Friday, November 15, 2013

Coding for Kids (of All Ages)

Everyone should learn to code!

You don't have to take my word for it. Take a look at what these "leaders and trendsetters" have to say about coding (aka computer programming). The site also has information on the Hour of Code which is scheduled to take place during Computer Science Education Week (December 9 - 15, 2013).

Something for Everyone

If you go to code.org and click on "Learn" you will be taken to a page with apps to get started in computer programming. There are four recommended apps for students, from lower elementary grades through high school, but they are useful for all ages. Below that are lists of other suggested apps, online tutorials and college-level courses. Click on the "Stats" link to get an idea of the potential economic impact of learning to code.

If you have an iPad Common Sense Media recommends Kodable Pro for kids as young as 6 to start to learn programming. "Kodable introduces kids to the kind of logic and the concepts needed in computer programming."

Remember, you don't need to know anything to get started.

Make it a parent-child activity. Learn together.

Movies and Books and Apps, Oh My!

Common Sense Media is not just for digital citizenship. Their Weekly Parent Edition contains suggestions for family activities, book and movie recommendations, tips on great apps for learning and just having fun. If you like what you see you can sign up to receive their newsletters via email. That's how I find out about all the interesting and helpful media they are evaluating for us.

Featured in the latest edition: "5 Easy Ways to Make Family Movie Night a Success," "What to Read Next: Our Favorite New Kids' Books," "9 Photography Apps We Love for Shutterbugs."

Check it out.