Following the coding path, from blocks to text to robots

Despite rapid changes in technology, coding remains a valuable future-focused skill and helps students to develop a problemsolving mindset.

One of the questions that teachers need to address is which tool(s) should be used in the classroom when learning to code. Those working with younger students will usually start with block-based programming using tools such as Scratch, but at some point, it is important to transition to text-based coding, since block-based coding has limits in terms of capabilities and efficiency.

Easy transition

One way to introduce text-based coding is to choose a tool where students can switch between a block-based coding editor and a text-based alternative. A good example of this would be the Microsoft MakeCode editor (microsoft.com/en-us/ makecode), which can be used for various types of coding, easier to work in the text editor, so this sort of environment provides an easy transition between two ways of coding, and students can begin to see the advantages of text-based coding.

Different languages

Other possible tools for text-based coding include Grasshopper ( grasshopper.app), where students can learn small fragments of JavaScript code, CodePen (codepen.io), where students can experiment with web languages (HTML, CSS and JavaScript) in an interactive tool, and Replit (replit.com), which provides an easy environment for students to get started with a range of different text-based languages.

Another option for the transition to text-based coding is to use the integrated resources of sites such as code.org or Tynker (tynker.com).

Robotics and results

One useful context for coding in the classroom is robotics. The great thing about robots is that there is something for every age group. Plus, it’s easy for students to see the results of their actions in the real world if they have a physical robot such as Edison, mBot and Lego Mindstorms, etc. A common block-based coding tool for robotics is Blockly (developers.google.com/blockly), but again it is important to consider the path to text-based coding. edpyapp.com) for the Edison robot is one option, where students can use a version of the Python language. There are even tools like Miranda that provide options to code in multiple languages to both simulate and program multiple types of robots. Whatever tools are chosen, the important thing is to give students the experience of text-based coding and open up the full power of programming.

Article compiled by academyEX

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The BBC micro:bit is a popular pocket-sized, micro-computer that can be used to introduce introduces students to the collaboration between software and hardware through the MakeCode platform. It’s packed with inputs, outputs, sensors and radio communication features. microbit.org

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