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Technology superstars ask kids to code (1st March, 2013)

The biggest names in technology want today's children to learn computer programming. Other stars, from the world of sport, entertainment, fashion, etc., also say kids need to learn to code. People like Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Microsoft founder Bill Gates have appeared in a video to tell children coding is fun. Dropbox creator Drew Houston believes coding is like learning to play a musical instrument or playing a sport: "It starts out being very [scary], but you kind of get the hang of it over time," he said. Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am also appeared in the video. He said: "Great coders are today's rock stars." Basketball star and coder Chris Bosh told kids he thought coding was cool.


 

The video is from Code.org – a non-profit foundation that wants schools to give children more lessons on computer programming. Its website says: "Every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn to code." The site contains dozens of quotes from high-profile figures. The first is from the late Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, who said a long time ago: "I think everybody…should learn how to program a computer because it teaches you how to think." Video game designer Gabe Newell explained how coding can really change children's lives. He said: "The programmers of tomorrow are the wizards of the future. You're going to look like you have magic powers."

Sources:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2415918,00.asp
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57571377-93/zuckerberg-and-gates-join-the-learn-to-code-movement/

WARM-UPS

1. COMPUTER PROGRAMMING: Walk around the class and talk to other students about computer programming. Change partners often and share your findings.

2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, decide which of these topics or words from the article are most interesting and which are most boring.

 

biggest names / technology / entertainment / musical instrument / coding / rock stars / foundation / computer programming / quotes / Apple / game designer / magic powers

Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.

3. CODING: What kind of software would you like to make? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

 

What would it do?

Why?

To study

 

 

For music

 

 

Social networking

 

 

For mail

 

 

For games

 

 

Other ________

 

 

4. COOL: Students A strongly believe computer programming is very cool; Students B strongly believe it isn't.  Change partners again and talk about your conversations.



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5. TECH COMPANIES: Which company would you like to work for? Rank these and share your rankings with your partner. Put the best at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

  • Apple
  • Google
  • Twitter
  • Samsung
  • Microsoft
  • Facebook
  • Blackberry
  • Sony

6. TECHNOLOGY: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word 'technology'. Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.

BEFORE READING / LISTENING

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if  a-h  below are true (T) or false (F).

a.

The longest names in technology want children to learn coding.

T / F

b.

The article says people like Facebook's CEO and Microsoft's founder.

T / F

c.

The creator of Dropbox said learning to code was like playing sport.

T / F

d.

Musician will.i.am said great coders are the same as rock stars.

T / F

e.

Code.org is hoping to make a lot of money from its website.

T / F

f.

The code.org website has quotes from 12 famous people.

T / F

g.

Steve Jobs said everybody should learn computer programming.

T / F

h.

A game designer said coders look like they have magical powers.

T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

1.

programming

a.

frightening

2.

founder

b.

people

3.

scary

c.

trendy

4.

get the hang of

d.

abilities

5.

cool

e.

chance

6.

children

f.

dead

7.

opportunity

g.

coding

8.

figures

h.

kids

9.

late

i.

creator

10.

powers

j.

learn

3. PHRASE MATCH:  (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

1.

The biggest names

a.

foundation

2.

from the world

b.

the hang of it

3.

coding is like learning to play a

c.

was cool

4.

you kind of get

d.

high-profile figures

5.

Bosh told kids he thought coding

e.

in technology

6.

a non-profit

f.

wizards of the future

7.

dozens of quotes from

g.

musical instrument

8.

it teaches you how

h.

powers

9.

The programmers of tomorrow are the

i.

of sport

10.

look like you have magic

j.

to think

 

GAP FILL

The biggest (1) ____________ in technology want today's children to learn computer programming. Other stars, from the (2) ____________ of sport, entertainment, fashion, etc., also say kids (3) ____________ to learn to code. People like Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Microsoft founder Bill Gates have (4) ____________ in a video to tell children coding is fun. Dropbox creator Drew Houston believes coding is like learning to play a (5) ____________ instrument or playing a sport: "It starts out being very [scary], but you kind of get the (6) ____________ of it over time," he said. Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am also appeared in the video. He said: "Great (7) ____________ are today's rock stars." Basketball star and coder Chris Bosh told kids he thought coding was (8) ____________.

