Microsoft and Nanyang Polytechnic Promote Computational Thinking Skills in Singapore
With support from IDA, the first two pilot courses, which will take place this afternoon, are part of the Microsoft Singapore Week of Code initiative.
Microsoft and Nanyang Polytechnic are collaborating to promote computational thinking skills in Singapore with support from IDA (Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore).
Image source: Microsoft Singapore.
The partnership begins with a series of coding courses. The first two pilot courses, which will take place this afternoon, are part of the Microsoft Singapore Week of Code initiative. The trial courses conducted consist of two tracks: an entry level training for 20 students from non-core IT related NYP schools such as Interactive & Digital Media and Business Management; and an in-depth exploration of Big Data and Business Intelligence on Microsoft Excel and Office 365 for 20 students from the various IT diplomas courses at NYP.
Based on the feedback on these pilot classes, Microsoft and NYP will work closely with IDA to create a scalable and structured framework of practical coding courses to nurture interest and curiosity for the IT industry among young talents.
Microsoft Singapore, along with 18 Asian countries, have launched the initiative: “Code – the official Second Language of Asia-Pacific” with the catch phrase ‘We Speak Code’, inspired by Code.org. The momentum continues in May with a series of activities that encourage students and teachers to try coding in classrooms and even at home. Teachers at schools such as Australia International School, Chestnut Drive Secondary School, Pathlight School, and Woodlands Ring Primary School will be coming on board to promote computing skills by signing up to try Code.org’s ‘Hour of Code’ from 12 – 16 May 2014.
To encourage families to come together for this exciting initiative, Microsoft will open the doors to its offices in Singapore on Saturday, 17 May to allow members of the public across all ages to try an hour of code, learn how to write applications and discover creative possibilities with coding and technology. Participants interested in the Open House can register for free at the links below, limited to the first 400 people.
Please click on the following links to register for the Microsoft Singapore ‘Week of Code’ Open House on 17 May:
Session A, 10am – 12pm
Session B, 12.30pm – 2.30pm
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