What is coding?
Coding is a program that allows us to create apps, websites, and computer software. It is also introduced in schools as a way to create animations and it builds a curiousty about a skill that is becoming more prevalent in the working fields. This past Monday we explored different websites that are being used to spark the interest in coding and they also allow the users to create.
Scratch
Scratch is a website that you can join and create stories, games, and animations. It is a great way to introduce coding to intermediate and middle schoolers because it is easy to use and interactive. I spent a little bit of time playing around, and although I feel that I may need a couple more tutorials it was still really neat that I was able to make a dinosaur move and say hello. In order to make the character move, it was an easy drag and drop, and placing them together like a puzzle piece. I made a screencast demonstrating how to use scratch and to outline how it is user friendly.
https://scratch.mit.edu/
Scratch Jr.
Is similar to Scratch but aimed towards ages five to seven-year-olds. I wasn’t able to explore it because you need to own an Ipad or tablet to download the program. But from talking to other classmates it seems to be a great starting platform for kids.
https://www.scratchjr.org/
Grasshopper
The Grasshopper app is a bit more complex compared to Scratch. It seems to have more flexibility with creating because it requires the user to be able to type in different codes. Compared to Scratch where it was more a drag and drop style with creating. I believe that this program would be great in a computer class where students are able to collaborate together and really play around with the idea of coding.
https://grasshopper.app/
Computer Science Unplugged
This website was probably my favourite because it introduced the idea of coding but without a computer. This website provides different lesson plans and ways to include coding in different topics like history, math, etc. I thought this was a great website for someone who is interested in the idea of coding but is not ready to learn on a computer yet. It allows users to test their creativity with different games or manipulatives. From a teacher perspective as mentioned earlier, it includes lesson plans, topic ideas, and printables. I also enjoyed the section called “plugging it in” because it integrates what you are doing with your activities and how they are similar to online programs like Scratch.
https://csunplugged.org/en/
Reflection
I think that coding is a great skill to be introduced to students and taught in school. With an industry that is constantly growing, the tech industry will provide many job opportunities for students after they have finished their schooling. Although these resources I mentioned are aimed toward young learners they are a great way to provoke interest for further learning in coding.
Photo by Ilya Pavlov on Unsplash
