Introduction
Apple has announced a series of expansions to its widely acclaimed ‘Everyone Can Code’ initiative, aiming to broaden participation and make coding accessible to more students. The company has redesigned the curriculum, introduced new resources for educators, and expanded outreach efforts during Computer Science Education Week.
Curriculum Redesign
The updated ‘Everyone Can Code’ curriculum is designed to introduce elementary and middle school students to coding concepts through engaging activities that connect with their everyday lives. Apple emphasizes inclusivity by adding more resources for teachers, a new student guide called Everyone Can Code Puzzles, and refreshed materials aligned with the Swift Coding Club program.
Updated Resources
The redesigned curriculum includes several enhancements:
- Interactive Learning Tools: New activities are designed to be hands-on, encouraging students to experiment and learn at their own pace.
- Teacher Companion Guide: This guide provides solutions to puzzles, assessment strategies, and accessibility resources to support educators effectively.
- Accessibility Features: The updated materials are optimized for VoiceOver, with closed captioning and subtitles in American Sign Language.
Enriched Outreach
Apple has expanded its outreach efforts during Computer Science Education Week:
- Thousands of free coding sessions will be held at Apple Stores from December 1 through 15, 2019.
- These sessions are designed to inspire young coders with block-based coding using robots and advanced concepts like Swift Playgrounds for older participants.
Preschool-Aged Coding Sessions
In a new initiative, some stores will offer special coding sessions for preschool-aged students in the Apple Coding Lab. These sessions will feature popular characters from Sesame Street to make learning fun and engaging for young children.
Integrating Creative Arts
Apple has also expanded its efforts beyond coding into related STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) subjects:
- Everyone Can Create: Launched last year on Apple Books, this project supports teachers in integrating drawing, music, filmmaking, and photography into the curriculum using Apple technology.
Advanced Coding Support
Apple has introduced new coding resources to support more advanced learners:
- Coding Sessions: These sessions include block-based coding for younger participants and advanced topics like Swift Playgrounds for older coders.
- Coding Lab: A dedicated space in some Apple Stores will offer specialized activities for preschool-aged students, using familiar characters to introduce them to coding concepts.
Support for Educators
Apple is committed to providing educators with the tools they need to succeed:
- Teacher Companion Guide: This guide includes solutions and assessment strategies tailored to each activity.
- Accessibility Features: Materials are designed to be inclusive, with support for students with visual or hearing impairments.
Community Involvement
Apple encourages community involvement in its coding initiatives:
- Schools and libraries are invited to host coding events throughout the year, allowing students to explore coding in a fun and supportive environment.
Conclusion
Apple’s expansion of ‘Everyone Can Code’ reflects its commitment to making technology education accessible and engaging for all learners. By offering new resources, expanded outreach, and advanced support for educators, Apple is paving the way for a future where coding is an accessible part of every child’s education.