New Maker Tool Lets Students Build Apps and Games from Tablets
A new app from maker movement startup Tynker lets students build custom apps, like games and interactive stories, directly from tablets like iPads.
Using the platform, students start with a general template--like a puzzle or storyboard--and drag-and-drop visual programming blocks to input simple commands based on step-by-step prompts, which in turn build the student’s app. Generally, languages that use programming blocks are often considered ideal for young children with no previous programming experience, and can help build problem solving, spatial reasoning, and algorithmic thinking abilities.
As students' skills advance with the tool, they can tackle larger, more open projects that require additional programming. Completed projects can then be accessed by any iOS, Android, or web device, regardless of where it was built.
Additional features include:
- A downloadable library of sample coding projects
- The ability to add music, like piano, guitar, and drum notes
- Tilt, touch, and other tablet-specific functions
The app is priced at $4.99 and currently available for Android and iPad.
About the Author
Stephen Noonoo is an education technology journalist based in Los Angeles. He is on Twitter @stephenoonoo.