Coding
Learning.com Partners with Codesters to Develop K-8 Coding Curriculum
Ed tech company Learning.com is partnering with Codesters, a platform for K–12 computer science instruction, to develop EasyCode Pillars, an online interactive curriculum that incorporates coding challenges and game design into the classroom to cultivate students’ coding skills. This digital literacy resource is designed to offer students a dynamic, hands-on coding experience, while providing teachers with an easy instructional solution for use in the computer lab or in the classroom.
“In today’s world, technology is part of nearly everything we do,” said Learning.com CEO Keith Oelrich in a statement. “Yet, we find that many of today’s students are lacking in even the most basic tech skills necessary for success in school, college and careers. Through our partnership with Codesters, we are extending our commitment to providing students with opportunities to develop powerful computer science skills with the launch of this new project-based, interactive and engaging curriculum.”
As an extension of Learning.com’s EasyCode computational thinking and coding curriculum for grades K-8, EasyCode Pillars takes a project-based approach and gives students hands-on coding experience via small coding challenges, debugging practice, game design and short quizzes that test comprehension, according to a news release. Students can learn how to animate objects, play sounds and use their mouse and keyboard input, building real-world Python coding skills. A self-paced program, EasyCode Pillars is designed to allow teachers to easily identify and work with struggling students, while more advanced students can move on to increasingly complex projects.
Among the features of EasyCode Pillars is the Drag-to-Text Toolkit, which simplifies syntax and takes students through the transition into full-text coding from block-based coding. Using Python, an industry-recognized programming language, students should be able to see how the skills they are learning are applicable to real-world careers, increasing their level of engagement and interest. By building new projects from the ground up, students can deepen their understanding of the concepts they are learning while demonstrating mastery over the core skills they’ve developed.
The step-by-step activities in EasyCode Pillars are designed to help teachers with little to no computer science experience immediately provide quality classroom instruction. Detailed lesson plans are designed to guide teachers through each concept, including answer keys for each activity, ensuring instant solutions for in-class exercises.
EasyCode Pillars aligns with Learning.com’s pledge to support Computer Science for All, the Department of Education’s call-to-action for more computer science opportunities for all K–12 schools and students.
To learn more about EasyCode Pillars and to get a sneak peek, register on this site for the “Bring Coding to Your District” webinar at noon PST April 27.
To learn more about Learning.com, go to that company’s website. For more information on Codesters, visit that company’s site.
About the Author
Richard Chang is associate editor of THE Journal. He can be reached at rchang@1105media.com.