Public school students learn to code in Accenture event

Oprra National High School has just started offering Information Technology classes this year. But this early, its students are already showing interest and intelligence in the field of IT.

When before their experience with computers was limited to playing computer games, some of them can work on codes, thanks to their participation in Accenture’s Hour of Code last Dec. 9.

Most people are overwhelmed or even intimidated by coding since it involves command prompts and other technical jargon.

But in 2013, Hour of Code was launched by Code.org, a non-profit cause dedicated to expanding access to computer science and increasing participation of women and underrepresented minorities. The program reached millions of students through a one-hour introduction to coding and computer science.

The Hour of Code has to two modules. One involves control of Disney characters on the screen by manipulating blocks of code, and the other an introduction to concepts of artificial intelligence (AI).

Accenture teamed up with Code.org on Hour of Code and other STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics)-related educational initiatives. This year, the company harnessed its internal expertise to create a coding tutorial that gives the students a better understanding of AI.

The students expressed their excitement during the event, and Accenture’s leaders were pleased with their promising output.

Grade 10 student Faith Marie Contretas said her Hour of Code experience “was awesome and fun.”

“I finished the task right away. It’s easy to learn it, you just have to stay focused,” Contretas said of her first try in coding.

Kenth Bryan Suquib, another Gradde 10 student, said that he found coding techniques fun and easy.

“I will recommend this to my friends, for sure, because it’s actually a lot of fun. I was wrong to think that it will be difficult and boring,” Kenth said.

Arvin Yason, Accenture managing director for technology, said that the Hour of Code aims to encourage students to explore STEAM programs.

“It’s a great first step towards a career in technology. It is a great step towards a career in computer science,” Yason said.

Vince Impel, Oprra National High School ICT coordinator, said that it’s a one-of-a-kind experience for the students to learn coding, “it’s an opportunity for the students to learn skills that are in demand at present.”