 

 

 

hang
need
coders
names
musical
world
appeared
coders

The video is from Code.org – a non-(9) ____________ foundation that wants schools to give children more lessons on computer programming. Its website says: "Every student in every school should have the (10) ____________ to learn to code." The site (11) ____________ dozens of quotes from high- (12) ____________ figures. The first is from the late Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, who said a long time ago: "I think everybody…should learn how to program a computer because it (13) ____________ you how to think." Video game (14) ____________ Gabe Newell explained how coding can really change children's lives. He said: "The programmers of tomorrow are the (15) ____________ of the future. You're going to look like you have magic (16) ____________."

 

 

profile
opportunity
wizards
profit
designer
powers
contains
teaches

LISTENING - Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1)

______ technology want today's children to learn computer programming.

 

a.  The biggest names in
b.  The biggest name in
c.  The biggest names on
d.  The biggest named in

2)

appeared in a video to tell children ______

 

a.  coding is funny
b.  code in is fun
c.  coding is fun
d.  coding isn't fun

3)

coding is like learning to play a ______

 

a.  music instrument
b.  musical instruments
c.  music instruments
d.  musical instrument

4)

but you kind of get ______ over time

 

a.  the hung of it
b.  the hangs of it
c.  the hanging of it
d.  the hang of it

5)

Basketball star and coder Chris Bosh told kids he thought ______.

 

a.  coding was cool
b.  coding is cool
c.  coding was hot
d.  coding is hot

6)

Every student in every school should have ______ learn to code.

 

a.  the opportunity too
b.  the opportunity two
c.  the opportunity tool
d.  the opportunity to

7)

The site contains dozens of quotes from ______.

 

a.  high-profit figures
b.  high pro-file figures
c.  highly-profile figures
d.  high-profile figures

8)

learn how to program a computer because ______ to think

 

a.  it teaches you how
b.  it teaches me how
c.  it teaches us how
d.  it teaches all how

9)

The programmers of tomorrow are the ______

 

a.  wizards of the future
b.  wizards of yesterday
c.  wizards of yesteryear
d.  wizards of the futures

10)

You're going to look like you ______

 

a.  have magical powers
b.  have magician powers
c.  have magic powers
d.  have magically powers

LISTENING – Listen and fill in the gaps

(1) ___________________________ technology want today's children to learn computer programming. Other stars, from the world of sport, entertainment, fashion, etc., (2) ___________________________ to code. People like Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Microsoft founder Bill Gates have (3) ___________________________ children coding is fun. Dropbox creator Drew Houston (4) ___________________________ learning to play a musical instrument or playing a sport: "It starts out being very [scary], but you kind of (5) ___________________________ over time," he said. Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am also appeared in the video. He said: "Great coders are today's rock stars." Basketball star and coder Chris Bosh told kids (6) ___________________________.

The video is from Code.org – (7) ___________________________ that wants schools to give children more lessons on computer programming. Its website says: "Every student in every school (8) ______________________ to learn to code." The site contains (9) ___________________________ -profile figures. The first is from the late Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, who said a long time ago: "I think everybody…should learn how to program a computer because (10) ___________________________." Video game designer Gabe Newell explained (11) ___________________________ children's lives. He said: "The programmers of tomorrow are the wizards of the future. You're going to look (12) ___________________________."

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1.

Who wants kids to learn computer programming?

2.

What did the Dropbox creator liken coding to?

3.

What did Drew Houston say coding was like at the beginning?

4.

What did will.i.am say coders were like?

5.

What did a basketball star say about coding?

6.

What kind or organization is Code.org?

7.

What did Code.org say every kid should have?

8.

What did Steve Jobs say computer programming teaches you to do?

9.

Who is Gabe Newell?

10.

What did Gabe Newell say coding can change?

MULTIPLE CHOICE - QUIZ

1.

Who wants kids to learn to code?

6.

What kind of organisation is Code.org?

 

a) the biggest name in technology
b) all of the big names in technology
c) some of the biggest technology
    names
d) some of the biggest names in
    technology

 

a) an international coding university
b) a non-profit foundation
c) a social networking website
d) a spy site

2.

What other stars said kids needed to code?

7.

What did Code.org say every child should have the opportunity to do?

 

a) rock, tech and soccer stars
b) fashion, entertainment and sports
    stars
c) sports, business and movie stars
d) pop, fashion and sports stars

 

a) meet famous coders
b) go to school
c) use a computer to learn
d) learn to code

3.

