Hour of Code at the Junior Academy of Coding Knowledge (JACK)

Coding is something I thought only tech geeks can do. It was only through my friend, May, that I learned that kids can do it too. One of her sons has been learning how to code. I thought it was something my own five-year-old son, Ziggy, might be interested in as well. It would be a great add-on too to what he is already learning through our homeschool lessons. I was apprehensive though thinking he was still too young. Luckily, JACK reached out to me and invited us to try coding during the Hour of Code event in their facility last December 10.

What is JACK?

JACK stands for the Junior Academy for Coding Knowledge, Inc. “JACK is a learning center that aims to equip kids with fundamental coding knowledge and develop their skills to create using the latest hardware trends and innovations. JACK’s mission is to provide them the highest quality learning experience by celebrating and encouraging their creativity through dynamic and project-based learning – all in a fun and engaging environment.”

Their facility is located at the Penthouse, East Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange Center, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. They offer various coding courses recommended for ages 7 to 16, even those who have no prior experience in coding. JACK trainers are graduates of the University of the Philippines, who are also current IT industry practitioners. Armed with industry knowledge, skills, as well as experience in teaching kids, JACK trainers have the mind and heart to help unlock your kid’s full potential.

Why is coding important?

During the event I learned that coding is important because this type of computer science education provides kids with the essential tools needed to innovate, pursue in-demand jobs, and understand the world. It also helps them develop problem solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills, which are needed regardless of whatever career they wish to pursue in the future.

While we can’t expect all kids will become engineers or computer science wizards in the future, they can all benefit from this knowledge because our world today is continuously being transformed by technology.

What is the HOUR OF CODE?

The Hour of Code is a campaign to encourage tens of millions of students around the world to try an hour of code. It aims to promote computational thinking as a fundamental skill for the 21st century and to promote careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). It is held during the Computer Science Education Week on December 5 – 11, 2016 in over 180 countries.

Microsoft and Code.org (a non-profit dedicated to expanding access to computer science and increasing participation by women and underrepresented students of color) partnered with each other to offer Hour of Code participants a new Minecraft tutorial this year, which lets students code their own game within a familiar Minecraft interface using computer science concepts such as loops and event handlers.

Our Hour of Code Experience

I brought Ziggy to experience an Hour of Code at the JACK facility. He had no idea yet what coding was. I only told him it had something to do with learning how to use a computer to make games. I had to explain it that way to make it easier for him to understand it. He was so excited with the idea of playing computer games and possibly playing Minecraft, which we haven’t allowed him to play yet at home.

JACK brought in some Microsoft representatives to explain to us what Hour of Code meant. The parents also had a separate briefing in another room wherein we learned why coding skills are very important for kids to learn.

The group of kids were divided between those with prior coding experience and those without. Ziggy joined the younger kids who had no prior experience. I think he was the youngest in the group that day. They proceeded to another room wherein they were taught coding twice, first using a Star Wars game and second through a Moana game.

Here’s Ziggy’s group while they were being taught coding using the Moana game. There was a video playing which showed the game interface. It gave instructions as to what the kids were supposed to do. Of course, there was also an instructor who guided them all throughout the process.

I didn’t know if Ziggy will be able to get it. But I’ve learned not to underestimate this kid that day. I was surprised that he could actually do it!

The game had several levels. On each level there is a goal to be reached. For example, they have to make Moana row the boat in order to catch some fish. In order to do that, they had to choose buttons (or codes) on the game that corresponds to directions such as “left turn”, “right turn”, “go forward”, etc. Then they have to make sure the codes are placed in the proper order, one after the other, so that Moana will do it in the proper order as well. The levels get harder and harder as you proceed.

I was so proud of Ziggy that day. He really enjoyed the experience so we hope to enroll him to take classes in JACK in the summer.

For those of you who are interest, you can enroll your kids in JACK too, you’d be happy to know they have a Minecraft Code and Mod class now ongoing.

They also have several coding classes already lined up for the summer. We hope to see you there!

To learn more about JACK and their courses, visit www.jack.com.ph and follow JackSchoolPH on Facebook.