For a new generation of students growing up in a digitally-connected century, all roads lead to code.
Coding is the new literacy. It will not replace foreign languages, but it will be the global vernacular for understanding how technologies work.
Unlike the Trix cereal, coding and computer science aren't just for kids. Everyone, and especially teachers and parents, can lead by example and learn a few lines of HTML. Here's how Idit Harel, CEO of Globaloria, explains why parents need to code:
We all read to our children from a young age and encourage them to write. We do not expect them to become novelists or journalists, but we know these skills are a pathway to productivity and prosperity. It’s the same with coding.
Not every coding job involves working in a blue chip tech company or Silicon Valley startup. Wineries, fashion designers and music studios are just a few examples of the many diverse industries where programming has become ingrained.
And contrary to public perception, learning to code doesn't necessarily require hammering away at a keyboard, eyes affixed on some text editor. From Minecraft to monkeys, here are a few of the latest toys that bring the joys of programming to life. Or, you can also pack your kids off to summer coding camp.
In this collection of articles below we share different perspectives on coding movement. While familiar names like Google and Code.org spearhead efforts to introduce computer science to classrooms, local entrepreneurs are also creating grassroots coding communities to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has access to technology education. After all, coding and computer science are key to a more diverse technology workforce—but only if the opportunities are available to a diverse community.
It's summertime...and the coding’s easy. Check out all the tools below you can use for free. (And if you have any feedback or query, just shoot us a note and we’ll respond promptly.) So brew up a cup of Java, and get working on your CoffeeScript!
Getting Started
How to Launch Your Own Coding Club
Embracing Diversity and Equal Access
The latest in the TEACHED short film series produced by Loudspeaker Films, Code Oakland examines the evolution of Oakland through the eyes of social entrepreneurs determined that youth of color not be left on the sidelines as Silicon Valley expands into the city that is home to the second largest black community in California.
Lessons from the Classroom
Reflections and Retrospectives
Sponsor Poll
50+ Tools to Learn to Code
Learn Programming Logic
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
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Alice Free downloadable software that teaches computer programming in a 3-D environment. Kids can create animation, games or videos to share on the web. There's also quite a collection of resources for teachers. |
Free |
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BotLogic Free game that introduces basic programming concepts by asking players to navigate a series of challenging mazes. |
Free |
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CargoBot Players learn coding logic in this iPad app by using a string of commands to organize crates with a robotic arm. As levels get more complex, the user must create functions and optimize his limited number of moves to meet the objectives. |
Free |
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CS Unplugged Here's a nifty trick--learning computer science without a computer! This series of logic exercises uses cups, ping pong balls and post-it notes to teach students the logic behind coding. The site also has videos of each exercise being used in a class. |
Free |
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Karel the Robot Self-paced online programming course that's currently used in schools, programming clubs and at homes. The course includes an optional algorithmic thinking pre- and post-test. |
$5/mo |
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Kodable Kodable is a freemium educational iPad game offering a kid-friendly introduction to programming concepts and problem solving. For kids ages 5 and up. |
Freemium |
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Kodu Created by Microsoft, this program uses a visual language to create games. While the PC version is free, Xbox 360 users can pick up a copy for $5. |
Free |
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Move the Turtle Based on the Logo programming language, players learn coding logic by guiding a turtle through obstacles to a destination. Players can also use its composer function to create intricate designs. |
$2.99 |
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RoboLogic Players program a robot's movements on a grid and get it to light up specific squares before they run out of moves. Teaches concepts of functions and nesting. |
$0.99 |
Learn to Program Hardware
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
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Arduino A popular choice for hands-on learners who want their code to interact with the real world. Can be used for creating a range of projects in the Arduino Code programming language--from light up coffee tables to robots. Extensive documentation of projects online at websites like Instructables. Instructors take note that LEDs, motors, and sensors cost extra. Fairly involved hardware and programming environment setup time. |
$25+ |
|
Lego Mindstorms EV3 The ubiquitous blocks from Denmark get a technological upgrade. This set allows users to create and program robots through a visual programming language. Big for hands-on learning (with a big price tag to match). Instructors keep in mind that projects require construction and programming time. Support can be found on the Mindstorms forum. Windows and Mac compatible. |
$350 |
|
