Learning Resources

Ucodemy Launches Coding Ed Tool

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 10/15/15

Ucodemy, a company that provides resources for computer science education, has launched Itch, a version of Scratch with ready-to-use lessons.

"Powered by EDUonGo, a cloud-based e-learning platform, Ucodemy used EDUonGo's LTI feature to combine Scratch, a popular visual programming language, with their learning management system," according to a news release. The new tool provides the same free activities, such as games, interactive stories and animations, available at scratch.com, as well as prepared lessons in the Scratch interface.

Other features include:

• The ability for teachers to create their own courses;
• A streamlined experience, eliminating the need for students to manage multiple browser windows;
• Private workspaces, allowing students to instantly share projects with teachers or the class; and
• A secure social network.

"Itch gives my students and I reliable access to the tools found in Scratch as well as video tutorials," said Cheryl Steenson, teacher at Secondary Academy for Success, in a prepared statement. "Itch helped me incorporate coding into my English class, where students can tell creative, interactive and meaningful stories while learning a real life skill."

Ucodemy is currently offering a limited number of free teacher accounts. Visit ucodemy.com for more information.