#WeSpeakCode2015 Launches in Asia Pacific

Clair Deevy, Microsoft Citizenship Lead for Asia Pacific

Have you heard the buzz about ‘The Internet of Things’ ? This basically means more and more things in our lives are going to be connected to the Internet and will be able to communicate with us, as well as each other. Technology will no longer simply sit in your laptop, tablet or phone.

If you think about it, we are already surrounded by technology. As an example, many careers outside of the IT industry, like finance, communications, healthcare and entertainment all rely on computers and technology. So, don’t you think we should be prepping the next generation of students to really understand how it all runs? Unfortunately, only a tiny fraction of students in Asia Pacific learn the basics of how computers work, much less how to create software, apps or websites.

The good news is that we’re on our way to changing this! Last year’s successful YouthSpark # WeSpeakCode campaign saw thousands of enthusiastic young people across the region getting their first taste of learning basic coding skills with code.org ’s Hour of Code, while many others took up more advanced challenges through hackathons and coding for social good.

We believe code is a language that everyone can learn and computational thinking is an important skill which should be taught in all schools. That’s why Microsoft Asia Pacific is excited to once again be hosting #WeSpeakCode, 23-29 March 2015, to encourage everyone to give coding a try by taking their first steps through a range of interactive courses and activities.

Why is learning to code important?

• Because understanding how the logic behind technology works can help you be a creator, not just a consumer.
• Because everyone has ideas. Learning to code lets you bring them to life.
• Because learning how to program is like learning another language – one that can help you build something that might change the world.

There will be many ways for you to get involved in this year’s #WeSpeakCode, from attending events in your area, jumping on code.org to do the Hour of Code or more advanced programs, to signing up for a hackathon.

You can also share your enthusiasm for coding via our YouthSpark #WeSpeakCode ThunderClap campaign and enter our new social media contests!

Get more information about learning to code and be inspired reading personal stories of others who have gone before you at www.WeSpeakCode.net . Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest updates on #WeSpeakCode 2015!

Coding is fun, simple and addictive. What are you waiting for? Start learning how to code today.