Code.org Vs Mit Scratch : Read this before getting your child enrolled

Code.org and Scratch are the 2 most popular platforms for early age coders. Both focus on logic and computational thinking and are completely free to use.

Kids tend to prefer Scratch, teachers tend to prefer Code.org. I have taught Both from past 6 years and i love both. Let me explain why here.

Both Code.org and Scratch are browser-based software platforms enabling any student with a computer to use and save projects in the cloud. Student can access these platform more dynamically than a textbook. Even Code.org also works great on tablet computer. But you cant use it on mobile phone.

Each platform has a different teaching approach-- I recommend using multiple platforms, similar to how you’d teach a foreign language using multiple techniques (flashcards, conversation practice, watching videos, worksheets). It helps to reinforce concepts in different ways.

Here’s what we like about Code.org:

• It have a developed Learning Management System which makes their teacher dashboard really easy for teachers to set up student accounts, monitor student progress, and assign classes to certain curriculum levels. It shows how code.org have worked with teacher to get product to such extend.
• Code.org have partnered with Disney and other brands so that the characters that kids love are incorporated in the platform (Angry bird, Moana, Minecraft, etc.). A lot of kids will say “I want to play the Angry Bird game!” and get super excited from the get-go.
• One thing is very Promising and parsing about code.org is the clear scope and sequence to the Code.org puzzles. They’ve thoughtfully built it out so that lessons build on each other and so that key concepts are reviewed. Students move forward when they pass each level-- this is especially great for kids who like the constant positive reinforcement of passing. Also teacher can test the understanding of child by asking him to perform later activities.
• On one click we you can change block coding to Java script.
• Teachers get an answer key-- so even teachers with no background in coding feel like they always have that to rely on.

The main con is that kids, especially older ones, may get bored. There’s not a ton of freedom to experiment and build what you imagine. Graphically also i feel Code.org lacks. But its the best platform for kids to learn fundamental of coding.

Here’s what we like about Scratch:

• Mit Scratch is an open-ended platform which makes it accessible for early learners but also offers a lot of opportunity for complex projects. Scratch go far with the range of projects you can build in Scratch.
• There are too many option as compare to code.org kids love freedom and explore more. Kids are able to use the full range of coding blocks. There’s something for everyone-- you can build a multi player game with a point system, a chat bot, an animated story and many more.
• Edit of images and avatar is also a plus point of scratch over code.org. Kid can import custom image or can also create its own using in-built paint tool.
• They just created some Teacher/Admin capabilities recently which have been a huge time save, though it’s still pretty basic (bulk user account creation, etc.)
• Scratch also provide opportunity for your child to learn AI and Machine learning using various tools.

Scratch can be overwhelming for new teachers because there’s few built in tutorials and But not the answer key. While Scratch doesn’t transition into real code with syntax, the functionality is so expansive you can teach all the major computational thinking concepts through it.

I always start off the basics with Code.org and then transition to Scratch.

If you have any kind of query regarding Coding for kids you can mail me at goel.kavya1995@gmail.com