More than 100 elementary and high school students are one step ahead of their counterparts after spending a day of computer coding at UBC’s Okanagan campus Saturday.
UBC Okanagan, in partnership with Codecreate, promoted an Hour of Code, a grassroots global science and digital literacy awareness campaign aimed to encourage students around the world to try computer coding. High school and elementary students were tasked with basic computer coding activities.
“Coding is quickly becoming an essential skill, alongside reading and writing,” said Deborah Buszard, UBC deputy vice-chancellor.
“Codecreate is an outstanding example of Okanagan communities coming together with UBC to position the next generation of learners for success in the economy of the future.”
Tyler Peatland, UBC elementary teacher candidate and event volunteer, sees the benefits of teaching coding to students.
“Understanding the deeper meaning of how coding relates to everyday life will be beneficial to any student trying to grasp how the world works,” he said.
The provincial government has announced coding will become part of the overall kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum in B.C. schools.