Effective, engaging introduction to coding
Submitted 11 years ago
Community Review for Lightbot : Programming Puzzles
My Take
Light-bot is an excellent introduction to computer programming for elementary aged students (K-5). It provides a strong foundation of coding basics, procedures, loops, conditionals, and overloading. The app is challenging to learners of all levels, gender, and of all ages (my fifth grader and I try to complete a level every night).
How I Use It
I used light-bot as an activity for K-2 students during the Hour of Code. It was especially exciting to watch the girls complete the puzzles ahead of the boys. Some kids had difficulty figuring out that they were trying to turn from the light-bot's perspective, and not their own. Many students asked if we would revisit the activity another time.
More community reviews for Lightbot : Programming Puzzles
Melissa Z.
Teacher
Alfred G Zanetti School
Springfield, MA
December 14, 2016
Debug the LightBot
If you are doing Hour of Code and can give some modeling time before letting them use it than it is a great website. If you are just going to let the 1st graders use it without explanation it is going to be too hard for them. If you use it with older kids I think they will pick up on it quickly. It really does a great job of teaching students to problem solve and debug a situation. Also, if you have them working with partners they can collaborate on the answers.
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Jana C.
Teacher
Lovett Elementary School
Clinton, MS
October 10, 2016
Great tool for introducing coding concepts to young programmers!
My take is that this is an AMAZING tool to get kids excited about coding. It's very engaging (and a little addictive!). It works well in various settings and with a variety of student populations, which is especially helpful when you have students ranging from special needs to gifted at the same time. More practice with each step would probably benefit this app (i.e. more simple puzzles should be available to solidify a concept before jumping into it too deeply). Overall, a great tool!
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Lisa S.
Technology Integration Specialist
Sabetha, KS
December 1, 2014
Great Hour of Code Resource for Young Folks
Overall, it is important to keep in mind that this is not just playing a game. Coding and activities like LightBot encourage many "soft skills" our students need: critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, persistence in the face of challenge and failure, cooperation with others. It isn't just about creating a generation of kids who want to become computer scientists...though there will continue to be career opportunities for them, for sure!!
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