In my previous articles I’ve already discussed the power of coding, how to motivate students for the skill, companies and apps that may help you teach kids to code.
Needless to say, coding is one essential skill. With scalable digitalization, if you know the language of it, you definitely are in the right terms.
In this post, I am listing 5 awesome coding games that will help students explore the world of computer programming and coding.
1. Code Combat
With a focus on gamification, the user will enjoy learning code with this game. With cartoon fantasy graphics, you’ll enjoy it too. The game builds on older learn-to-code systems. The screen is split between a code editor on the right and a labyrinth on the left half. Inside the labyrinth is an avatar the player can control using a restricted set of commands. Commands have to be typed correctly to control the avatar, and incorrect programs with faults will cause it to lose hit points and eventually die.
In each level, the player is assigned a set of tasks—usually to collect gems, defeat monsters, and move to the exit of a level. The player is gradually introduced to new commands like loops, conditionals, and variables. Diamonds collected in a level can be invested between levels for better armor, weapons, and programming commands to master the increasingly tricky tasks in the higher levels. Apt for beginners as well as ones familiar with coding already.
2. Code Monkey
Simply put cute monkeys and real code. Write codes, catch bananas and save the world. With hands on this game, kids can learn coding languages in a fun way. Also the social element makes it fit for classroom setting as kids can compete against each other for top scores. The game is apt for both, the beginners as well as those who are already familiar.
3. CodeinGame
This one is for those who are already familiar with coding. Like the name suggests, this French startup is all about games. Mixing games and coding, this pick is motivating for those who want to polish their coding skills. The logic behind each exercise is tied to an actual game so that users get visual feedback and an actual reward when they solve an exercise. For each exercise, you can pick a programming language among more than 20, such as Python, Ruby, Java, Scala and more. The game helps people who already know the basics when it comes to programming and also has tough challenges for expert developers.
In particular, a multiplayer mode is getting quite popular among developers. In this mode, you learn the basics of artificial intelligence and clash with others to see if your code is more efficient.
4. Robozzle
Challenge yourself or the older kids with this game. Robozzle tasks you with guiding a robot through a series of mazes using limited commands. The levels range from those suitable for younger children right up to puzzles that will make seasoned coders scratch their heads. It’s free to play through browsers (using Silverlight), and community support enables players to create, vote, and comment on new levels. Versions of Robozzle exist for iOS, Windows Phone, and Android. Prices vary.
5. Kodable
Particularly helpful for a classroom setting, Kodable provides a supplementary coding curriculum for teachers along with its coding games for kids. This could be helpful for really getting kids to understand the principles behind coding, as well as glossary terms and the purpose of code. It also helps teachers who have limited access to computers to provide lessons to students outside of the computer lab, preparing them with worksheets and physical learning games before jumping into the application of the principles during computer lab time. Kodable’s 105 maze-like levels help teach young kids programming concepts like conditions, loops, functions, and debugging.
It avoids using text entirely, making it a great entry point for younger children.
Which other games do students enjoy while they learn to code? Share with us in the comment section below.
