Microsoft, Nanyang Polytechnic promoting computational thinking in Singapore

Microsoft Singapore is partnering with Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) to promote computational thinking skills in Singapore, beginning with a series of coding courses, supported by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA).
 
“Trying code for the first time can be fun and exhilarating. It’s our aim at Microsoft to educate people that programming and computer science are not merely university subjects that are out of reach but are also accessible and valuable 21st century skills in an exciting field that present a wealth of opportunities today in an increasingly connected world,” said Jessica Tan, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore.

Based on feedback from entry-level and more in-depth trial courses conducted earlier 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.

“This initiative will see many students benefitting from computational thinking skills, using IT as an enabler. These skills will see them through their Polytechnic education and even further into their academic pursuits and careers,” said Dennis Ang, Director, School of Information Technology, Nanyang Polytechnic.
 
Steve Leonard, Executive Deputy Chairman, IDA said, “IDA wants to encourage every student to learn at least a little bit about creating software, and enjoy exploring how to build apps and other tech-products. Through Code@SG, we want to equip these students with computational thinking skills, and to apply those skills in solving real-life problems. 

"That’s why we are very happy to support Microsoft’s Week of Code that is bringing 'coding to the community' and giving everyone an opportunity to experience it. Through this partnership with Microsoft, and our other partnerships with various schools and industry, we want to develop young Singaporean tech talent who can build the products and companies of the future."

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. 

Code.org invites visitors to write their first app in an hour with a self-directed tutorial here and provides educator's notes for teachers who want to introduce programming to their students. The tutorial is available in several languages. The Code.org interface supports Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, Korean, Japanese, as well as traditional and simplified Chinese through the language changer at the bottom right of the page.