Saint Viator sophomores learn coding

One week before a global event planned to immerse students in computer coding, Saint Viator High School held its own Hour of Code.

During an activity period Thursday, the entire sophomore class took out their iPads and learned to code, using a Star Wars galaxy developed by the nonprofit organization, Code.org, as their platform.

"We believe coding is the way of the future," said Principal Eileen Manno to the class, assembled at tables in Querbes Hall. "All of you, in one way or another in your future careers, will be involved in developing some type of coding."

Students worked through a series of 15 puzzles, dragging and dropping their droids - and using JavaScript - to write their code.

"It's kind of cool," said sophomore Ava Pretto. "It took a while to get it, but I'm getting it now. It makes you think differently."

Her classmate, Olivia Pollina, agreed and listened intently as school officials described the importance of learning to code.

"For any field you go into, it can be incorporated," Olivia said.

Jim Williams, computer science teacher at Saint Viator, already teaches Mobile Apps programming I and II classes, as well as Introduction to Computer Science, that uses C ++. In fact, Saint Viator is the only high school in the Chicago Archdiocese to teach coding and building apps.

"Students who know coding will be in great demand in the future," Williams told the sophomores.

Gabe Newell, a former Microsoft employee who co-founded the video game developer, Valve, was one of several entrepreneurs and tech giants to promote coding in an opening video.

"Programmers of today are the wizards of tomorrow," Newell said. "You're going to look like you have super powers."

Already, Saint Viator High School was one of the first in the area to institute a 1:1 iPad program three years ago, and last month was recognized as an Apple School of Distinction for its innovation and exemplary learning environment.

"This is a really good opportunity to learn about coding," said sophomore Josh Mahalek. "With increased technology around, you need to learn how to control it and make sure it does what we want it to do. It's truly the way of the future."

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