What did Drew Houston say coding is like?

8.

How many people's comments are on the Code.org website?

 

a) learning to play the piano
b) learning to play soccer
c) learning to play a musical
    instrument
d) learning to play cards

 

a) dozens
b) 12
c) too many to count
d) countless

4.

What did Drew Houston say coding was like at the beginning?

9.

What did Gabe Newell say coding can change?

 

a) scary
b) exciting
c) impossible
d) boring

 

a) software
b) video games
c) kids' lives
d) the planet

5.

How did a basketball star describe coding?

10.

Who did Gabe Newell say would be the wizards of the future?

 

a) He said it was a waste of time
b) He said it was awesome
c) He said it was cool
d) He said it was life-changing

 

a) kids who go to technology
    universities
b) tomorrow's programmers
c) people who love Harry Potter
d) everyone

ROLE PLAY

Role  A – Coding teacher

You believe coding is one of the most important things kids can learn. Tell the others three reasons why. You think children should learn coding for two hours a day at school instead of subjects like art, history and foreign languages. Coding will change the world.

Role  B – Tech-hating parent

You don't understand why people are talking so much about coding. Coding is for geeks and nerds. You want your children to learn useful things like art, history and foreign languages. Tell the others three reasons why. Also tell them coding will never change anything in the world.

Role  C – English teacher

You learning English is the most important thing your students can do. Tell the others three reasons why. English is the world language. Everyone can get a good job with English. Coding jobs do not pay good money. You think coding should never be a school subject.

Role  D – Kid

You love technology. You really want to be a coder. Tell the others three reasons why. Your school subjects are boring because you cannot create anything. You want to learn coding so you can change the future and work for cool companies like Apple or Google.

AFTER READING / LISTENING

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words 'magic' and 'power'.

magic

power

 

 

 

  • Share your findings with your partners.
  • Make questions using the words you found.
  • Ask your partner / group your questions.

2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

  • Share your questions with other classmates / groups.
  • Ask your partner / group your questions.

3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

  • biggest
  • founder
  • musical
  • scary
  • member
  • cool
  • profit
  • opportunity
  • profile
  • late
  • designer
  • magic

COMPUTER PROGRAMMING SURVEY

Write five GOOD questions about computer programming in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper.

When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

 

STUDENT 1

_____________

STUDENT 2

_____________

STUDENT 3

_____________

Q.1.

 

 

 

 

Q.2.

 

 

 

 

Q.3.

 

 

 

 

Q.4.

 

 

 

 

Q.5.

 

 

 

 

  • Now return to your original partner and share and talk about what you found out. Change partners often.
  • Make mini-presentations to other groups on your findings.

COMPUTER PROGRAMMING DISCUSSION

STUDENT A's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

a)

What did you think when you read the headline?

b)

What springs to mind when you hear the word 'computer programmer'?

c)

How important is coding?

d)

Do you think children should learn coding in school?

e)

What do you think is fun about coding?

f)

Why might learning to code be like playing a sport?

g)

Do you think being a coder is better than being a doctor or lawyer?

h)

Do you think you could quickly get the hang of coding?

i)

What do you think of the idea of great coders being like rock stars?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

STUDENT B's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

a)

Did you like reading this article? Why/not?

b)

What is computer programming?

c)

Which tech company would you love to work for?

d)

Are you surprised that only 1 in 10 U.S. schools teach programming?

e)

What do you think of the quote from Steve Jobs?

f)

How might coding make you feel like you have magic powers?

g)

Are coders really just nerds and geeks or are they great?

h)

What would you do if you were a coder?

i)

What questions would you like to ask the owners of Code.org?

DISCUSSION (Write your own questions)

STUDENT A's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

1.

________________________________________________________

2.

________________________________________________________

3.

________________________________________________________

4.

________________________________________________________

5.

________________________________________________________

6.

________________________________________________________

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

STUDENT B's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

1.

________________________________________________________

2.

________________________________________________________

3.

________________________________________________________

4.

________________________________________________________

5.

________________________________________________________

6.

