{"id":129655,"date":"2022-11-10T18:18:57","date_gmt":"2022-11-10T18:18:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.microsoft.com\/?p=447677"},"modified":"2022-11-10T18:18:57","modified_gmt":"2022-11-10T18:18:57","slug":"developing-interest-in-computer-science-with-microsoft-makecode","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/2022\/11\/10\/developing-interest-in-computer-science-with-microsoft-makecode\/","title":{"rendered":"Developing interest in computer science with Microsoft MakeCode"},"content":{"rendered":"

As part of Microsoft\u2019s mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, our work in computer science education is critical to ensuring that all<\/strong> students have the opportunity to learn foundational computing skills. The mission of Microsoft MakeCode is to empower the next generation of technology creators through fun projects, immediate results, and both block and text editors for learners at different experience and grade levels.<\/p>\n

What is MakeCode Arcade?<\/h2>\n

MakeCode Arcade<\/a> is a free, online platform for building retro-style video games using block or text-based programming. Using blocks that snap together as a developmentally appropriate alternative to text-based programming languages, students at any skill level can create projects and share a multi-player interactive product in minutes.  <\/p>\n

While Arcade was designed for elementary and middle school students to develop hands-on fundamental coding skills, MakeCode Arcade offers an AP Computer Science Principles curriculum<\/a>. This College Board endorsed and approved curriculum aligned for high school students features game-based learning to increase student engagement and experimentation.<\/p>\n

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Leveling Up in Your Classroom<\/h2>\n

With less than 30% of teachers in elementary and middle school having a degree in a computer or technical services, we recognize that there are multiple pathways to teaching computer science1<\/sup>. In addition to supporting student learning, MakeCode promotes teacher learning pathways with free professional development opportunities, customizable lessons, and access to tailor-made resources that do not require pre-existing coding knowledge or expertise.<\/p>\n

Whether you are new to computer science, interested in bridging CS across the curriculum, or exploring the art of the possible with block-based programming, we encourage educators to familiarize themselves with MakeCode resources:<\/p>\n

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  1. Connect with our free MakeCode professional learning and self-guided resources<\/a> on Microsoft Learn. Pro Tip:<\/strong> We recommend starting with \u201cEngaging learners through games with MakeCode Arcade<\/a>\u201d as a great starting place.<\/li>\n
  2. Explore the skillmaps, tutorials, and live coding sections of MakeCode Arcade<\/a>.<\/li>\n
  3. Check out our standards-aligned Introduction to Computer Science<\/a> curriculum.<\/li>\n
  4. Visit and bookmark our dedicated teacher resource page<\/a> on the MakeCode homepage.<\/li>\n
  5. Share your insights and partner with a teacher in another school subject.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Connecting Arcade to Your Classroom<\/h2>\n

    After reviewing some of MakeCode\u2019s educator resources and tools, consider how you will use Arcade and block-based coding with your students:<\/p>\n