Computational Thinking

image: https://scratch.mit.edu/

For this assignment I choose to complete the Scratch tutorial “Animate a Name”. This was my first-time using Scratch and I wanted to try a tutorial that I may be able to use with primary level students.

I asked a few of my teacher colleagues which coding apps they would recommend and Kodable, Start Scratch, Scratch Junior, Hopscotch, Tickle Learn to Code were all mentioned. I also looked online at the top coding apps for kids, and I found this website.

https://www.educationalappstore.com/best-apps/10-best-coding-apps-for-kids

My experience with using Scratch was a lot of fun. I was able to code and make the letters of my name play sounds, spin, and change colors. I was also able to make a frog move across the page and a butterfly turn and a cloud move when clicked. When using Scratch I had to concentrate and focus on the instructions of the tutorial and I can see how computational thinking is required to process the instructions and apply the code to produce movement and action to your pictures.

I choose to critique the Hopscotch App and the Kodable App.

Hopscotch: Coding for Kids (iPhone, iPad)

The Hopscotch App is available for free on an iPad. It is best used for students aged 7-13. Hopscotch allows students to create their own games, Apps, and animations. The App has self-paced tutorials that teach student's coding while creating games, like Pokémon Go, Geometry Dash, and drawing apps. Hopscotch is a great next step from Scratch Jr. for your students to experience more advanced coding.

Kodable: (iPhone, iPad, desktop)

The Kodable app break down computer science into the basic concepts for students. Kodable provides easy to follow lesson plans focused on student outcomes so teachers can teach their students to code, no computer science knowledge required. Kodable will help kids to learn Javascript, Python, HTML, CSS, Java and more. Teachers can use Kodable for K-5 computer science or integrate concepts into math, ELA, digital citizenship, and robotics.

References:

Educationalappstore. (2021, December 1). 10 best coding apps for kids. Educational App Store. Retrieved December 9, 2021, from https://www.educationalappstore.com/best-apps/10-best-coding-apps-for-kids.

Scratch. (n.d.). Retrieved December 9, 2021, from https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/editor/?tutorial=all.