The goal of my class is to teach children the skills they need to build technology outside of the classroom. The only way this happens is if the student practices at home. The best way that a student can practice at home is if the student can access the material at home and work independently.
In that spirit, I am making a list of software and hardware resources that you can use at home.
Coding Apps and Software:
code.org - a jump off point for teaching children computer languages, coding, and logic. The programming activities are simple, accessible, and don't require parents to actually LEARN a language. Just make sure the kid stays on task. For more involved parents there are lesson plans so you can pick and instruction path. It's a good introduction for kids who are intimidated.
scratch.mit.edu - this is a "blocked-based" programming site that allows children to write code. They can make just about ANYTHING using this code. This is an online program with an offline program. So you can find the option that works best for your students. It also has extensions that allow you to program certain robots and other hardware.
Scratch Jr. - Is a Pre-K version of Scratch. There are no words and it only works on tablets and some cellphones. It is a great alternative to YouTube or Subway Surfer.
Make code is a resource where kids can use programming skills to program circuit boards, robots, and even Minecraft. The Microbit boards we will be using in class are inexpensive and can be bought from Adafruit technologies or Amazon.micro:bit
Hardware:
Micro:bit is a programmable circuit bard. It can do so many things that the only limits are your child's imagination. It is low cost and high value. It works with computers and cell phones.
Raspberry Pi (YouTube it)- This is a LOW ($5-$35) cost computer that students have A LOT of control over. They use SD cards for Hard drives and they connect to flat screen TV's or monitors (with a special adapter). It comes with a lot of software to teach programming and you can plug things into the raspberry pi like lights, sensors, cameras, and servos and program them from the software.
