The first step in becoming a fluent coder is to build capacity with a coding platform. We believe that the best way to do this is to start with the courses available at Code.org.

Code.org is a website that is accessible through a browser on computer, Chromebook, or iPad. The site introduces students to coding and computer science concepts through puzzles and problems that must be solved using code. The courses are designed for students in grades K-12.

Code.org includes management tools to track student progress, assign various lessons and activities to students, and is provided in multiple languages. The site also offers supporting documentation and resources for teachers. Learning through the Code.org courses are directly linked to the Ontario Curriculum expectations and introduce students to the required coding skills and concepts (such as sequencing, control structures etc). Students can advance through the lessons at their own pace or following teacher direction. Students will build confidence with using visual based (block based) coding.

Once students gain confidence and are comfortable with the lessons and activities on Code.org, they can then move on to the programs offered through Google CS First and Scratch.

Google CS First

A free computer science curriculum that makes coding easy to teach and fun to learn.

Google CS First is a coding management environment where students learn the basics of block coding using Scratch through self paced video lessons and projects of different themes such as sports, art, and game design.

Google CS First provides a teacher dashboard to assign lessons and projects, and to track student progress.

Google CS First uses the Scratch platform to teach block based coding. There is no need to create scratch accounts, Google CS First does this for you when you create your account with students.

An added benefit is that Google CS First uses our RCDSB Google Account info - there is no need to remember a new username and password!

Scratch

Create stories, games, and animations. Share with others around the world.

Scratch is a website that offers a free block based programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations, and share these creations with others if you choose.

Students are learning with Scratch at all levels (from elementary school to college) and across disciplines (such as math, computer science, language arts, social studies).

Scratch helps young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively — essential skills for life in the 21st century.

Scratch is a project of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab. It is provided free of charge.

Getting started with Scratch videos: Coding with Scratch

Lynx

Think of Lynx as the next step from block-based coding tools!

Lynx is a cloud-based programming environment for learners to create sophisticated projects across the curriculum. This text-based language supports computational thinking for all without the idiosyncrasies of other languages, such as Python or JavaScript. Best of all, Lynx is built upon a fifty year tradition of designing programming environments for learning. Projects made with Lynx are easily shareable.