Coding Programs and Software
There are several different programming languages (e.g. HTML, C++, Java, Python) and the choice of a language depends on your intention. Many platforms have a user-friendly form of visual/block programming (e.g. Scratch Junior, Scratch, Blockly) which allows individuals to drag and drop blocks of code.
Blockly
Blockly was built by Google for developers and is a block programming language that is compatible with a variety of devices such as Ozobots, Micro:bits, Dash & Dot, MBot, and many others. It is versatile, open source, and is great for translating block code into real programming languages like Python and JavaScript!
CoCo
CoCo is a real-time collaborative coding platform that enables young people to create, code, and collaborate with peers simultaneously in shared digital spaces. Developed by MIT Media Lab’s Lifelong Kindergarten group, it supports both block-based and text-based programming environments where students can work together, whether in the same classroom or connecting remotely across continents. Built on community-centred learning principles rather than individual competition, CoCo makes collaborative creative computing accessible to educators seeking to foster genuine teamwork and coding skills in their students.
MakeCode
Makecode is a block programming website designed to work with the Micro:bit. This platform makes it easy to connect your device, to write interesting code using the Micro:bit’s sensors, and to share your work with your colleagues. It features a visualizer that shows you what your code will do after it has been uploaded to your Micro:Bit, and it has tutorials to help you get started.
OctoStudio
OctoStudio is a mobile coding app that transforms smartphones and tablets into creative programming tools for young learners to build animations, games, and interactive projects anywhere. Developed by MIT’s Lifelong Kindergarten group, it uniquely uses mobile device sensors—allowing children to code by shaking, tilting, and recording from their environment. Designed for communities with limited computer access, this free, offline-capable platform makes coding education globally accessible while helping students ages 7 and up develop computational thinking through personally meaningful, real-world connected projects.
Scratch 3.0
This is the latest version of Scratch. It is free. It works on a tablet or Chromebook. You can connect Scratch to Micro:Bits, EV3, WeDo 2.0, Google Translate, Makey Makey, and more!
You can create with Scratch or explore projects that other users created. We encourage you to try remixing other people’s projects! Copy someone else’s project and change it to make it your own (with credit, of course).
Scratch Junior
With ScratchJr, young children can program their own interactive stories and games. In the process, they learn to solve problems, design projects, and express themselves creatively on the computer. This program works with tablets and Chromebooks. It is provided free of charge.
Snap
Snap! is a free, blocks- and browser-based educational graphical programming language that allows students to create interactive animations, games, stories, and more, while learning about mathematical and computational ideas.
Turtle Art
Turtle Art is an innovative program designed to facilitate artistic expression and design through code! It works on tablets and computers and is a great starting point for students who want to make art by programming.
Turtle Stitch
Turtle Stitch is an innovative, creative coding platform that merges digital design with the tactile world of textile art. It allows students to write code that generates intricate embroidery patterns, which can then be translated into real-world stitched designs. Its accessible, open-source framework makes it an excellent tool for classrooms that aim to integrate technology with art and craft, inspiring learners to explore both coding and design in a hands-on, engaging manner.
Twine
Twine is a versatile, open-source tool designed for creating interactive, nonlinear stories. It offers an intuitive, visual interface that empowers students to construct branching narratives, encouraging experimentation with storytelling techniques and narrative structure. Ideal for integrating technology into language arts and digital storytelling curricula, Twine helps learners craft immersive, engaging stories while developing a deeper understanding of cause and effect in narrative design.