Tynker- Teach Kids Coding Through Puzzles and Interactive Games

February 15, 2015
Yesterday when posted about Code Blast, which is a coding app for iPad, somebody requested an app that could do the same but on Android.Of course there are several titles out there but the one I would recommend the most is Tynker. This is basically a visual programming language designed to assist kids learn how to program and code by soling puzzles, building interactive apps and games. Tynker works both on Android and iPad.

Some of the interesting features Tynker provides  include:

• Learn coding by solving over 200 puzzles
• Design and create interactive games and animations
• Offline access
• Create classrooms with multiple students accounts
• Monitor students progress
• Create and publish a class showcase with best student projects

Google Kickstarter Guides has this wonderful guide explaining in-depth how you can use this app in your classrooms.

Watch the video below to learn more about Tynker

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Excellent iPad App to Introduce your Kids to Coding

February 14, 2015
Code Blast is an excellent coding app that has gone free today for a limited period of time. This app is designed to provide young learners and kids with a solid initiation into the world of programming concepts and problem solving.

Code Blast teaches kids coding through fun and engaging activities consisting of programming a rocket to reach its final destination without being damaged by UFOs and other electric barriers found in its course. In running the mission, kids get to develop a series of key programming concepts and thinking skills such as : precise and accurate programming, forward planning to solve anticipated problems, ordering instructions sequentially and many more.

Some of the features Code Blast contain are:

•  36 missions, gradually increasing in difficulty with extra obstacles and challenges!
• 2 modes - �Level Mode� - Missions are gradually unlocked to ensure a secure understanding.
• �Custom Mode� - Practise any mission at any time.
• Save multiple games - Perfect for home and school!
•  Stars awarded for completing missions without �bugs� to motivate children to persevere and revisit.
•  Certificates awarded upon completing levels which can be saved to the camera roll for printing or emailing!
• Animated demos

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New Collection of Powerful iPad Coding Apps for Students

December 15, 2014
Below is a Listly list of some powerful apps to use with students to teach them coding. This list is compiled by Jon Samuelson, a fellow educator in my Twitter network. As you can see, most of the titles included in this list have already been revised in separate posts here in this blog but it is great to have them all aggregated in one single place. Have a look and as always share with your colleagues.

iPad Coding Apps for Students

View more lists from Jon Samuelson

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Teaching Coding in Class: 17 Apps to Try

November 17, 2014
Today as I was going through my bookmarks, I come across this excellent visual created by Sean Junkins where he features a bunch of powerful apps to help you teach coding in the classroom. Unfortunately, the visual does not render legible enough when turned into large infographic. So instead, I am sharing with you the apps featured in it. I really like how Sean Junkins arranged these apps into different categories which will help you target different areas in the teaching of coding. Enjoy

1- Learning the basics

A- Daisy the Dinosaur
Learn the basics of computer programming with Daisy the Dinosaur! This free, fun app has an easy drag and drop interface that kids of all ages can use to animate Daisy to dance across the screen. Kids will intuitively grasp the basics of objects, sequencing, loops and events by solving this app's challenges. After playing Daisy, kids can choose to download a kit to program their own computer game.

B- Move The Turtle
Move The Turtle is an educational application for iPhone and iPad that teaches children the basics of creating computer programs, using intuitive graphic commands.
2- Video tutorials

 

A- Udacity

Udacity courses are taught by industry experts from Facebook, Google, Cloudera and MongoDB. The classes range from teaching you the very basics of programming, to more advanced courses that help you make sense of data. Learn to code in HTML, CSS, Javascript, Python, Java and other programming languages.
  B- Udemy
Whether you want to get promoted, break into a new industry, start a company, continue your education, further a passion, or just accelerate your life, Udemy has a course to help you get there and get there faster.

C- Khan Academy
This is the official iPad app of the popular Khan Academy platform. The app provides you access to a wide variety of video lessons covering multiple subject areas including: math, biology, chemistry, science and many more.

D- Tree House
Learn from over 1000 videos created by expert teachers on web design, coding, business, and much more. The library is continually refreshed with the latest on web technology so you'll never fall behind.
3-Computer languages

A- L2Code HTML
L2Code HTML teaches you how to code with its detailed instructions, step-by-step practice tutorials, and it even checks your work along the way. Many other websites and apps may give you the instructions, but only L2Code HTML includes the one tool you need to successfully learn HTML and build your webpage - a built-in text editor! This feature allows you to test your code immediately to see if your webpage will appear the way you want it.B- L2Code CSS
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) is the next step after basic HTML. If you want more control over the look and formatting of your webpage, then the L2Code CSS app is for you. It provides step-by-step instructions and practice tutorials to help you master layout, colors, fonts, and more.C- iLOGO
LOGO was created in 1967 for educational use, is a computer programming language with functional programming capability. This version of LOGO is an interpreted language, but isn't a lite version. Functional programming with global and local variables is implemented.
4- Game-based coding

A- My Robot Friend
Take control of your robot friend, Alpha-1, using logic, puzzle solving and math skills. Use your arsenal of shrink rays, invisibility cloaks, shields, propeller packs and a whole lot more as you program your way through 80 mind-teasing levels. Program a sequence of instructions for your robot to follow, and earn all 3 ribbons per level by creating efficient programs and collecting all the coins.

B- Cargo Bot
Presenting Cargo-Bot. The first game programmed entirely on iPad� using Codea�. Cargo-Bot is a puzzle game where you teach a robot how to move crates.

  C- Lightbot
Lightbot is a programming puzzle game- a game whose game mechanics require using programming to solve levels. Simply guiding a robot to light up tiles and solve levels using commands, Lightbot cultivates a real understanding of procedures, loops, and conditionals for players.

D- Kodable
Kodable is a free educational iPad game offering a kid-friendly introduction to programming concepts and problem solving. For kids ages 5 and up, and tools for grownups too!

E- Cato's Hike
Cato is a little boy who just like every little boy likes to go out and play. One fine day Cato was playing outside when a portal to another world opened up in front of him; a portal to another world!

F- Hakitzu Elite

Become the ultimate code warrior and hack your friends with Hakitzu Elite. An epic multiplayer robot combat game, where you learn the basics of coding while battling robots in both single and multiplayer missions. Victory is in the code!

5-Start programming

A- HopScotch
Hopscotch is programming designed for everyone. Kids can use simple, intuitive building blocks to create games, animations and apps in this colorful, interactive environment. Program your characters to move, draw, and collide with each other, and use shaking, tilting, or even shouting at the iPad to control them.

B- Codea

Codea lets you create games and simulations � or just about any visual idea you have. Turn your thoughts into interactive creations that make use of iPad features like Multi-Touch and the accelerometer. 

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Two Basic iPad Apps for Teaching Coding to Kids

November 2, 2014
I got an email today from a teacher asking for some basic iPad coding apps to recommend to her kids. Actually I have already reviewed several coding apps in the past but for something to start with I would suggest the two titles below.  Check them out and let us know what you think of them.

1- Daisy The Dinosaur

Learn the basics of computer programming with Daisy the Dinosaur! This free, fun app has an easy drag and drop interface that kids of all ages can use to animate Daisy to dance across the screen. Kids will intuitively grasp the basics of objects, sequencing, loops and events by solving this app's challenges. After playing Daisy, kids can choose to download a kit to program their own computer game.
2- Hopscotch: Coding for Kids

Hopscotch is programming designed for everyone. Kids can use simple, intuitive building blocks to create games, animations and apps in this colorful, interactive environment. Program your characters to move, draw, and collide with each other, and use shaking, tilting, or even shouting at the iPad to control them.

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