Decoding the code

Vibha Sharma

Here are a few apps that demystify programming. Kids of age group 5 and above can start playing around with simple coding instructions which can eventually pave the way for serious programming. There are some for serious programmers too.

App Name: Move the Turtle

OS: iOS

Features: The app is a gamified way to teach programming on Apple devices. It is created to teach coding concepts to kids of ages 5 years and above. Turtle of Logo is used to build logical thinking in kids of that age group. The movement of turtle across the screen is manipulated following programming instructions.

Pros/Cons: The game is divided into three chapters, each containing nine levels and a series of tasks to teach new concepts. The complexity level keeps increasing progressively.

Rating: 4/5

App Name: Daisy the Dinosaur

OS: iOS

Features: A beautiful kid friendly app offers nine commands to kids to drag and drop into their program to make Daisy the Dinosaur move. Different challenges include loops, events and other basics of programming.

Pros/Cons: Simple instructions are easy to follow and kids can find their way around it on their own. Options are not too many so app has limited possibilities.

Rating: 4/5

App Name: ScratchJr

OS: iOS, Android

Features: The app is a junior version of the web-based project of MIT. This one is ideal for the age group 5-7 years. The interface is easy to explore and kids can try different things on their own. Not much reading is required and users can find the way by just following the instructions.

Pros/Cons: The app actually helps to flex Math and language skills of the young users.

Rating: 4.5/5

App Name: Hopscotch

OS: iOS

Features: Very similar to Scratch, Hopscotch is a visual introduction to programming for kids of ages eight to 12 years. It is a drag-and-drop programming app. Kids can easily follow instructions and commands to wrote the code. Through code, characters can be controlled and text can be added.

Pros/Cons: There is an option of uploading one’s programmes and viewing other’s work as well.

Rating: 4/5

App Name: Udacity

OS: Android, iOS

Features: The app gives students the ability to stream lectures anywhere and anytime. Students can also test their knowledge with quizzes.

Pros/Cons: Works best in the places where internet speed is slow, one can download the lectures for offline viewing.

Rating: 4.5/5