In today's digital era, coding isn’t just a useful skill to learn; it's one of the most essential skills any teenager can have. Coding is more than just a tool for creating software and apps. It’s a skill that helps an individual develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, creativity, and communication. For young minds who are just starting to plan their futures, learning to code can be a game changer, as it opens up endless opportunities in today’s world. This blog is all about giving teenagers a list of the best free tools they can use to start learning and practicing how to code.
1. Code.org
Code.org is a well-known nonprofit that has a vision to make learning to code available to everyone. This platform offers well planned curriculums in computer science, which are great for teenagers who are just stepping in. The courses are created and supported by top organizations like Google and Microsoft. The platform also offers various labs, like the app lab, game lab, and web lab, where the students can practise their codes. Code.org's Hour of Code project offers quick, one-hour lessons that are meant to make coding less mysterious and get people excited about it.
Best for: Beginners just starting out with coding and looking for a structured curriculum that is followed globally.
The MIT App Inventor is a web application that lets anyone, even kids, make fully functional apps for Android or iOS, in a very easy and creative manner. It uses a visual, block-based programming language, which makes it easier for newbies to get started. Block-based programming makes the development of very complex and high impact apps feasible for new learners.
Best for: Teens with zero or less coding experience who are interested in making fully functional apps.
Swift Playground is an innovative iPad and Mac application that provides an interactive learning experience for students who are looking forward to learning iOS app development from scratch. This app teaches coding concepts through puzzles and games, making it interactive and easier for students with no coding experience. Starting from the basics to the advanced, the application teaches students how to create their own app in a game-like environment.
Best for: Teens with zero or less coding experience, looking to learn how to make iOS apps.
4. Pictoblox
Pictoblox is educational software that makes coding fun and easy for youngsters, through its user-friendly interface. It uses visual programming to teach kids how to code. Students can code using block programming or Python to create engaging and creative projects. Pictoblox also has various extensions for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, Robotics, and Virtual Reality, so teens can learn about these cutting-edge technologies in an easier way.
Best for: Teens who are just starting out with coding and want to switch from block-based to text-based code and want to learn more about AI and machine learning.
5. HatchXR
HatchXR provides a unique learning experience where users can make their own Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) games without having to know how to code. The platform gives an option for block programming for complete beginners, and Javascript for advanced users. A variety of tutorials and sample projects are available on the platform to assist the learners in their coding journey.
Best for: Students who are interested in AR/VR and game creation.
Minecraft is a game based learning platform that offers a variety of resources and tutorials to help teenagers learn to code while gaming. Minecraft is more than just a game. It helps students get more creative, collaborate, and solve problems while gaming. It's a fun and flexible way to learn coding and computer science, with project based lessons and a coding interface that lets students use blocks or JavaScript.
Best for: Teenagers who like to play games and want to learn how to code through gaming.
7. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a non-profit school that gives free courses in computer science and programming. Their program covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of computer science to more specific languages like HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and SQL. Students can learn at their own pace on the platform. It also gives instant feedback, which can help students figure out where they need to improve and work on those areas.
Best for: Teenagers seeking extensive, self-paced learning experiences with a good set of practice activities.
8. Stencyl
Stencyl isn't your typical game development tool; it's a stunning, user-friendly toolkit that speeds up your process. Stencyl includes a gorgeous, straightforward programming language as well as a drag-and-drop gameplay designer. You can design your game with Stencyl code blocks even if you are new to coding. Experienced programmers will appreciate Stencyl's incorporation of ActionScript 3.
Best for: Teenagers that love visual programming environments and aspiring game creators.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation's Raspberry Pi Projects offer more than 100 coding and computing projects. The platform provides interfaces and resources for various skills like, Scratch, Unity, Python, Web design, and Physical computing, i.e. electronics. It's a great place to learn about real machines by doing things like programming a robot or making a smart mirror.
Best for: Teens who want to try out both hardware and apps.
Learning to code is indeed a journey full of obstacles, victories, and opportunities. This blog post's list of tools is a great place to start, but there are many more to explore. Remember that the key is to keep trying new things, keep learning, and have fun while doing it. After all, coding isn't just a skill; it's also a new way to see and connect with the digital world. So pick an application and start coding right away.
If your favorite tool is on the list, I would love to hear what you love about it. If I’ve missed your favorite tool (sorry!), please give us a shout-out on Twitter/LinkedIn/Instagram/discord and share why you love it.
Dr. Sonal Kukreja
PhD in Computer Science
Founder @ChildrenWhoCode
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