Like other kid-based programming languages, Blockly uses visual blocks to create programs. Alice can be used on Windows, Macs, and Linux systems however, there is a minimum configuration due to the level of graphics and features provided.īlockly, also presented at Block.ly, is a JavaScript-based library for visual programming. Additionally, Alice also is designed to target 3D solutions as well as 2D. One of the unique features of Alice, especially Alice 3, is that it is positioned to be a stepping stone towards Java development. The Alice site provides resources for using either version, including exercises, lessons, how-tos, and even textbooks. The previous version, Alice 2, is considered simpler. As with the book, the programming language is available for free in the public domain.Īlice has multiple versions, with the most recent (as of the writing of this slideshow) being Alice 3. Like the books, the emphasis is on communicating complex ideas in simple, fun ways. The language is named after Alice in the Lewis Carroll book, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Like Scratch, Alice is also used in classrooms and schools. With Alice, you can build interactive elements into a game, interactive story, or other application. One unique feature of Scratch is that it is available in over 40 languages.Īlice also uses a drag and drop interface to program. Version 2.0 of Scratch is generally used through a modern Web browser, including Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Edge. Scratch was developed by MIT Media Lab and is free to use. Coding is primarily done by dragging and dropping blocks together to build a storyboard as shown in the slide. There are millions of projects already online, including games, animations, and interactive stories. Scratch can be used to create stories, projects, and programs that can be shared with a community of others. Scratch is one of the most popular programming tools for kids. Even though they are aimed at kids, you might find that some are a lot of fun to use! ![]() Rather, what you will see are languages and tools aimed at kids. ![]() Kids certainly can use these, but they are not the focus of these slides. Each provides kids with a platform or tool to get started in programming and to learn the concepts.ĭon’t look for C, C++, Java, Ruby, Python, or the common languages that you see developers using every day. Some can be used to create full applications others are simply runtime environments. Many of these are simplified versions that focus as much on the concepts of program structure as on the actual building of applications. In the following slides, I present some of the programming languages and tools that are available for kids (and grownups). The reality is that there could be kids coming out of high school with years of programming experience. The state legislation is considering pushing programming into the lower classes at the public schools as a mandated requirement, possibly all the way down into elementary schools.Īlthough pushing elementary kids to program might seem crazy, the reality is that many elementary teachers are already teaching programming by using a variety of games, customized kits (such as Spheros and Osmos), and simplified or customized programming languages. The local high school in my town is adding advanced programming classes as well as a cyber security class for the students. One area of change is that many schools are adding more and more classes around programming concepts. If they do know what COPPA is, it’s likely because they are making sure their apps and sites are COPPA compliant, not because they are running into COPPA gates on sites. ![]() Most don’t likely know what regulations such as COPPA are. Most of the programmers on Codeguru are adults or college students working with companies or writing programs for their own use. Programming Languages for Kids (and Grown Ups)!Ĭodeguru caters to programmers.
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