5 trending kid-friendly online resources for coding and more
STEM education in recent times have opened a lot of doors for youngsters who are passionate about technology and dream of making a career in it. Moreover, exploring the vast world of coding and programming, using apps, games and websites to advance learning is not only fun but also greatly engaging.
Scratch is one of the most popular and interesting online platforms for learning computer languages. The majority of young tech lovers all around the world have started their coding and programming journey with it. However, once they’re done with Scratch, they look for similar options to continue mixing learning with fun. Here are a few interactive online resources that can be the way forward for your mini coder.
LightBot
LightBot is an educational video game which intensifies learning in a way that not only leads to the logical advancement of a young mind but also inspires kids to improve their programming and coding skills. Once a puzzle (8 basic levels, 6 procedure levels and 6 looping levels) is solved on LightBot, youngsters familiarise themselves with fundamental concepts like sequencing, overloading, loops and conditionals. It is available as an online Flash game and has been used over seven million times.
Hour of code
Contrary to what the name suggests, Hour of code does not just restrict itself to the world of coding but is a versatile online platform bringing several free tutorials, multiple activities and resources to youngsters of all age group who have a keen interest in the world of computer science. It comes with many ‘Hour of code’ events worth exploring and offers many kid-friendly characters from Disney, much like scratch. This is what keeps the young tech lovers hooked to the screens. What started as an hour-long introduction to the basics of computer science has now emerged into a space full of opportunities for both beginners and experts.
Google coding school
Google coding school is a one-stop online platform for a young computer geek and is popular for its free and convenient interface. It offers a wide range of options and plenty of room to learn at one’s own pace and improve in the world of programming, coding, web-designing and app-making. Once a kid masters Scratch, Google coding is usually recommended to him as the next step. Here, kids can learn the basics by writing a story, creating an interactive tool or simply making his own app or game, all, while learning a series of computer languages.
Sphero Edu
Sphero Edu offers young minds a first-hand learning platform where they can not only explore coding and programming but also acquaint themselves with the world of robotics. With this resource, kids can get involved in interactive learning sessions where they can watch, hear and experience fundamental computer concepts. Sphero Edu offers a plethora of tools and activities related to robotics allowing kids to learn and create robots not only through coding and programming but also through music and art. The visual and tangible aspect of this resource makes it stand out from others.
Roblox Lua
This platform uses a basic game-oriented approach to coding and programming, and helps in developing these computer languages through scripting. It is easy on the mind and is a blend of C++ and Lua programming languages. Roblox Lua is a free game designing platform for aspiring coders.