Code.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding computer science education in K-12 schools, has announced the replacement of its annual Hour of Code event with the Hour of AI. This decision marks a significant shift in the organization’s approach to education, moving from teaching traditional coding skills to promoting AI literacy. The initiative, which is supported by numerous tech companies and educational organizations, is designed to prepare students for the future of work in an increasingly technology-driven society. Hadi Partovi, Code.org’s CEO and co-founder, emphasized that the Hour of AI aims to help students understand the role of artificial intelligence in their lives and prepare them for a world shaped by this technology. The announcement comes just days after Code.org’s co-founders expressed concerns about a New York Times podcast that discussed the growing influence of tech companies in shaping the future of education.
The Hour of AI is backed by a wide range of organizations, including Microsoft, Amazon, Anthropic, Zoom, LEGO Education, Minecraft, Pearson, ISTE, Common Sense Media, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Education Association (NEA), and the Scratch Foundation. The National Parents Union has also joined as a partner, underscoring the importance of AI education for both students and parents. This collaboration highlights the growing recognition of the need for AI literacy in schools and the belief that it is essential for students to understand and engage with the technology shaping their world. The shift from coding to AI education reflects broader trends in the tech industry, where companies are increasingly investing in AI research and development while also seeking to influence the future of education by integrating AI into school curricula. This trend has sparked debates among educators and policymakers about the balance between teaching foundational coding skills and preparing students for an AI-dominated job market.