A great site from MIT to create apps using a simple ‘drag and drop’ coding method. Design apps to using in your classroom, or teach learners how to code their own. The Blocky coding will be familiar to anyone who has used Scratch. Just choose which images, videos etc you wish to include, and then change the parameters to customise the app to your needs, then view the result on a smart phone.
A fascinating diagram based Enigma Machine Simulator. Type in your message and see it encoded, then decode it again. This truly gives some appreciation of how complicated the machine was, and awe inspiring how the Enigma codes were cracked. Click the left panel to edit the simulator code.
Create HTML5 animations, games, tools and more with this superb coding platform, which has a complete learning course to get you and your pupils going. You can also play creations from the community.
The collection of resources and links are currently being moved from the old website to this new site. You may find that some of the links below are out of date and do not lead anywhere.
EdTech, as is life, is a journey with many dead ends.
| fuse.microsoft.com/page/kodu.aspx | Download this ‘must try’ game creating and editing suite from Microsoft. Build characters, objects, scenery and design the structure of the games. Build and play entire worlds. It’s an ICT teacher’s dream. Find tutorials athttp://planetkodu.com Note that additional downloads may be required from Microsoft, but these are free and you will be redirected if needed. |
| scratch.mit.edu | Scratch is a widely used downloadable programming and command program from MIT. Children can practise using simple programming language which bolts together like a jigsaw. You can also view and remix other children’s examples which can be used to dissect so your children can see how they work. |
| scratchjr.org | An iPad and junior version of the well know programming platform Scratch. The app has been designed for 5+ year olds and boosts simplified versions features of the more mature version. Children still snap programming blocks together to build amazingly creative things. |
| sploder.com | This wonderful site allows children to create platform, physics, puzzle and shooter games using an easy to use toolbox. The games are created and saved online. They can also swap links to their games and play each other’s creations. |
| yoyogames.com | Play and make some great games with Yoyo Games. Download Game Maker and begin creating. Not as easy as some other programs/sites I’ve used. The lite (free) version should be enough for most users, but there is a ‘paid for’ option if needed. |
| gamestarmechanic.com | Gamestat Mechanic let’s your children build games using a child friendly format. Play games to unlock new features. The basis account is free with the option to upgrade. |
| atmosphir.com | Atmosphir is a 3D computer game building site and downloadable resource. Easy and fun to use. Free account will suffice for most users as most features are open. |
| purposegames.com | A good site for finding and creating quiz and multiple choice games. Creating a new game requires a free sign up, but a login is not required to browse resources. |
| mswlogo.en.softonic.com | Logo is a classic control and programming programme that every Primary teacher should use with a class at least once in their career just for the geekiness of it. Yes, Logo can make pretty patterns, but you can also import images as a background. A simple one page tips sheet for children (and adults) I made can be downloaded by clicking here (re-adding the link soon). |
| waterbearlang.com | A site similar to http://scratch.mit.edu but uses java. Great for teaching basic programming. |
| education.mit.edu/projects/starlogo-tng | A great site for making games and other programs. Made by the same group as http://scratch.mit.edu, it is is similar to use, but has many different and exciting features. |
| stencyl.com | A must try child-friendly flash game building program to download. Games are build in a similar way tohttp://scratch.mit.edu with blocks of commands. Games look great and play well. |
| sodaplay.com | This site is a playground for experimenting java programmers. Browse hundreds of user created examples or get your class to make their own. It’s easy. |
| greenfoot.org | An easy to use java based programming download. Put together blocks of commands to make your games and applications. |
| alivetek.com/gameshow.php | Make a game show with this game building tool. Enter your questions and up to five possible answers. Download the XML file and either a flash or HTML file to play. |
| yousrc.com/index.asp | A good, easy to use for java games and programmes tutorial site designed with teachers and students in mind. See what programmes other users have made, and importantly, how they have made it. Register for free to design your own. |
| sharendipity.com | A great web based app creator. Make simple games, widgets and learning tools. You can also play other users’ apps and use them as a template to adapt them for your own. Be sure to check out the education section for lots of things to embed on your website. |
| lissaexplains.com | This is a superb site with everything teachers need to get their class coding with HTML. |
| codeyear.com | Coding has become a basic skill which all should learn. This site gives you everything you need to begin coding. Stick with it and you will be making your own educational apps in no time. You might even invent the next big thing! |
| kidsruby.com | This is a good downloadable programme which provides a good environment to teach children how to code. It feels very similar to MS Logo, but much more suited to children. |
| zondle.com/publicPages/welcome.aspx | Zondle is a superb site where you can make/play your own games or play ready-made games. Creating games is easy and sharing them is simple. A must try resource! |
| robomind.net | This is a downloadable programme that teaches programming through a virtual robotic rover. Design games and challenges with your robot moving and finding objects. The commands are similar to MS Logo, but the interface and graphics are vastly more child-friendly. It is free for personal use. |
