This app teaches coding using computer-aided learning to integrate gaming and education. This allows learners to improve their objective analysis using a task-oriented, problem-solving approach. They are supported and instructed through the learning process by a walkthrough of the overall process; this feature allows instructors to teach without being acquainted with this tool beforehand.

Website: http://www.playcodemonkey.com/

What Users Love About the App

“I like the way the students are able to go back and try again (persevere). The ruler tool is also a great addition that allows students to “research” how they need to enter their code.”

“CodeMonkey solves the problem of teaching introductory-level coding to students by teachers unfamiliar with coding. The application is approachable by even the least experienced user.”

“I really like how students can use the ruler to help measure out the number of steps their character has to take to reach the banana. Also, as a teacher, I can re-watch the lesson my student has finished and see where they made an error.”

“I have not seen another product that makes entry into programming so easy. I can easily imagine students using this to become real programmers.”

“The graphics are engaging and the lessons build upon each other so kids can gain increasing skills. Kids can “pass” a level with three different degrees of accuracy, and the teacher can choose to insist that a certain level of accuracy be attained before they move on. Since the software is self-paced, nobody is left bored during the class period. The language is CoffeeScript, and kids can directly transfer these skills to many other coding programs and tasks, such as Lego robotics materials.”

“It is very kid-friendly. The screen is bright and colorful and captures a kid’s interest. It makes coding fun and very easy. This would help me to solve the problem of students not showing creativity or critical thinking skills.”

What Users Dislike About the App

“Apparently, the current 90 lessons were completed by a few students in a teacher’s class before Thanksgiving break. I’d like to see enough lessons in it to get me through an entire semester with high-achieving students.”

“I dislike the price. Since I work in a public school, price is a very delicate matter. The cost could deter an administrator, especially if it is not beneficial to the entire school.”

“I would like to see a feature where a teacher can provide instant feedback on the dashboard whenever a student is stuck.”

“It would be great if this was geared for 3rd grade, had more levels, and incorporated different characters.”

“I wish it would increase the explanation of specific programming concepts to the students, i.e. loops and conditionals.”