Explore Computer Science with the Hour of AI

You may have heard of the Hour of Code - a global movement that has been around since 2013 to introduce students to computer science through a 1-hour accessible activity. This year, it is the Hour of AI and it is designed to introduce students (and educators and parents) to how AI works and how they can use it ethically and how they can become innovators in the field.

The Hour of Code/Hour of AI always takes place during Computer Science Education Week, which happens to be next week! So what does this mean for you? What can you do to be a part of it or support it?

They have some awesome resources including handouts, slideshows, and posters. And they also have entire collections of ready-made activities for all different grade levels and topics. Browse through the resources and see if there is something you might be able to integrate into your classes next week or even between now and the winter break.

There are even activities geared towards educators and parents! Although all activities are designed as "lesson plans" to be presented to a group, you could always go through the lesson plan yourself or get a small group of teachers (maybe a PLC group) together to complete the activity collaboratively. And if you really just want someone who will walk you or your group through one of these activities...you're in luck! I recorded a presentation of SchoolAI's Hour of AI activity for teachers! Go ahead and watch the video and complete the tasks! You can count it as an hour of professional development and there's even an opportunity to submit your work to a contest through SchoolAI!

I hope you are able to spend an hour of your own time or your class time learning or teaching about this really vital skill!