Microsoft Coding for Kids!!!
Did you know that Microsoft has had tools and programs for kids… for 8 years???
Well, consider yourself informed!
Microsoft K-12 CS Tools
1. Small Basic – https://smallbasic.com/
Small Basic started in 2008! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Small_Basic
You’re on the blog for Small Basic now: https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/smallbasic/
Small Basic teaches actual text/syntax-based coding (the professional stuff), helping students take the next step after tile and block-based conceptual coding. Unlike Java, JavaScript, and Python (which were made for adults), Small Basic was made for kids and young students. The language has been simplified for that purpose, the UI teaches you as you type, and the interface is simple and easy! See The Unique Features of Small Basic.
2.4 Million Installations!
10+ Books, including my book (Learn to Program with Small Basic).
Here we used Small Basic to teach kids to code:
Full free curriculum: https://aka.ms/TeachSmallBasic
Download Microsoft Small Basic
Here we used Small Basic to teach kids to code:
[embed]https://youtu.be/CfF3CyEyT0M[/embed]
2. Kodu – https://www.kodugamelab.com/
Kodu first released in 2009! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodu_Game_Lab
2.35 Million installations!
Last update was 3 days ago!
Try out the Kodu Makerspace tutorial!
3. Minecraft on Code.org – https://code.org/minecraft
2016 and 2015 versions!
Also, don’t miss out on Minecraft Education Edition!
4. MakeCode – https://makecode.com/
Launched in 2016: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TouchDevelop
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Computer Science with micro:bit and MakeCode - Free!
- Little Book of Griefs: Minecraft and MakeCode
- Learn the Circuit Playground
5. Touch Develop – https://www.touchdevelop.com/
Launched in 2011: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TouchDevelop
1 Million users!
Try out the Flatverse and Jetpack Jumper tutorials!
Free Curriculum – Creative Coding through Games and Apps: https://aka.ms/CCGA
6. Code Hunt – https://www.codehunt.com/
Started in 2014!
Meet the team at MSR: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/project/code-hunt/
350K+ Users!
Microsoft K-12 CS Programs
1. MCSTN – Are you a teacher?
Join the Microsoft Computer Science Teachers Network!!
- Connect directly with Microsoft engineers! Get help and info!
- Learn about everything Microsoft is doing in K-12 and College-level CS Education!
- Collaborate with other CS teachers around the globe!
2. IGNITE Worldwide Girls Events
IGNITE = Inspiring Girls Now in Technology Evolution
IGNITE Worldwide started in 1999! Check out IGNITE's website.
Microsoft teams with Small Basic and IGNITE to teach girls how to code! See the videos here. (Workshops; Interviews)
There are opportunities to Support, Volunteer, Start a Chapter, Host an Event, and Subscribe! See the Take Action tabs. If you work at Microsoft, just email me (Ed Price) to get involved.
Here is a look at the Small Basic IGNITE workshops at Microsoft:
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJsrGR33Xyg[/embed]
3. Microsoft Coding Camps at Microsoft Stores
Find a YouthSpark Program at a Microsoft Store near you!
We’ve been running workshops in Microsoft Stores to teach kids how to code since January 2011 (using Small Basic and Kodu)! We updated these classes in 2015 as the YouthSpark Hour of Code workshops! These have recently included Touch Develop’s Flatverse and Jetpack Jumper, Kodu’s Makerspace, and Code.org’s Minecraft code tutorials.
4. TEALS
TEALS = Technology Education and Literacy in Schools
Launched in 2009: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology_Education_and_Literacy_in_Schools
Now high schools can get help from professional developers... directly in their classrooms! For more info, visit the TEALS website.
5. DigiGirlz
DigiGirlz started in 2000!
Microsoft DigiGirlz gives middle and high school girls opportunities to learn about careers in technology, to connect with Microsoft employees, and to participate in hands-on computer and technology workshops. Learn more at the DigiGirlz website.
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Have a Small and Basic weekend!
– Ninja Ed
Comments
- Anonymous
December 15, 2016
UPDATES:1. Added more data to Kodu and Touch Develop2. Added the YouthSpark camps info! - Anonymous
December 15, 2016
UPDATE: Added the images! - Anonymous
December 15, 2016
UPDATE: Added Code Hunt! - Anonymous
December 21, 2016
UPDATE: Our first Coding Camp for Small Basic at the Microsoft Stores was in January 2011. So I updated that bit (was 2012, because I hadn't done my homework yet; I think Kodu might be earlier than that, so I'm waiting to hear back). Thanks! - Anonymous
December 21, 2016
UPDATES:- Small Basic video + info- IGNITE Worldwide Girls Events section + video- TEALS section- DigiGirlz section - Anonymous
January 02, 2017
Fantastic article ! , Ed , absolutely interesting !!!- Anonymous
January 04, 2017
Thanks, YLed!
- Anonymous
- Anonymous
June 19, 2017
The comment has been removed- Anonymous
June 28, 2017
Thanks James! So how would you like us to update this? Maybe with a note that says Minecraft is for teenagers? Regardless, Minecraft is mentioned here as a Minecraft-themed module on Code.org. And that can be used by kids as young as probably age 6. I have two daughters who went through it at Age 6.
- Anonymous
- Anonymous
June 19, 2017
minecraft is for teenagers dude, not cool fampls fix or i will get u- Anonymous
June 28, 2017
Thanks Eugene! So how would you like us to update this? Maybe with a note that says Minecraft is for teenagers? Regardless, Minecraft is mentioned here as a Minecraft-themed module on Code.org. And that can be used by kids as young as probably age 6. I have two daughters who went through it at Age 6. Thanks!
- Anonymous
- Anonymous
September 19, 2017
UPDATE: I added the new #4 for MakeCode. MakeCode is from the TouchDevelop team.