Let’s face it, many of the jobs we’re doing today aren’t going to be around by the time our children are ready to join the workforce.
But it’s a safe bet that anything to do with computer science is here for the long haul, particularly the bewildering world of coding.
To demystify the whole mysterious process, Apple stores in Australia – and the rest of the world – are holding free Hour of Code workshops from December 5-11.
The program aims to teach the basics of computer science with Code.org’s programming tutorials.
To register for the Hour Of Code head over to the Apple website to find the nearest store to you. If you are not able to attend or you are interested in teaching Swift coding Apple has also released an Hour of Code with Swift Playgrounds Facilitator guide.
You can also discover a range of educational and coding accessories designed for iPad, iPhone, and more here.
Apple and Code.org share the goal of giving every student the opportunity to learn computer science.
“Hour of Code embodies our vision for Apple stores as a place for the community to gather, learn and be entertained,” says Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail.
“We’re proud to introduce the Swift Playgrounds app into the workshops and honoured to again work side-by-side with Code.org on this incredibly important initiative. Hour of Code is one of the absolute highlights of the year for both our teams and the families that visit our stores.
Since Hour of Code started in 2013, Apple has each year upped its participation and found ways to introduce more kids to computer science, says Hadi Partovi, founder and CEO of Code.org.
“The global footprint Apple offers through its stores and talented staff has reached tens of thousands of kids, and with the introduction of Hour of Code in Swift Playgrounds we can introduce coding to even more.”
This year, Hour of Code programs at many Apple locations will include an introduction to Swift Playgrounds, the free new app for iPad that brings coding to life.
The interactive interface of Swift Playgrounds encourages beginners to explore working with Swift, the easy-to-learn programming language from Apple, used by professional developers to create world-class apps.
“Coding is just like any language, the earlier you’re exposed the more successful you’ll be,” says Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering.
“Whether at an Apple Store, in a classroom, or at home with an iPad, Swift Playgrounds brings real coding concepts to life and empowers the next generation with the skills they need to express their creativity.”