‘Road2Code’ teaches students digital skills through games

AMMAN — Computer science skills are a ticket to success in this age, and are crucial for the younger generation to thrive, according to a stakeholder.

Hadi Bartovi, CEO and founder of Code.org, told The Jordan Times that over 17,000 students in Jordan are currently obtaining computer science (CS) skills through code.org, completely voluntarily. 

“Over 1,200 teachers have also joined code.org to acquire a better understanding of CS skills in order to coach and encourage students, as well as facilitate their learning process,” Bartovi added. 

Bartovi stated that Code.org is an education nonprofit based in the United States, and is dedicated to the vision that every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science as part of their core K-12 education.

“Learning through playing is the core of the learning process in our organisation,” Bartovi added. 

Bartovi noted that trial and error is proven to be the most effective learning approach. “Primary and secondary education students can acquire a basic understanding of CS and digital skills through playing games,” said Bartovi. 

“Digital skills give students strength to thrive,” he added.

Coming from an underprivileged household in Iran, Bartovi said that digital and computer skills were his ticket to success. “I believe that CS skills are crucial for anyone who wants to succeed in this age,” said Bartovi. 

“The organisation expands access to computer science in schools, with a focus on increasing the participation of young women and students from underrepresented groups,” Bartovi added. 

He stated that Jordan is a small country with a lot of potential; therefore, giving public school students access to CS skills is doable, “especially because public schools in Jordan have Internet access, and the necessary infrastructure,” said Bartovi. 

“We also aim to develop teachers’ skills on the basics of coding and train them to use specialised educational resources to facilitate students’ access to coding learning opportunities,” Bartovi added. 

He noted that Code.org will deliver the knowledge to students through the “Road2Code” programme. 

“It’s basically a digital skills programme developed by INJAZ in partnership with Code.org serving public schools across Jordan,” said Bartovi. 

He added that the programme aims at providing students with basics of computer science through a “fun, engaging and playful approach”, as well as educating them on using the Internet safely, designing games through programming and building and designing mobile applications.