Lightbot One-Hour Coding

Lightbot One-Hour Coding teaches users basic computer-programming commands. Using a puzzle-like game, users input commands to move an avatar across a variety of surfaces to turn on lights. As users complete levels, the surfaces they have to navigate their avatar across increase in complexity, which requires users to first learn basic commands before learning loops. When users complete all the levels in this app, they earn a certificate.

Please note: Additional levels are available by linking to http://studio.code.org/. Users can also learn key facts about the different coding languages’ histories by visiting http://www.whoishostingthis.com/blog/2014/09/04/learn-to-code/.

Instructional Ideas

1. Teachers can attach their iPad to a projector and show students how to navigate a surface using the least amount of commands. Next, they can challenge students to figure out how to navigate the same surface using the most amount of commands or a specific amount of commands. For example, if the teacher can navigate the surface in five commands, the teacher can require students solve it using seven or nine commands.
2. Once students understand the basic structure of the commands, teachers can have groups of students demonstrate a specific command sequence in real life. To do so, one student can act as the avatar and the other students can design a course for the student to navigate.
3. Between class activities, teachers can have students develop their coding skills by using this app independently. Teachers can create a class competition in which the first student who completes all the levels wins a prize.
4. Teachers can have students compare this app to Code Academy, Cargo-Bot, Daisy the Dino, and Hopscotch. Next, teachers can have students decide which app is most effective. Finally, teachers can have students explain their choice in writing or by creating a presentation using an app such as Prezi, Haiku Deck, or SlideIdea.

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