Hour of Code programmes at Apple locations will entail an introduction to Swift Playgrounds, a free new app for iPad which elevates coding.
Apple has opened its Hour of Code workshops for registration at all 487 retail stores worldwide, set to run from 5-11 December in conjunction with Computer Science Education Week. The series teaches the basics of computer science in tandem with programming tutorials from Code.org.
Both partners share the goal of giving students an opportunity to learn. The programmes at key locations will include an introduction to Swift Playgrounds, the free new app for iPad which elevates coding. Its interactive interface encourages beginners to explore working with Swift.
The programming language is used by professional developers to create major apps. A new Hour of Code challenge in the app simplifies the setup of one-hour coding events. For those honing their coding skills, the platform adds a Learn to Code 3 set of lessons and companion Teacher Guide.
The brand has also developed a series of tools to extend Hour of Code to schools and community centres, including a free facilitator guide offering lesson ideas, group activities, and more. Apple Teacher, a free self-paced learning programme supporting teachers in the US, has added resources, badging and recognition for learning and teaching coding with Swift Playgrounds on iPad.
Continuing the tech giant’s $100 million commitment and ongoing partnership to provide 114 underserved schools with technology, services, and support, the group will provide materials and resources to assist ConnectED schools around the country to host their own Hour of Code workshops.
“We are proud to introduce the Swift Playgrounds app into the workshops and honoured to again work with Code.org on this initiative. Hour of Code is one of the absolute highlights of the year for both our teams and the families that visit our stores,” said Angela Ahrendts, SVP of Retail at Apple.
Apple was a global winner of the 2016-2017 World Branding Awards in the Mobile Phone category.
