Hour of Code – Batch 7: “Learn AI and Coding in a Fun & Engaging Way!

 On September 6, 2025, I participated in the Hour of Code – Batch 7 webinar organized by Department of Information and Communications Technology Region 3 in partnership with ASEAN Foundation and the Break the Fake Movement, with support from Google. The session was conducted online from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and was led by Allan A. Custodio.

The event was free and open nationwide, giving students and aspiring learners an opportunity to explore coding and Artificial Intelligence in an enjoyable and beginner-friendly environment. It was an engaging experience that combined learning, interaction, and hands-on activities that made technology easier to understand.

The webinar focused on the fundamentals of coding and Artificial Intelligence, presented in a straightforward and fascinating manner. Through interactive activities and demonstrations, participants were introduced to how coding works beyond memorizing syntax and how it mainly involves problem-solving and logical thinking.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the session was the hands-on coding exercises, which helped transform abstract concepts into practical experiences. The activities made learning more interactive and showed how gamified approaches can make technology both educational and entertaining.

The speaker also introduced AI through real-world scenarios and simulations, providing participants with a clearer understanding of how AI technologies are already integrated into modern applications and software. Topics such as recommendation systems and chatbots were discussed, showing how AI is becoming increasingly important in everyday life.

Another inspiring point from the webinar was the reminder that anyone can start learning coding regardless of background or experience. This encouraged participants to view coding as an accessible skill that can be learned gradually through practice and curiosity.

Key Learnings

The webinar provided valuable insights into coding, Artificial Intelligence, and the importance of continuous learning in technology.

I learned that coding is more than writing commands it is about developing problem-solving skills and logical thinking. The hands-on activities helped me better understand how programming concepts work in actual scenarios, making the learning process easier and more engaging.

The discussion on AI also helped me realize that it is no longer just a futuristic concept. AI is already integrated into many of the applications and platforms we use every day. Understanding how recommendation systems, chatbots, and automation tools function gave me a deeper appreciation of how technology continues to shape society.

Another important lesson I gained was that learning technology should not feel intimidating. The webinar showed that coding can be fun, interactive, and approachable when taught through engaging methods and practical activities.







Practical Takeaways

After attending the webinar, I became more motivated to continue exploring coding and AI-related technologies.

I plan to practice coding through interactive platforms and gamified exercises to further improve my programming and problem-solving skills. The logical thinking skills I developed during the activities will also be useful not only in programming tasks but in academic work and collaborative projects.

Additionally, learning about AI inspired me to think about how intelligent systems could be integrated into future school or community projects. These learnings encouraged me to remain updated with emerging technologies and to view AI as a tool that can improve productivity, creativity, and innovation.

Positive Feedback

The webinar was well-organized, interactive, and easy to follow. The combination of clear explanations and hands-on activities created an enjoyable and effective learning environment for participants of different backgrounds and experience levels.

The speaker delivered the lessons in an engaging way, making technical concepts easier to understand. It was evident that the organizers invested effort into making the session accessible, educational, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Overall, the event successfully promoted learning, creativity, and curiosity in the fields of coding and Artificial Intelligence.

Suggestions for Improvement

Although the webinar was already highly effective, future sessions could become even more interactive by including additional live demonstrations of AI tools and coding activities.

Providing more opportunities for participants to experiment with real-time coding exercises would help reinforce the lessons discussed during the session. Expanding the hands-on portion of the webinar could also make the learning experience more immersive and engaging for beginners.

Despite these minor suggestions, the webinar was an inspiring and meaningful experience that strengthened my interest in coding and emerging technologies.

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