Apps & Website: Root Coding

Root Coding

Root Coding is the app for interacting with the iRobot Root robot. Root Coding gets students started with step-by-step tutorials, adding commands and introducing features one at a time. The app also includes interactive activities and game-development guides, plus a blank template for students to create their own projects. On the programming screen, students can toggle between three different coding levels, making each activity accessible to students with varying programming skills. Level 1 uses graphical blocks for pre-readers, Level 2 shows the code in familiar Scratch-style blocks, and Level 3 displays full text code.

The Root robot can draw with a dry erase marker, both on a flat surface and on a vertical magnetic whiteboard, and follow a line. It accepts voice commands, plays music, and has 30+ touch and optical sensors. Each robot comes with a whiteboard mat, markers, and decals to support programming activities. An optional paid subscription to Root Academy gives students and teachers access to a coding curriculum.

Kodable

Kodable - Coding for Kids introduces kids to some of the logical steps and concepts needed in computer programming, with a game-like environment that is designed to grow with them from grades K through 5. The games are set in outer space, and students advance through the game learning programming concepts as they play. Skills start with sequencing and advance to loops, conditions, functions, and variables and into object-oriented programming concepts like properties and classes.

The teacher curriculum includes videos to introduce the concepts and step-by-step lesson plans, including vocabulary and offscreen activities, to teach the concepts before students explore them through the on-screen games. Students can work at their own pace, replaying levels as necessary. In addition to the app, Kodable has identical versions on the web, as well as downloadable, offline offerings.

Code.org

Code.org is a website dedicated to K-12 computer science (CS) instruction, from coursework to advocacy. The site is geared toward increasing diversity in computer science, preparing new CS teachers, adding computer science to school curricula, and helping to set up policies that support computer science. Code.org offers five free CS courses, from the 14-lesson Pre-reader Express to CS Principles, a yearlong AP-level course. The curriculum addresses concepts both offline and online and leads students through progressively more difficult lessons. Students age 13+ can access all of the coursework independently, though the courses are designed to be facilitated by a teacher.

In addition, the site includes short tutorials to pique students' interest in programming as part of the Hour of Code initiative. Students watch video instructions delivered by famous programmers, then use blocks of code to program mini-games with some familiar characters from Minecraft, Disney, and popular game apps. Saving student progress requires an account and, due to privacy considerations, children under 13 have limited access to features unless they're participating in a teacher-led course. A project library contains millions of student-created games that anyone can play and remix.

SpriteBox Coding

SpriteBox Coding is a platform-style game (available on iOS and Android) that introduces kids to basic coding logic using both block- and text-based syntax. After choosing from a set of diverse characters, players use simple code blocks to get through obstacles in a game environment. The game features 70 puzzles, and as the player moves through the game, the challenges become more complex and new code blocks are introduced to solve problems.

Each player's avatar is helped by a little flying block that can be programmed to create a path through the different obstacles. Eventually, the block-based coding gives way to a text-based syntax similar to Swift (Java on Android devices). There are no written or spoken instructions; instead, short, easy-to-understand animations show how the blocks could potentially be used. Though this could have drawbacks if students get frustrated, it means the app can be used regardless of language or reading ability.

Code for Life

Code for Life is a website designed to teach coding for students in the primary grades through high school. Starting with the block-based coding language Blockly, the game Rapid Router begins with simple puzzles and progresses all the way through to Python. Code for Life offers a complete set of teacher materials for all levels (beginning to advanced) to support teachers not just in skills teaching but in conceptual understanding as well. Teachers can also create class groupings to monitor student progress.

By incorporating Blockly into the platform, the Rapid Router game allows students to learn key coding concepts (loops, functions, etc.) without worrying about syntax and typing skills. Though Code for Life is aligned to the United Kingdom's Computing Curriculum, the progression of skills and concepts is suitable for schools anywhere.

Sphero Edu

Sphero Edu (formerly SPRK Lightning Lab) is an app that lets kids program their Sphero robots from a tablet or phone. Beginning coders use block-based programming to direct and control their robot. A text-based code viewer is also available so kids can see how their block code translates into actual code. This gives experienced programmers more flexibility and is a scaffold to help students scale up their coding skills.

Sphero is a water-resistant robot shaped like a ball. It can be programmed to roll around, jump, and change color as kids "drive" it through environments they create. Preset activities are provided through the app, like creating a moving solar system model with multiple robots. Sphero Edu also provides a digital community where kids both create and collaborate.

Tynker

Tynker is a visual coding tool (HTML5-based website and a mobile app) that teaches kids to program with blocks of code. Kids can start coding right away in Tynker's Play section. Free six-hour coding lessons and Hour of Code activities offer beginner experiences through short coding puzzles. Paid courses offer deeper, more creative experiences through JavaScript and Python.

Kids can create their own projects, collaborate with others, and share with the online Tynker community. An Admin Dashboard lets teachers manage rosters and assignments with a single Google or Tynker login. Clever integration with platforms like Minecraft, Lego WeDo, and Parrot Mambo drones makes Tynker even more relevant to kids.

Microsoft MakeCode

Microsoft MakeCode offers a block-based interface along with a JavaScript text editor to use code to create projects for everything from robotics to Minecraft. Simple tutorials allow users to quickly get familiar with the interface and begin designing for micro:bit, Circuit Playground Express, Minecraft, Chibi Chip, Grove Zero, Sparkfun, Cue, and Lego Mindstorms EV3. The user experience will be familiar to anyone who uses Scratch. There's a simulator space (where the code runs) and a code-block editing space where different elements of code are combined. The terms for the different code blocks are different from those in Scratch, but the functionality is very similar and relies on universal principles of coding like Boolean operators, loops, and conditionals. Microsoft MakeCode allows students to then download their code and run devices like the micro:bit by connecting them with a USB cable. These peripherals have to be purchased (the MakeCode website provides links to vendors) to see the code in action.

The MakeCode site offers fairly extensive support materials for teachers and independent learners. There are projects of varying complexity as well as course materials to follow that offer a systematic introduction to coding concepts. Externally, there are also materials available for each peripheral device (like the micro:bit or Grove Zero) on YouTube, for students or teachers searching for additional ideas.