Today the LTT attended an exciting Apple Event in Edinburgh, ‘Everyone Can Code.’ Apple have created new apps which enable pupils from primary and secondary to learn how to code using ‘Swift’ language. This is a coding language Apple have created which is easy to use and is based on words we use in everyday language, making the experience simpler and pupil/teacher friendly.
The app ‘Swift Playgrounds’ is interactive, touch based, simple and fun to use and allows children to use text based code as well as developing skills across the curriculum. It comes with fantastic teacher resources which include 45 hours of lesson plans, accompanying film clips, keynotes, additional resources and online support. This will enable teachers with no prior coding experience to gain confidence and will also develop their understanding of coding alongside their pupils.
Best news of all – the apps and resources are free! All you need to get started is an iPad, the ‘Swift Playgrounds’ app and a class ready to get started on coding. For more information please visit Everyone Can Code
N.B. This resource is suited for Second Level and beyond
Meet Dash and Dot, robots that make learning to code fun. There are 5 free apps available from the apple store which provide learners the experience of simple to more technical programming. We now have a Dash and Dot available in our Loanbank. For extra information please contact the team.
With Scratch, you can program your own interactive stories, games and animations. Scratch helps young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically and work collaboratively. Scratch is used by millions of people of all ages through the use of a desktop version and apps. Click on this link to find out more information.
Kodu lets pupils create games on the PC via a simple visual programming language. Kodu can be used to teach creativity, problem solvingm storytelling, as well as programming. Anyone can use Kodu to make a game, young children as well as adults with no design or programming skills. Visit here to find out more.
