Hopster Coding Safari for Kids uses puzzles with drag and drop blocks to introduce young learners to the idea of computational thinking. Learners get to experiment with directing animals along a path using different types of input such as directional arrows. There are two worlds of puzzles, one for free. Completing levels is a solo activity, and learners unlock levels as they progress. Educators can use Hopster Coding Safari for Kids as a fun individual center option. Be aware though that there’s only limited feedback and very little help if learners don’t get what they’re supposed to do. Educators should be available for questions and guidance if needed. Help expand on learning by digging into the logic learners use to pass through the levels and — when they’re ready — exploring ways to let them get more creative through coding.

Website: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id1348232140?uo=4&at=10laCG&ct=website

Overall User Consensus About the App

Learner Engagement

Helping cute animals get their destination provides charming backdrop. Level after level of what’s essentially the same task may get repetitive.

Curriculum and Instruction

Learners practice through repetition. As they progress, levels get a bit more complex and introduce more abstract ways of representing input directions. Feedback on wrong block placements is limited.

Customer Support

There’s little guidance for learners who struggle. No educator info or progress reports.