Tynker
Common Sense says
A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this website.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Tynker is a Web-based course collection that teaches kids the logic of programming using visual blocks of code. Parents can register kids for two paid, self-paced online courses, Introduction to Programming and Game Design, or have kids work on several free coding games in the Hour of Code section, which includes a few activities that let kids program their own games or apps. Kids can share the programs they create online and view programs written by other kids. The paid courses also include a library of resources for kids to use to create unlimited programs.
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User Reviews
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- Kids say
Tynker Sucks
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WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME
What's it about?
TYNKER uses visual blocks of code, based on the concepts of Scratch, developed by MIT, to teach kids the concepts of programming. In the courses, kids watch videos, work through programming tutorials, take quizzes to check for understanding, and work on their own programs. Once the courses are purchased, kids have lifetime access. The Hour of Code exercises include several games that offer some instruction as well as tutorials that walk kids step by step through the process of creating a game or an app using the visual code blocks.
Is it any good?
Tynker is a rich resource for kids wanting to learn the basics of programming. The courses use videos and interactive exercises to demonstrate the how-tos of programming, using the vocabulary of the trade without overtly teaching kids a programming language. The free games are tricky to find on the site -- at the bottom of the home page with a link to Hour of Code -- but are a great introduction for kids to try out several games and to help parents gauge if kids might be interested in (or even need) a full-blown course. Some browsers work better than others for some games (game-creation activities Space Zombies and 15 Block Challenge didn't work in Chrome but did in Firefox and Explorer), and some of the animations can be slow to respond, which may frustrate eager players.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about how much technology has changed and how fast it's still changing. Parents can share what computing was like when they were kids and even how much technology has changed in their kids' lifetimes.
Talk to kids about the increasing need to understand programming concepts, both for career options and as users of technology.
Website details
- Subjects: Math: sequences
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: hypothesis-testing, logic, strategy, thinking critically
Creativity: combining knowledge, producing new content
Self-Direction: initiative, working efficiently
Tech Skills: digital creation, using and applying technology - Genre: Educational
- Topics: Cats, Dogs, and Mice, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires, Space and Aliens
- Pricing structure: Free to try, Paid (Several coding games are included as part of the Hour of Code curriculum. Subscriptions are also available for $48/quarterly, $72/annually, or $150/lifetime. These plans include 18 programming courses, 8 mobile courses, and a private Minecraft Classic server.)
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For kids who love coding
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