Computer Science at Home (2024)

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Whether you're a parent/guardian or a student learning independently, the options below are engaging, easy-to-try ways to begin your exploration of computer science.

  • Try an Hour of Code
  • Watch a short video series about the basics of CS
  • Take an introductory, self-paced course
  • Create a game or an app
  • Learn CS from the Code.org team and special guests

Try an Hour of Code with these fun introductory tutorial

Try a one-hour tutorial featuring popular games and movies like Minecraft, Frozen, and Star Wars. Many tutorials are structured like games, designed to teach basic computer science concepts in fun, engaging ways.

Dance Party

Code a Dance Party to share with friends and family. Featuring Beyoncé, Harry Styles, Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Selena Gomez, music from Disney's "Encanto," and more!

Minecraft Hour of Code

Minecraft is back for the Hour of Code with a brand new activity! Journey through Minecraft with code.


AI for Oceans

Help A.I. clean the oceans by training it to detect trash! Learn about training data and bias, and how AI can address world problems. View lesson plan.

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Watch an engaging series of short videos to learn how computers, the internet, and AI work

Learn the basics of computer science with videos featuring famous technologists like Bill Gates and Satya Nadella, as well as a diverse cast of presenters from a number of industries and organizations.


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How Computers Work

With an introduction by Bill Gates, this series of six short videos explains what makes a computer a computer and how computer circuits work.

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How the Internet Works

In this series of eight short videos, you’ll learn how the internet was invented, what HTML is, and how search engines like Google work.

How AI Works

Learn about how AI works and why it matters with this series of short videos. Featuring Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and a diverse cast of experts.

View more videos, including short inspirational videos featuring celebrities like Steph Curry and Shakira, here.

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Learn the fundamentals with our self-paced courses

Self-paced introductory courses

A great option for students getting started on their own. You'll learn the fundamentals of computer science with drag & drop blocks. Create your own drawings and games. Note: Express courses are currently available in English, Hindi, Italian, and Spanish. For other languages, we recommend our 20-hour Accelerated Course. To see what's available in your language, visit our course catalog.


Express Course


Express Course for pre-readers

Self-paced introductions to Game Lab and App Lab

Adapted from our CS Discoveries and CS Principles courses, these short, self-paced modules are a great way to learn concepts that span all programming languages and tools. Requires Code.org account to access.

Introduction to Game Lab

Program animations, interactive art, and games in Game Lab. Start off with simple shapes and build up to more sophisticated sprite-based animations and games.

Turtle Programming in App Lab

Use simple JavaScript commands to draw shapes and images using a virtual “turtle.” Design and program your own digital scene!

Event-Driven Programming in App Lab

Learn to design apps that respond to clicks and key presses. Create a series of simple applications (apps) that live on the web!

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Create something!

First, get inspired! View our project gallery — play some of the games or try out some of the apps that students have created. You can “remix” the project to make it your own, or build something new in App Lab, Game Lab, or Web Lab.

App Lab

App Lab is a programming environment where you can make simple apps. Design an app, code with blocks or JavaScript to make it work, then share your app in seconds.

Game Lab

Game Lab is a programming environment where you can make simple animations and games with objects and characters that interact with each other.


Web Lab

Web Lab is a programming environment where you can make simple web pages using HTML and CSS. Design your web pages and share your site in seconds.


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‘Unplugged’ activities: Computer Science without the computer

Click image to view as PDF

No screen, no problem! We’ve put together a ‘sampler’ of quick, fun CS activities you can do without a device. Have a family Dance Party party while learning about events, or ‘program’ each other to draw pictures!


Or view these unplugged options from other organizations:

  • Hello Ruby - The world's most whimsical way to learn about computers, technology and programming. Activities on a range of CS topics, like the ability to decompose a problem, spot patterns, think algorithmically, debug problems and work together. (for ages 4-10)
  • CS Unplugged - A collection of free teaching material that teaches computer science through engaging games and puzzles that use cards, string, crayons and lots of running around. (for ages 5-14)

No computer at home? Try CS on your phone with these apps from our partners

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Box Island

A charming mobile coding game that takes learners on an exciting adventure, while teaching the fundamentals of coding, like algorithms, pattern recognition, sequences, loops and conditionals. (for all ages)

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codeSpark

Award-winning learn-to-code platform for kids ages 5-9. Solve puzzles and create games with The Foos while learning to code. Note: codeSpark is offering a free 3-month trial. Parent's email address and credit card information are required at signup. (for pre-readers through Grade 5)

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Learn from the Code.org team and special guests!