Piper Piper combines Minecraft, Raspberry Pis and circuit boards—all in a box. The kit comes with a Raspberry Pi board, a 7-inch LCD display, a power bank, and a hodgepodge of breadboards, wires and buttons. Designed for kids of all ages, Piper challenges players to solve virtual puzzles in Minecraft by using the physical circuit controller to build bridges and switches. |
TBD |
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Primo Primo literally takes the concept of “block coding” to create an Arduino-powered toy set that includes a plywood board, a wooden robot, and color-coded blocks that each instruct one move that Cubetto can make. |
£170 |
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Raspberry Pi This credit card-sized single board computer packs a punch! The Pi can be used for hands-on fun like an Arduino and is powerful enough to run a version of Minecraft. eLinux.org has a wealth of tutorials and projects for the tiny titan of the "Maker" world. Instructors take note that LEDs, motors, and sensors cost extra. |
$35 |
|
Sphero Robot Ball Let's get rolling! Sphero is an interactive spherical robot that you can program on your iOS, Android and Windows devices. There are over 30 apps available, as well as a growing educator community. You can also get Sphero's tubular companion, Ollie. |
$100+ |
|
Wonder Workshop These two delightful robots--Dot and Dash--offer a wide range programming activities for kids ages 5 to 12 and beyond. All you need is a smartphone. While they can operate independently, they're best when paired together, says the creators, since they can sense one another and offer kids more advanced programming challenges. |
$170+ |
Learn to Code with Visual Blocks
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
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App Inventor for Android This MIT-created platform uses visual blocks to allow students to create apps that can be exported to Android devices. Large library of tutorials that get as advanced as SMS texting and GPS. Requires a Google Account to use. |
Free |
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Hopscotch This free iPad app uses a visual programming language similar to Scratch to help kids learn the basics of programming logic, such as sequencing, loops, variables, functions and conditionals. |
Free |
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Scratch 2.0 Created at MIT, Scratch popularized visual blocks as a way of learning programming. But don't let the easy interface and cute graphics fool you--users can make and share anything from simple animations to fully-fledged games. |
Free |
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SNAP! SNAP!'s visual blocks support higher level computer science concepts like recursion, procedures, and continuations, making it appropriate for even college level intro classes. While it doesn't have the same social functions of Scratch, SNAP! can work with the Nintendo Wiimote and LEGO Mindstorms NXT. Comes with a manual and sample projects and can use much of Scratch's documentation as well. |
Free |
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Stencyl Game creation software that allows users to make playable apps for iOS, Android, HTML5, Window, and Mac. The game logic is programmed with visual blocks. The official site has forums and a crash course to get you started. |
Free |
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Tynker Inspired by Scratch, Tynker has a dashboard to allow teachers to create a more structured way of teaching code with visual blocks. Includes assessment, classroom management, lesson plans, and a built in tutor. |
Free |
Learn a Coding Language
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
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Code Avengers In-browser exercises and courses in JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3. Introductory courses are free, with intermediate and advanced courses for $29-$39. |
Free-$39 |
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Code Combat In-browser, multiplayer live coding game set in a fantasy world. You play as a wizard who navigates obstacles and battles enemies using Javascript. |
Free |
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Code School Offers full courses in JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Ruby, and iOS. Students will learn through video and practice coding in their browser--no downloads required! (Acquired by Pluralsight but still in operation.) |
$29/mo |
|
Codecademy Full courses in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, and PHP. Exercises are done in browser and checked automatically for accuracy. |
Free |
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Code Studio Offers free Hour of Code modules featuring cartoons and characters from Frozen to Angry Birds and beyond, for individual students or implementation in the classroom. Teachers can access a dashboard to track student progress. |
Free |
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CodeHS Students learn JavaScript by commanding a dog named Karel to move around the screen. Classes advance to understanding data structures and programming for games. The first module is free to use, gaining access to the rest of the site is $25/month, and receiving feedback and debugging in addition to access is $75/month. |
Free-$25/mo |
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Coursera Beginning courses in JavaScript, Python, SQL and general computer science. Also offers higher level logic courses in topics like Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Computational Neuroscience. Note that classes have start and end dates. Founded by Stanford computer science professors, Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller. |
Free |
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edX Covers languages like Python, Ruby, C++ as well as higher level classes in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Graphics. Classes are taught through video, PDFs, and tutorials. Students answer problem sets and take tests online. Discussion boards connect students with professors and each other. Note that courses have specific start and end dates. |
