Run Marco is an app that teaches how to code while having fun simultaneously. It makes use of visual instructions to educate players on how to think as a software developer one step at a time. Google Blockly is the visual programming language used as instructions in this fun app, which is also used by officialcode.org tutorials.

Website: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id919554969

What Users Love About the App

“Love the UX and the overall design aesthetic. Also, love the fact that it makes complicated skills/ thinking practicable via a clean drag-and-drop interface. Does a good job of distilling only the essentials into a format kid will love.”

“I like the usability and feasibility of the product. The product seems attractable and interesting to keep the students motivated and eager to use the application to learn how to do coding.”

“This product is visually appealing and is really catered to young students. It was designed with a young audience in mind and does a good job of mixing high level skills into a student-friendly interface.”

“This product has video examples and is creative/enjoyable for its target students–upper elementary and middle school.”

“This product is a great starting point for young students interested in coding. It’s visually appealing and interactive, and is game-based, which has worked well with other programs I’ve used with students in my classroom.”

What Users Dislike About the App

“I’d like to see more dynamism – reaction of the system to individual performance so that it unlocks advanced commands more quickly for high-achievers and allows a slower pace for younger kiddos.”

“Giving kids the ability to create their own levels would be a huge improvement – my kid loves anything he can create, especially if he can hand me a “challenge” that he made himself and say “bet you can’t beat my new game!”

“I wish it was advertised more openly to educators who feel intimidated when it comes to introducing computer science to their students.”

“I would like it to react to live performance so that students who move quickly through steps can move onto more difficult tasks sooner. The gameplay should be differentiated for individual users based on their performance so that students who have mastered the basics don’t get bored and check out because they are not being challenged.”

“The presenter didn’t exactly show how students would use it for coding, the first couple steps/moves just showed a drag and drop function which I feel most of my students have mastered already.”