Coding

SCRATCH 3.0

Affordances

Scratch 3.0 is a versatile tool that allows learners to program different types of objects using a simple drag and drop function. Over the years, Scratch has been incorporating a vast collection of videos, images, audio, and new programming capabilities making it an ideal tool for educators willing to introduce learners to coding. 

Benefits for educators and students:

• Scratch can run in multiple operating systems, including mobile devices. 

• Scratch can connect with physical devices such as micro:bit or web services like Google Translate. 

• Scratch includes bite-sized tutorial videos as well as activity cards and guides. 

• There is a creative computing curriculum available from Harvard Scratch Ed. 

• Available in many languages. 

• Offline versions of the app are available.

• Free. 

Pedagogical uses

Scratch is not just a coding tutorial applications. It can provide a wide variety of opportunities for teachers from all domains. By using Scratch, students can:

• Create interactive maps for Social Studies. 

• Design video games. 

• Create animated stories and presentations. 

• Collect data from microcontrollers. 

• Design simulators which react to different data inputs. 

Resources

Scratch ideas

Animation cards (PDF)

Connecting micro:bit to Scratch tutorial

A resource to learn how to code Raspberry using Scratch

GAMEFROOT

GameFroot is an alternative to Scratch which emphasizes programming digital games and animations. Through a design thinking methodology, learners can engage in creative projects while learning how to code. 

Affordances

GameFroot provides a similar coding mechanic as Scratch 3.0 making it easy for Scratch users to transfer their skills. The app also includes tutorials for students who are just starting to code animations and games. 

Because GameFroot is a dedicated animation software, it includes a wider variety of graphic resources such as layers, background design, special physics for the characters (making it possible to detect collisions, modify gravity, or affect the speed of projectiles. 

Another benefit of using GameFroot is that it provides booklets, posters, slides, and other resources for both students and educators to start using the app within a learning context.

Sharing games is very simple. The system provides students with a link for other users to play online. There is no information about proprietary rights or data privacy within the digital object. 

Pedagogical Uses

While GameFroot can be used freely by students online, the software stands out when it is used within the context of a design challenge. The design booklet included in the website provides a fun approach to make video games relevant and aligned with any learning curriculum (GameFroot has even designed a guide to help educators align their game designs with their national standards). 

While the emphasis is on creativity, GameFroot still provides plenty of opportunities for learners to develop their coding skills. 

Resources

GameFroot offers a list of resources that they recommend any educator to follow when trying to adapt their content into a design challenge. Resources are available here. 

MICROSOFT MAKECODE

Microsoft MakeCode is a platform which seeks to provide computer science learning experiences to help students transition into real-world programming. The platform is presented as a simulator, which resembles Scratch 3.0 block programming but incorporates feedback for learners to debug their code. The system allows learners to move into a Java-Script editor mode with error detection features. The website allows students to program different physical devices such as micro:bit, Adafruit Circuit Playground Express, Lego Mindstorms EV3, Cue, Arcade, and Chibi Chip. 

Affordances

The possibility to connect with different physical devices is highly useful since it allows students to move from one device to another without changing their coding environment. Each device or environment has its own editor which shares characteristics with the others. 

• Micro:bit, Circuit Playground Express and Chibi Chip are all microcontrollers that can be used to program portable games, handheld devices, data collection systems and other creative DIY projects. 

• Lego EV3 Mindstorms is used to program complex robots (either pre-made or designed by learners). The number of sensors and outputs is limited but the mechanic design offers endless possibilities. 

• The Cue device is a robot which can follow orders. It can be useful for teachers introducing coding but it does not provide opportunities for creative projects. 

Don’t have a physical device? Microsoft MakeCode offers two more platforms which do not require a physical device:

• Arcade is a platform that allows learners to design simple 2D games. The games are very simple and they are meant to be played with DIY handheld arcade machines. 

• Minecraft allows learners to practice coding skills while designing objects, characters, and worlds in a Minecraft environment. 

Pedagogical uses

Physical computing allows learners to connect code with real world applications. From a sound-activated lamp to an interactive model of a house, programming can become an active part of a project-based learning experience. MakeCode simplifies the experience of navigating microcontrollers by providing educators with one single platform to code them all. 

The transition from visual blocks to other programming languages is usually very steep. In fact, many students may feel overwhelmed and never leave visual blocks. MakeCode provides learners opportunities to explore how their blocks turn into JavaScript code, thus supporting this transition. 

Resources

MakeCode offers different resources including curriculums and projects. Additional tutorials, sample projects, and ideas are included within each programming environment main page.