Codesters

Codesters is an online platform that teaches Python programming (a popular and professionally used programming language). It features a built-in learning management system (LMS) to assist teachers in managing the curriculum and student learning. Codesters provides authentic coding experiences within a well-designed interactive website. The platform is cluttered, which may be challenging for some students; however, Codesters looks similar to Python coding platforms that professional programmers use.

Like other coding websites, students follow scaffolded tutorials to learn coding basics. What makes Codesters stand out is its focus on learning to code in Python. The workspace is centered on a text-based code editor, though students do have the option to drag commands into the editor, which instantly become text. Students learn to read, modify, and write their own code using a combination of drag-and-drop tools and typing directly using Python code. Each lesson includes three phases: build, modify, and create. These phases move students from step-by-step instructions to a blank slate for creating their own projects. Final projects for each lesson are based on real-world scenarios.

Codesters includes a class page where work is shared between classmates for review and remixing. Both the student and teacher dashboards provide clear data; students can track their progress through each step of the lesson, and teachers can drill down into student data. Codesters also makes it easy to preview each lesson. The Educator Guide and detailed written lessons plans are provided for teachers and include standards alignment, learning targets, differentiation ideas, and more.