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Canada Learning Code Week 2020: Learning About Digital Safety in a Digital Format

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In December 2020, we hosted our fourth annual Canada Learning Code Week, and almost 36,000 people in Canada got involved to learn computer science with a focus on our #clcWeek 2020 theme, Digital Citizenship: Staying Safe Online. It was AWESOME. Canada Learning Code Week 2020 looked a little different compared to previous years – for the first time ever, we invited families to join us in celebrating the week in addition to empowering teachers to bring computer science into their classrooms. And, of course, the whole event was done virtually this time around! 

Screenshot of CLC tweet about Kick-off event, saying: "We're pumped to kick off Canada Learning Code Week with some amazing educators across Canada today! We have teachers tuning in from: Kamloops, BC; Fort McMurray, AB; Regina, SK; Thunder Bay, ON; Stellarton, NS; and more!"

We connected with incredible groups and individuals who wanted to equip themselves – and the youth in their lives – with the tools they need to stay safe online. We hosted a total of thirteen Canada Learning Code Week virtual events:

  • Nine Family Game Nights where a total of 346 learners participated in their family units to complete one Canada Learning Code Week activity while getting connected with their community
  • A kick-off event that welcomed educators to the week, followed by a breakout session to get them comfortable with the content
  • A full-day teen hackathon where we challenged teens to identify and tackle a problem in the digital space 
  • An exclusive meet and greet with Bill Nye, the Science Guy for 15 lucky winners
  • A Wrap-up Summit: an all-ages event featuring Bill Nye to celebrate the end of an amazing week
Screenshot of CLC tweet saying: "Canada appreciates Science and it's on our $5 bill"
Screenshot of CLC tweet about Kick-off event, saying: "Tuning in to the @learningcode webinar. Very neat to see Bill Nye talk live about the importance of STEM in the classroom."

We were joined by some amazing guests including: 

  • Jesse Dougherty, VP of Application Integration at Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Vitaly, Boris & Angela from Hack Student
  • Derek Tangredi, Director of Education at InkSmith EdTech
  • Adam Van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and to the Minister of Canadian Heritage (Sport)
  • Angela & Lisa from Ted Rogers Fund
  • Bill Nye, the Science Guy
Screenshot of CLC tweet by Adam Van Koeverden, saying: "Thanks for all great questions, @learningcode! I hope you have an awesome Hackaton and great #clcWeek!"

And we got some special shout outs!

Screenshot of CLC tweet by Justin Trudeau, saying: "Every year, #CLCWeek aims to give people the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the digital world. This year, because we're all spending more time online, they're focusing on. something that's more important. than ever - how to stay safe while connected. Check it out."
Screenshot of CLC tweet by Google, saying: "Happy Canada Learning Code Week! Our frinds at @learningcode are empowering Canadians to learn and teach computer science. This Saturday, tune in to #CLCWeek Summit and hear from one and only @BillNye. Learn more: *link to CLC Week*"

Screenshot of CLC tweet by Telus Digital, saying: "We've teamed up with @learningcode to help drive digital literacy in our local communities. This year, Canada Learning Code Week is focused on importance of online safety. Learn more about our partnership and #clcWeek in our latest blog. *link to the blog*"

We also received a warm welcome message from Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation Science and Industry!

There were so many magic moments! Here are a few of our favourites.

Screenshot of CLC tweet saying: "All set for my first day of full time practicum tommorow! We are participating in Canada Learning Code Week (@learningcode) and I will virtually be teaching the PGL students about password safety and how to code using Python to create a secure password."
Screenshot of CLC tweet saying: "Got our littlest Eagles in on the #CLCWeek action, learning about Online Safety. These Ks and 1s did an amazing job sharing what they already know and learned about the rules of being safe when online. Way to go, Eagles! "
Screenshot of CLC tweet saying: "Big shout out to @learningcode for the lessons that not only support students learning to code but build confidence in teachers like me to execute them properly. Loved exploring and learning alongside my students during #clcweek. @CoSpaces_Edu loved this lesson"

2020 was an interesting year and we couldn’t have done it without passionate educators! Check out this thank you message, shared during our Canada Learning Code Week Summit.

Screenshoot of CLC Week Teen Ambassadors on a Zoom Call

A big round of applause for our awesome partners who helped make Canada Learning Code Week 2020: Amazon Future Engineer, Fiix, Georgian Partners, Google and the Government of Canada. Their generous support made it possible to rally educators and families around computer science during this special week. Thank you!

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