________________________________________________________

MULTIPLE CHOICE - LANGUAGE

The biggest names in technology want (1) ____ children to learn computer programming. Other stars, from the (2) ____ of sport, entertainment, fashion, etc., also say kids need to learn to code. People like Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Microsoft (3) ____ Bill Gates have appeared in a video to tell children coding is fun. Dropbox creator Drew Houston believes coding is like learning to play a (4) ____ instrument or playing a sport: "It starts out being very [scary], but you kind of get the (5) ____ of it over time," he said. Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am also appeared in the video. He said: "Great coders are today's rock stars." Basketball star and coder Chris Bosh told kids he thought coding was (6) ____.

The video is from Code.org – a (7) ____-profit foundation that wants schools to give children more lessons on computer programming. Its website says: "Every student in every school should have the (8) ____ to learn to code." The site contains dozens of (9) ____ from high-profile figures. The first is from the late Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, who said a long time ago: "I think everybody…should learn how to program a computer because (10) ____ teaches you how to think." Video game designer Gabe Newell (11) ____ how coding can really change children's lives. He said: "The programmers of tomorrow are the wizards (12) ____ the future. You're going to look like you have magic powers."

Put the correct words from the table below in the above article.

1.

(a)

todays

(b)

todays'

(c)

today

(d)

today's

2.

(a)

planet

(b)

Earth

(c)

moon

(d)

world

3.

(a)

beeper

(b)

founder

(c)

agent

(d)

competitor

4.

(a)

music

(b)

musician

(c)

musical

(d)

musically

5.

(a)

hang

(b)

bling

(c)

king

(d)

gong

6.

(a)

cool

(b)

warm

(c)

hot

(d)

boiling

7.

(a)

nor

(b)

now

(c)

not

(d)

non

8.

(a)

opportunity

(b)

conformity

(c)

gravity

(d)

security

9.

(a)

memberships

(b)

quotes

(c)

roles

(d)

coins

10.

(a)

they

(b)

he

(c)

it

(d)

computer

11.

(a)

explanation

(b)

explanatory

(c)

explained

(d)

explain

12.

(a)

at

(b)

of

(c)

with

(d)

via

SPELLING

Paragraph 1

1.

computer poimrnmggra

2.

the world of sport, etnirmeanettn, fashion, etc.

3.

Microsoft efnduro Bill Gates

4.

a musical untsemtrni

5.

will.i.am also reappdae in the video

6.

Basketball star and rdcoe

Paragraph 2

7.

a non-profit diftnoanou

8.

the yiprutnpoot to learn to code

9.

dozens of ouqtes

10.

high-profile sfgeiur

11.

sawzdir of the future

12.

have acgmi powers

PUT THE TEXT BACK TOGETHER

Number these lines in the correct order.

(    )

The video is from Code.org – a non-profit foundation that wants schools to give children more

(    )

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, who said a long time ago: "I think everybody…should learn how to program a computer

(    )

wizards of the future. You're going to look like you have magic powers."

(    )

from the world of sport, entertainment, fashion, etc., also say kids need to learn to

(    )

hang of it over time," he said. Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am also appeared in the video. He said: "Great

(    )

in a video to tell children coding is fun. Dropbox creator Drew Houston believes coding is like learning to play a musical

(    )

instrument or playing a sport: "It starts out being very [scary], but you kind of get the

(    )

lessons on computer programming. Its website says: "Every student in every school should have the

(    )

because it teaches you how to think." Video game designer Gabe Newell explained how coding can

1  )

The biggest names in technology want today's children to learn computer programming. Other stars,

(    )

opportunity to learn to code." The site contains dozens of quotes from high-profile figures. The first is from the late

(    )

code. People like Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Microsoft founder Bill Gates have appeared

(    )

really change children's lives. He said: "The programmers of tomorrow are the

(    )

coders are today's rock stars." Basketball star and coder Chris Bosh told kids he thought coding was cool.

PUT THE WORDS IN THE RIGHT ORDER

1.

fun     Appeared     in     a     video     to    tell    children    coding     is.    

2.

to     musical     Coding     learning    a    like     play    instrument     is.    

3.

kind     of     get     the     hang     of     it     over     time     You.    

4.

rock     coders     .     He     said   :     "Great      stars"     are    today's

5.

thought     Bosh     coding     told     was     kids     cool     he.    

6.

should   opportunity   student   school   the   Every   every    have    in.    

7.

Dozens     -     of     profile     quotes     figures     from     high.    

8.

should     a     learn     computer     how     to     Everybody    program.    

9.

