Best Apps and Websites for Learning Programming and Coding
Computers intersect with every aspect of kids' lives, but most kids don't understand how they work. Through coding, students build essential literacy skills, gain an understanding of logic and sequence, and learn the mechanics of iteration. For beginners and those with intermediate skills, there are tons of choices that offer instruction, practice, and opportunities to apply skills. Though there's definitely overlap between many platforms, the tools for more advanced students require some prerequisite foundational skills. Plus, there are tools that are totally user-driven -- without teacher resources -- to recommend for students who are really motivated. Learning through games is a fun entry point, so you can check out some of those choices. And if students really want to see a published product as the fruit of their coding labor, there are tools that are really practical, with direct application of coding skills. If you have students who may or may not be into coding but are into other forms of self-expression, the tools for creativity beyond coding might work well. For tangible teachable moments, check out the tools that have hardware components. And older students using mobile devices might enjoy coding apps. Using these picks, kids can unlock the logic of code and the basics of programming, turning computers into tools to make new things.
Just want a few top choices for coding? Find out what our editors think are absolute best coding tools for beginners and advanced learners.
Variety and creativity come together to get early learners coding
Bottom Line: Early coders will enjoy the colorful interface and variety of activities as they progress through different worlds and develop foundational programming skills.
Animated block coding app can be overwhelming for young learners
Bottom Line: Great block coding app for Hour of Code, but the large number of challenges in the main curriculum make it hard to implement in the classroom.
Substantial subscription-based coder offers lots of levels, few supports
Bottom Line: This one app takes students from knowing nothing about coding to creating their own simple multiplayer games, but there's little help along the way.
Crafty, mostly screen-free approach to computer science
Bottom Line: These creative, beautifully made craft- and interest-based projects have the potential to bring students -- particularly girls -- into the world of coding and computers.
Coding puzzler covers a lot of computer science ground
Bottom Line: This is a program that merges games and computer science, and gives you all the tools you need to teach -- even without coding experience.
Middle school CS curriculum has stellar resources, room for creativity
Bottom Line: A high-quality introductory CS curriculum where students can be creative, collaborate with others, and express themselves, in the classroom or at home.
Cross-curricular coding swoops in with strong supports for students
Bottom Line: This cross-curricular coder supports teachers and gives students thoughtful feedback as they apply JavaScript to science, math, and games.
Game-making platform fuses coding and physical play
Bottom Line: This platform could appear gimmicky at first, but in practice it blends SEL, movement, collaboration, and STEM learning in clever, compelling ways.
