As we've explored various technologies at CoderDojo Tucson, we've found some resources that have been very useful. Here are a few we'd like to share.
| Name | URL | Description | What we like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scratch | scratch.mit.edu | Scratch is a block-based programming environment and community created by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the Massachussetts Institute of Technology and supported by the Scratch Foundation. | With Scratch, we can create music, interactive art, games, and animations. We can share our creations with others in the community and remix projects others have created. |
| Snap! | snap.berkeley.edu | Snap! is a programming environment created by the University of California at Berkeley. It is a block-based programming environment like Scratch but has a wide range of blocks for more advanced topics; like artificial intelligence, data analysis, image processing, machine learning, mapping, and natural language processing. | Snap! is a great next step after learning the basics with Scratch. |
| Microsoft MakeCode | microsoft.com/makecode | With MakeCode, we can use code blocks that are much like Scratch or use JavaScript to program micro:bits, hand-held video games, or even robots. | One great thing about MakeCode is that we can save projects to GitHub with just a click of a button. |
| Thunkable | thunkable.com | Thunkable is a block-based programming environment that lets us build mobile apps for Android and iOS in the browser. | Thunkable is free for personal use and even works on Chromebooks! |
| replit | replit.com | Replit is a browser-based development environment that supports a wide range of languages, has a free tier for personal use, and runs great on Chromebooks. We've used replit for JavaScript game programming and Python programming. | Replit is an easy way to experiment with a wide range of programming languages, from mainstream to obscure. |
| Visual Studio Code | code.visualstudio.com | Visual Studio Code is a lightweight code editor from Microsoft with great extension support for many programming languages. We've used it for web development and Python programming. | This website was programmed using Visual Studio Code! |
| Name | URL | Description | What we like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tinkercad | tinkercad.com | Tinkercad is a free web-based 3D modelling tool that makes it easy to create models to print with a 3D printer. You can even save models in commonly supported file formats for 3D printing (like .OBJ and .STL). | Tinkercad has an intuitive what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) interface. |
| OpenSCAD | openscad.org | Sometimes you just want to create a 3D model with code. OpenSCAD is an open-source 3D modelling language and programming environment that lets you design, preview, and save 3D model files for printing. | The advantage of a tool like OpenSCAD is that you have exact control of every parameter and you can often specify dimensions more accurately and faster than with a graphical modelling tool like Tinkercad. |
| Name | URL | Description | What we like |
|---|---|---|---|
| CodeCombat | codecombat.com | CodeCombat is a fun way to learn programming in Python or JavaScript by moving through a dungeon, collecting treasure, and defeating monsters with code! | While it is necessary to subscribe to unlock all the levels, there are many levels that can be completed for free. |
| G4C Intro to Game Design | gamesforchange.org | This is a great approach to getting started with your game design. | This guide is one of the resources provided in support of the annual Games for Change Student Challenge. |
CoderDojo Tucson is a dojo of the CoderDojo Foundation, which is part of the Raspberry Pi Foundation.