Programmers    are    of    tomorrow   wizards    future   of    the    the.    

10.

look     have     to     you     powers     going     like     magic     You're.    

CIRCLE THE CORRECT WORD (20 PAIRS)

The biggest names / name in technology want today's children to learn computer programming. Other star / stars, from the world of sport, entertainment, fashion, etc., also say kids need to / too learn to code. People like Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Microsoft flounder / founder Bill Gates have appeared / appearance in a video to tell children coding is fun. Dropbox creator Drew Houston beliefs / believes coding is like learning to play a musical / musician instrument or playing a sport: "It starts in / out being very [scary], but you kind of get the hung / hang of it over time," he said. Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am also appeared in the video. He said: "Great coders are today's rock stars." Basketball star and coder Chris Bosh told kids he thought coding was cool / cold.

The video is from Code.org – a non-profit / profitable foundation that wants schools to give children more lessons on / onto computer programming. Its website says: "Every student in every school should have the opportune / opportunity to learn to code." The site contains / containing dozens of quotes / quoted from high-profile figures. The first is from the late Steve Jobs, co-founder of / for Apple, who said a long time ago: "I think everybody…should learn how / what to program a computer because it teaches you how to thinking / think." Video game designer Gabe Newell explained how coding can really change / chance children's lives. He said: "The programmers of tomorrow are the witches / wizards of the future. You're going to look like you have magic powers."

Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct.

INSERT THE VOWELS (a, e, i, o, u)

Th_ b_gg_st n_m_s _n t_chn_l_gy w_nt t_d_y's ch_ldr_n t_ l__rn c_mp_t_r pr_gr_mm_ng. _th_r st_rs, fr_m th_ w_rld _f sp_rt, _nt_rt__nm_nt, f_sh__n, _tc., _ls_ s_y k_ds n__d t_ l__rn t_ c_d_. P__pl_ l_k_ F_c_b__k C__ M_rk Z_ck_rb_rg _nd M_cr_s_ft f__nd_r B_ll G_t_s h_v_ _pp__r_d _n _ v_d__ t_ t_ll ch_ldr_n c_d_ng _s f_n. Dr_pb_x cr__t_r Dr_w H__st_n b_l__v_s c_d_ng _s l_k_ l__rn_ng t_ pl_y _ m_s_c_l _nstr_m_nt _r pl_y_ng _ sp_rt: "_t st_rts __t b__ng v_ry [sc_ry], b_t y__ k_nd _f g_t th_ h_ng _f _t _v_r t_m_," h_ s__d. Bl_ck _y_d P__s m_mb_r w_ll._._m _ls_ _pp__r_d _n th_ v_d__. H_ s__d: "Gr__t c_d_rs _r_ t_d_y's r_ck st_rs." B_sk_tb_ll st_r _nd c_d_r Chr_s B_sh t_ld k_ds h_ th__ght c_d_ng w_s c__l.

Th_ v_d__ _s fr_m C_d_._rg – _ n_n-pr_f_t f__nd_t__n th_t w_nts sch__ls t_ g_v_ ch_ldr_n m_r_ l_ss_ns _n c_mp_t_r pr_gr_mm_ng. _ts w_bs_t_ s_ys: "_v_ry st_d_nt _n _v_ry sch__l sh__ld h_v_ th_ _pp_rt_n_ty t_ l__rn t_ c_d_." Th_ s_t_ c_nt__ns d_z_ns _f q__t_s fr_m h_gh-pr_f_l_ f_g_r_s. Th_ f_rst _s fr_m th_ l_t_ St_v_ J_bs, c_-f__nd_r _f _ppl_, wh_ s__d _ l_ng t_m_ _g_: "_ th_nk _v_ryb_dy…sh__ld l__rn h_w t_ pr_gr_m _ c_mp_t_r b_c__s_ _t t__ch_s y__ h_w t_ th_nk." V_d__ g_m_ d_s_gn_r G_b_ N_w_ll _xpl__n_d h_w c_d_ng c_n r__lly ch_ng_ ch_ldr_n's l_v_s. H_ s__d: "Th_ pr_gr_mm_rs _f t_m_rr_w _r_ th_ w_z_rds _f th_ f_t_r_. Y__'r_ g__ng t_ l__k l_k_ y__ h_v_ m_g_c p_w_rs."