CodeBytes

CodeBytes are easy-to-digest, 20 minute interactive lessons blending computer science with real-world topics. Train an AI to read sign language, design an app for good, explore the world of Minecraft, and more!

Code Break

Keep computer science fun by taking a Code Break! You can create a cypher with Ashton Kutcher, learn about variables with Yara Shahidi, and even explore how the Internet works with the actual inventor of the Internet, Vint Cerf!


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Computer Science at Home (2024)

FAQs

Can you do computer science at home? ›

Remote jobs are especially common in computer science fields because work like computer programming and web development can be completed from anywhere with internet access.

Can computer science work from home? ›

Overall, it is entirely possible to pursue a rewarding computer science career while working remotely. Remote IT occupations continue to expand, and computer science roles are some of the most flexible.

Can I study computer science on my own? ›

You can start studying computer science on your own by creating a routine to research computer science concepts and build the skills you need with self-paced bootcamps, books, tutorials, online lectures, and other resources.

Can I learn computer from home? ›

You can pursue a free or advanced course online, such as free computer science courses that cover a range of topics such as coding, programming, hardware, and software repair. Top providers have plenty of online free computer courses with certificate government offers that will help learn computers online more easily.

Is computer science hard? ›

Learning the discipline of Computer Science is a hard and difficult endeavor for most students. However, if you are willing to invest the time and learn serious time management skills, most students can successfully learn the discipline and pursue successful careers in Computer Science fields.

What is the easiest computer science job to get? ›

14 entry-level computer science jobs
  1. Web developer. ...
  2. Programmer analyst. ...
  3. Systems analyst. ...
  4. IT technician. ...
  5. Application developer. ...
  6. Information security analyst. ...
  7. Game developer. ...
  8. Business intelligence analyst.
Apr 18, 2024

Do computer scientists make a lot of money? ›

Computer Science Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for all computer and information technology occupations is $88,240, which is more than double the median annual wage of all occupations.

Are computer science jobs still in demand? ›

Employment of computer science and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent through 2026, faster than the average for all occupations, and add about 557,100 new jobs, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Can you get a computer science job without going to college? ›

BLS also projects employment for tech professionals to grow faster than average from 2022-2032. The BLS also reports that up to 30% of computer science professionals don't have degrees. Some basic tech jobs that don't require a degree are technical support specialists, web developers, and systems administrators.

Is computer science all about coding? ›

Computer science goes beyond mere programming and delves into a broader understanding of the computational world, covering data structures, algorithms, artificial intelligence, computer architecture, database systems, and more.

Do you have to be really smart for computer science? ›

Instead, having the ability to think of solutions rapidly and face challenges is a skill that is widely needed and one that will progress as your career does. Computer science is more about the skillset you can supply rather than the knowledge your brain has stored, but of course having prior knowledge is also useful!

Do I really need a degree for computer science? ›

Do You Need a Computer Science Degree to Get a Good Job? If the computer science job you want is in research, then you may need a doctorate. Other than that, you do not need a degree to get a job in computer science.

Can computer science be taught online? ›

Learners can also earn a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate entirely online. Auburn's online computer science bachelor's degree requirements include classes in operating systems, algorithms, and mobile application development. You also take classes in software construction and ethics.

Can you do computer science from home? ›

Work from home computer science jobs include positions that involve programming, software or web development, education, network administration, and computer customer service and technical support.

Can I learn computer science for free? ›

Learn Computer Science, earn certificates with free online courses from Harvard, Stanford, MIT, University of Pennsylvania and other top universities around the world.

Can computer science be done online? ›

When you graduate with an online computer science degree, you'll have the skills needed to improve software reliability, network security and information retrieval systems. You'll also understand how computer hardware and software interact, allowing you to contribute solutions to problems in any organization.

Can IT majors work from home? ›

A majority of at-home jobs consist of working on a computer, which makes computer science and related majors great avenues to work from home. There is a difference between computer science and IT degree programs, but both (and their many subsets) can lead you to a telecommuting position.

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