Augmented & Virtual Reality Classroom Management (SPED-friendly) Communications & Collaboration Conceptual Change (KAT) Motivation (KAT) Collaborative Learning Engagement and Motivation Gamification DescriptionTynker is a rich resource for users wanting to learn the basics of programming. The courses use videos and interactive exercises to demonstrate the how-tos of programming, using the vocabulary of the trade without overtly teaching users a programming language. Tynker uses visual blocks of code, based on the concepts of Scratch, to teach kids the concepts of programming.
In the courses, users watch videos, work through programming tutorials, take quizzes to check for understanding and work on their programs. Once the courses are purchased (take note: several coding games are included as part of the Hour of Code curriculum. Subscriptions are also available for $48/quarterly, $72/annually, or $150/lifetime. These plans include 18 programming courses, eight mobile courses, and a private Minecraft Classic server.), the user has lifetime access. The Hour of Code exercises include several games that offer some instruction as well as tutorials that walk users step by step through the process of creating a game or an app using the visual code blocks.
1. Step by step lessons guide users on a learning path that encourages them with reward badges.
2. Interactive approach with explanations, how-to videos, and mini games.
3. Guided learning with a built-in tutor to teach users how to apply new concepts and free play mode for user to test out the new concepts they have learned.
4. Engaging puzzles that require users to apply new coding skills and solve coding problems.
5. Independent game building that encourage children to move from step-by-step projects to their own DIY projects.
6. Fun challenges assess understanding of coding concepts to ensure student mastery of the subjects.
7. Visual programming makes Tynker easy to use and fun to learn.
8. Once visual programming concepts have been mastered, students can transition to Javascript coding.
Features- Four adventures in total. Each of the adventures has their own plot providing the motivation to complete each of the levels
- Interactive interface that allows user to complete each one of the puzzles, arranged by levels of difficulty and solving sequences of command
- Enhances users problem solving skills by encouraging them to be creative and logical in their thinking
- Colourful graphics and animations captivate their attention
Affordances- Drag and drop command blocks helps user to visual sequence code
- User can personalize their projects with professional-quality, fluidly-animated characters that bring their projects to life
- Short quizzes at the end of each lesson ensure an understanding of concepts and automatically assess student mastery
- Create their own games and animated projects, while learning to code along the way
- User can experiment with what they've built to help them apply the concepts they've learned
Limitations- Tynker's instructions are text-heavy, and impatient readers may skip instructions and miss out on learning
- The app has no audio instruction function, it can often be unclear to the younger users
- Free to try. Subscriptions are also available
Educator Usage Platforms SupportedSafari, Chrome, and Firefox, iOS and Android
Other Resources Screenshot