It is difficult to imagine a career in today’s world that doesn’t require some coding. Every element in our digital world has some form of coding to make it operate. Coding, also known as programming, is all around us – this is why children need to be taught coding. Programming is no longer the realm of skinny 20-year-olds, but it is now possible for children to learn to code. This article will provide information on the different apps for teaching children coding.
App #1: Gamestar Mechanic
Gamestar Mechanic is a type of app that is available online and costs $2 per student. It is designed for children aged 7 to 14 and helps students build their video games. Students can enjoy completing various self-paced quests while continuing to build game levels. This app integrates problem-solving tasks with critical thinking. Embedded within Edmodo makes login simpler for students.
App #2: Scratch
Scratch is another type of app that is available online, but it is free for each student. Created by MIT staff and students in 2003, Scratch is one of the first programming apps created specifically for students aged 8 to 16. This app was originally used as a multi-platform download, but it developed into a web-based option to make the item more accessible.
Scratch utilizes a visual programming language credited with bricks that need to be dragged into a workspace, thus animating sprites. The different bricks create variables, trigger loops, play sounds, initiate interactivity, and do much more. Teaching communities, guides, and resources are part of the app and can help instruct the student in how to utilize the bricks.
App #3: Tynker
Tynker is an educational app that is similar to Scratch. It is available online and is free to use, but comes with a Premium upgrade alternative. The layout is almost identical to Scratch; however, where Scratch was developed to program, Tynker teaches children programming. This particular app presents with beginner lesson plans, an online showcase of student-developed programs, and management resources for the students. The lessons are self-paced and simple to follow so that the children can move through the lessons without any assistance.
App #4: Move The Turtle
Move The Turtle is a coding app available on the iOS platform and costs $2.99 to purchase. This is one of the more popular apps among Apple users because it utilizes a character to teach the children computer coding. As the student progresses through the levels, the game increases in difficulty. This means that they are presented with a new command to direct the turtle towards an element, such as a sound, star or line. Free play “compose” modes allow the pupils to move the turtle wherever they want, but this does not affect their position in the “game.”
App #5: Hopscotch
Another educational coding app available on an Apple device (the iPad), but that costs nothing is Hopscotch. This app appears similar to Scratch using controls to drag blocks into workspaces; however, it is run on an iPad and Scratch is web-based. Hopscotch is one of the basic apps to learn programming, problem-solving, and logical thinking. If the pupil wishes to learn more extensive coding, he or she will need to implement another app option.