| gamesalad.com | A great downloadable programme for making computer games for a variety of platforms and devices. Drag and drop items to make your creations. It’s provides a more mature environment than tools like Scratch and there are many more options and advance settings for talented students. |
| twolivesleft.com/CargoBot | This is a fun programme and control iPad app where players must programme the crane to move the boxes into the correct configuration. It’s a great way to introduce the basics of programming to your class. |
| appshed.com | This is a superb site for creating mobile browser apps online. The builder is quick and easy to use with lots of functions to include. You can continue to update and tweak your app. It’s a great way for your class to begin making apps before they move on to full coding. |
| gethopscotch.com | This is a great iPad app which teaches programming skills to kids using blocks of commands in a similar way to MIT’s Scratch. |
| code.org | A superb site for inspiring future coders with a huge range of exciting programming projects with step by step tutorials. Learning code with MineCraft and StarWars are just two of the many game themes. |
| playmycode.com | A great site where student programmers can work and experiment with html coding and see the results instantly. See how other uses’ games are made and copy code for your own projects. |
| touchdevelop.com | This is a fab suite of programming tools and toys from Microsoft Research. The site using HTML 5 which means that it works across most devices from PCs, Apple, Android and more. It has a get tutorial section to get you started and you are able to pick apart coding from other public projects. You can share your finished scripts and programmes with a link to play on most devices and even export it to the Windows Store. |
| play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.on5.musicdroid | A great Android game which teaches children basic programming commands through many levels of puzzles. |
| crunchzilla.com/code-monster | This is a fab site to introduce Java coding to children in a user-friendly, step by step way. It’s an interactive online tutorial course which builds the basic programming skills to make some cool things. There are 59 lessons in all. |
| google.com/webdesigner | This is a superb download from Google of a HTML5 programming and web design suite. HTML5 is currently the coding language of choice and the creations should work on most devices. Flash programmers will feel very at home with the timeline interface. The basics are fairly simple with click and drag editing, but professionals will also find this resource very useful with advanced code editing, including CSS. |
| sketchnation.com | This is a great iPad app which lets users design and play simple games by drawing the character and backgrounds. |
| codecademy.com | A superb site which takes learners through a carefully constructed and practical course of coding in many different programming languages. There is an accompanying Apple app to get you started. |
| microsoft.com/en-us/projectsiena/default.aspx | Design your own Window Apps with this easy to use programming tool from Microsoft. Upload images and other media to use and share your app by sharing the link. |
| talentbuddy.co | A wonderful ‘gymnasium’ for budding programmers. Work through programming challenges to earn points and increase your level. There are over 10 programming languages to choose from, including Python, Javascript and Ruby. |
| codehunt.com | A superb game where children must use their knowledge of coding to progress through the levels. There are two programming languages to choose from and tutorials at every step of the way. |
| codecombat.com | This is just about the geekiest site I have ever seen… and I love it. Learn how to code by designing the perfect programming to enable you to battle in a medieval realm. This site has been developed especially for children and begins with easy challenges and build to higher levels of programming skill. There is even a multiplayer area so users can battle with their friends. |
| eraseallkittens.com | This is a superb, funny coding game for kids. The game requires players to learn coding skills to complete the levels to rescue internet kittens (which, as we all know, make up 97% of the web). |
| checkio.org | A superb online game which takes learners through coding activities with Python. Complete the tasks to gain points to move to the next area. More suitable for older students. |
| twinery.org | A wonderful download which allows users to create interactive non-linear stories which allow the reader to make choices about how the plot unfolds. |
| codekingdoms.com | Guide your character through an adventure from planet to planet, learning and using coding skills to navigate the world and complete progressively trickier missions. The site allows player to build their own worlds to play and classmates can even communicate and share their creations. |
| codecast.me | A simple HTML/CSS editor which updates in real-time. Perfect for teaching to a class on your whiteboard or for students to experiment with. |
| sonic-pi.net | This is an amazing Windows, Mac and Raspberry Pi download which combines coding and composing music. Within a few minutes everyone can begin to make something tuneful and after a few lessons your students may even come up with a symphony or two. |
| microbit.org | The website for the BBC Micro:Bit has lots of coding resources to use with and without a Micro:Bit device for both teachers and pupils, including program creators with a choice of programming languages. |
| youtube.com/user/GeekGurlDiaries | A superb set of Coding and Maker videos to help you begin your own projects. There are lots of Raspberry Pi tutorials and much more to explore. |
| sololearn.com | A breath-taking array of ‘learn to code’ Apple, Android and Windows phone apps. Learn C++, Python C#, HTML, SQL, JavaScript, Java, CSS, php and Swift via the site or apps. These are ‘must try’ tools for anyone starting out with coding. The site even has a ‘Code Playground’ to experiment with your code. |
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