InkSmith and TakingITGlobal Present The Coding For Good Challenge

coding for good challenge
In partnership with the Government of Canada, InkSmith and TakingITGlobal (Code to Learn) are excited to announce the ‘Coding for Good’ Challenge, an initiative designed to show honour and appreciation to Canadian healthcare and essential workers on the front-lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Coding for Good Challenge presents K-12 students with an opportunity to design and code their own digital ‘Thank You’ card for the healthcare and essential workers that have selflessly devoted their time and energy to protecting Canadians. The goal of this challenge is to equip students with valuable digital and coding skills, while also lifting the spirits of those on the front-lines. 

The world around us is changing rapidly including the way that we live and work. Now more than ever, it has become apparent that digital and critical thinking skills are imperative in 21st-century education. Developing Canada’s next generation of problem solvers by emphasizing these skills today will pave the way for a better tomorrow. Our aim is to prepare students for the types of jobs that are in demand both now and in the future.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE
To participate in this 'Coding for Good’ Challenge, students will use the Lynx Coding platform, a cloud-based programming environment designed for coders who are ready to move beyond block-based coding but aren’t quite ready for Python or JavaScript. Lynx is free for use in Canada. The Lynx platform will provide students with the tools needed to create their personalized ‘Thank You’ card for the hospital, essential business or front-line worker of their choice. Once created, these cards will be available for others to view, be inspired by and share on a wider level.

To help get students started, InkSmith and TakingITGlobal (Code to Learn) have prepared some additional tutorial resources, listed below. TakingITGlobal is pleased to offer weekly office hours for students, parents and teachers who have questions about the Lynx platform as they build their cards or are interested in improving their coding skills. 

The Lynx Coding platform is available in both English and French for students all across Canada.

Wondering what a finalized card could look like? Check out the example below:

 

THE PRIZES
As part of the challenge, InkSmith and TakingITGlobal (Code to Learn) will be announcing bi-weekly prize winners from the ‘Thank You’ card submissions received, chosen at random. Each card submission counts as 1 unique entry, and students are permitted to enter multiple unique cards to improve their chances of winning. 

 Each bi-weekly prize winner will receive:

CHALLENGE SCHEDULE 
June 24th: Coding for Good Challenge Kick-off
Prize 1: Lynx project must be submitted by Noon Eastern, Monday July 13
Prize 2: Lynx project must be submitted by Noon Eastern, Monday August 3
Prize 3: Lynx project must be submitted by Noon Eastern, Monday August 10

For details on office hours, click here.

For submission details and information on how to get started, click on the 'get started' button below!

 

coding for good partners