Free |
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Globaloria Blended-learning courses that teach students to design and code educational games. Start by playing and analyzing games, move onto prototyping and coding in Flash Actionscript, Unity3D, Java Script, and more. Used as standalone courses or to supplement core classes. Contact Globaloria about an annual school subscription, including onsite professional development, virtual mentorship, and daily support system for students, teachers and administrators. |
Free/contact |
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Hakitzu This iPad game teaches the fundamentals of JavaScript by allowing players to program robots to compete in arena fights. Requires no prior knowledge of coding to play. |
Free |
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HTML5 Rocks Online resource with tutorials, demos, and sample work in HTML5. Supplementary resource for educators teaching the language. |
Free |
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JS Dares A collection of JavaScript lessons that go from teaching a student about basic syntax to helping them recreate working games. Browser-based and completely free. |
Free |
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Khan Academy Users watch videos, do exercises and play with sample code to learn JavaScript programming basics. Completely browser-based with an interactive player/editor. |
Free |
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KidsRuby This free, downloadable program teaches kids Ruby and can be used completely offline. KidsRuby includes resources from other programs like Hackety Hack and Ruby Warrior. It can be installed on Mac, Linux, Windows, and even Raspberry Pi. |
Free |
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Learn Code the Hard Way As its name suggests, this set of courses is for self-motivated learners. Html lessons walk complete novice coders through their languages of choice: Ruby, C, SQL, Regex, or CLI. Each course requires the installation of the chosen development environment (which is explained thoroughly). For $30, students can buy PDF versions of the lessons as well as gain access to tutorial videos. |
Free |
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Lynda.com A collection of video tutorials covering a wide variety of formal coding languages. Beginners and advanced users alike can find lessons to suit their needs. Access to videos costs $25/month; users can access videos and exercise files for $37.50/month. |
$25+/mo |
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MIT OpenCourseWare This initiative by MIT puts all of the course materials from the university's undergraduate and graduate courses online. This includes syllabi, reading lists, and sometimes practice questions and video lectures. Covers many formal programming languages and offers advanced theory classes as well. Recommended for students who are self-motivated. |
Free |
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Mozilla Thimble Sample websites with annotations guiding students to change variables to impact aesthetics and usability. Instructors will want to create their own lessons around the content. |
Free |
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One Month In one intense month, claims this startup, you can pick up enough HTML, CSS and Ruby to build websites and web products. Courses come with eight hours of instructional videos and code samples. $49/mo for one course, or $99/mo for access to all courses. |
$49+/mo |
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Pluralsight Detailed video tutorials for Scratch and App Inventor for Android. Advanced students can check out tutorials on C#. |
Free |
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Stack Overflow Massive repository of coding information and help available online. Covers every formal coding language on this list. |
Free |
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The Puzzle School JavaScript and HTML training in the context of puzzles. While not a full course in the languages, the browser-based games teach important fundamentals. |
Free |
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Thinkful Three-month courses for front-end web development, Python, Ruby, AngularJS and iOS development. Includes one-on-one sessions with mentors. |
$500/mo |
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Treehouse Over 100 interactive courses that cover languages from HTML to Ruby on Rails, and organized according to real-world skills such as web design, backend development and building apps. |
$25-$49/mo |
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Turtle Academy A collection of short, free lessons using the Logo programming language. Students will learn the basics of programming logic in this browser-based program. |
Free |
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Tuts Plus Full courses in JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Ruby, and other web development tools. Subscriptions are $15/month with discounts for groups. |
$15/mo |
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Udacity Developed at Stanford, this MOOC covers many different coding topics including Java, HTML5, Python, as well as logic classes in AI and debugging. |
Free |
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Udemy This MOOC marketplace offers covers a wide range of programming courses for Java, Ruby, C++, PHP, HTML, CSS, and other languages. Courses are taught through video, slides, and PDFs and require students to install the appropriate programming environments. |
Free+ |
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W3 Schools Extensive tutorials in web development languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML, PHP, and SQL. Includes interactive sample code. |
Free |