PUNCTUATE THE TEXT AND ADD CAPITALS

the biggest names in technology want today's children to learn computer programming other stars from the world of sport entertainment fashion etc also say kids need to learn to code people like facebook ceo mark zuckerberg and microsoft founder bill gates have appeared in a video to tell children coding is fun dropbox creator drew houston believes coding is like learning to play a musical instrument or playing a sport "it starts out being very [scary] but you kind of get the hang of it over time" he said black eyed peas member william also appeared in the video he said "great coders are today's rock stars" basketball star and coder chris bosh told kids he thought coding was cool

the video is from codeorg – a non-profit foundation that wants schools to give children more lessons on computer programming its website says "every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn to code" the site contains dozens of quotes from high-profile figures the first is from the late steve jobs co-founder of apple who said a long time ago "i think everybody…should learn how to program a computer because it teaches you how to think" video game designer gabe newell explained how coding can really change children's lives he said "the programmers of tomorrow are the wizards of the future you're going to look like you have magic powers"

PUT A SLASH ( / ) WHERE THE SPACES ARE

Thebiggestnamesintechnologywanttoday'schildrentolearncomputer
programming.Otherstars,fromtheworldofsport,entertainment,fashion,etc.,
alsosaykidsneedtolearntocode.PeoplelikeFacebookCEOMarkZuckerbergand
MicrosoftfounderBillGateshaveappearedinavideototellchildrencodingisfun.
DropboxcreatorDrewHoustonbelievescodingislikelearningtoplayamusical
instrumentorplayingasport:"Itstartsoutbeingvery[scary],butyoukindofget
thehangofitovertime,"hesaid.BlackEyedPeasmemberwill.i.amalsoappearedin
thevideo.Hesaid:"Greatcodersaretoday'srockstars."Basketballstarandcoder
ChrisBoshtoldkidshethoughtcodingwascool.ThevideoisfromCode.org–anon-
profitfoundationthatwantsschoolstogivechildrenmorelessonsoncomputer
programming.Itswebsitesays:"Everystudentineveryschoolshouldhavethe
opportunitytolearntocode."Thesitecontainsdozensofquotesfromhigh-profile
figures.ThefirstisfromthelateSteveJobs,co-founderofApple,whosaidalong
timeago:"Ithinkeverybody…shouldlearnhowtoprogramacomputerbecause
itteachesyouhowtothink."VideogamedesignerGabeNewellexplainedhow
codingcanreallychangechildren'slives.Hesaid:"Theprogrammersoftomorrow
arethewizardsofthefuture.You'regoingtolooklikeyouhavemagicpowers."

FREE WRITING

Write about computer programming for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner's paper.

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ACADEMIC WRITING

Computer programming is as important as reading, writing and maths. All schools should teach it.   Discuss.

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HOMEWORK

1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google's search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.

2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find out more about www.Code.org. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.

3. COMPUTER PROGRAMMING: Make a poster about computer programming. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?

4. WIZARDS: Write a magazine article about coders and the magic they create. Include imaginary interviews with people who think coding is cool and those who think it isn't.

Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).

5. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.

6. LETTER: Write a letter to the boss of Code.org. Ask him three questions about computer programming. Give him three of your ideas on how to make more kids get into coding. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

ANSWERS

TRUE / FALSE (p.4)

a

F

b

F

c

T

d

T

e

F

f

F

g

T

h

T

SYNONYM MATCH (p.4)

1.

programming

a.

coding

2.

founder

b.

creator

3.

scary

c.

frightening

4.

get the hang of

d.

learn

5.

cool

e.

trendy

6.

children

f.

kids

7.

opportunity

g.

chance

8.

figures

h.

people

9.

late

i.

dead

10.

powers

j.

abilities

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS (p.8)

1.

The biggest names in technology

2.

Learning to play a musical instrument or playing a sport

3.

Scary

4.

Great rock stars

5.

He thought coding was cool

6.

A non-profit foundation

7.

The opportunity to learn to code

8.

How to think

9.

A video game designer

10.

Children's lives

MULTIPLE CHOICE - QUIZ (p.9)

1.

d

2.

b

3.

c

4.

a

5.

c

6.

b

7.

d

8.

a

9.

c

10.

b

ALL OTHER EXERCISES

Please check for yourself by looking at the Article on page 2.
(It's good for your English ;-)

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