuits, which allow one to built their own logic circuits. There are other games where the player can actually code certain actions as well, through a system similar to the one used by Hour of Code. More games could encourage learning of code through play like this.

Technology and computers are such a big part of today’s world that it is useful to know at least a little bit of programming. It is important to encourage younger children to learn how to code. Although not everyone will be a young talent or a future computer scientist, the basic skills of logic and programming are helpful to know. Games are a good medium to talk through to kids. More games should get involved like Minecraft and encourage children to code a little on their own.

References:

http://www.technewsworld.com/story/Microsoft-Retools-Minecraft-to-Teach-Kids-to-Code-82767.html