Codecademy: Hour of Code

Codecademy is an HTML code-writing tutorial app that aims to teach users the core structure of code in an hour or less. Users learn how to write strings, Booleans, and variables. Codecademy is organized by sectioned lessons, and each lesson starts by providing users with an example and an explanation. Users then complete a coding task that builds on that information. Each section expands on previously learned knowledge from other sections and lessons. In Codecademy’s concluding lesson, users create their own practice web page, requiring them to synthesize and demonstrate the knowledge acquired in the preceding lessons. Lastly, users can continue to expand their coding skills by visiting www.codecademy.com, where they can choose to complete tutorials offered for several different programming languages.

Instructional Ideas

1. After students complete their web page in Codecademy’s final lesson, they can share their web page with classmates and the teacher. To do so, students could connect their iPad to a projector (or use AppleTV) and explain the design and contents of their web page orally to the whole class. Alternatively, students can share their web pages in small groups. Finally, the teacher can instruct students to compose a brief write-up explaining how they would like to expand on their web pages and their coding skills. Once submitted to the teacher, these write-ups can inform the teacher’s development of lesson topics, as well as future instruction.
2. Codecademy can be used to develop students’ problem-solving abilities using independent work stations. To do so, a variety of stations could be set up that feature problem-oriented tasks that students are to complete by filling in or writing basic HTML code. As students complete each task, and rotate stations, they should be engaging critical-thinking skills and knowledge of HTML coding. To encourage collaboration and the sharing of ideas, students can be paired and rotate from station to station with their partners.
3. Codecademy can be used by students during enrichment time or downtime while their classmates are finishing other projects. When using this app intermittently, students can come back to their saved progress and learn how to code in chunks, instead of distracting other students or sitting silently.
4. Following students’ use of the Codecademy app and completion of all the lessons, teachers can instruct students to visit www.codecademy.com to create an account and continue to complete coding tutorials that span across several different programming languages.

Screenshots

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