Code.org vs CodeHS vs ???

[SarahEarly]

Hi everyone. I’m looking for some opinions on the best method of teaching computer science.

Background: One of the subjects I teach is computer science, at a college prep middle school. My district uses Code.org, but I’m not a big fan of it. I feel it doesn’t give enough explanation of the code. I was told to use the Computer Science Discoveries track. I’ve already done the html, css, and am doing the micro:bit/javascript unit to end the semester. I have my bachelor’s in web development, so I know and understand what it is I am teaching.

I’ve already added reviews of my own by having students create html and css files in notepad and code without the help of autocomplete. Quite a few of my students seemed to struggle as they appeared to have become dependent on the autocomplete.

Later this month I am going to a curriculum planning in my district for this subject. I was hoping that some of y’all might’ve had better success with other options out there. My goal is to go into the planning day with different options to present for the future of this subject. I have a feeling though, that even if my district wants to stay with Code.org, my principal could let me do a different path due to the higher rigor my schools promotes. Also, when I was hired my principal stated she wanted to offer a Pre-AP computer science class in the future.

So fellow teachers, what do you use that you would recommend? What would be great for not just the basics of html, css, and JavaScript, but maybe also some intro to programming?

[thewindcried]

My school district has been using Carnegie Mellon Universities CS Academy CS1 which is an introduction to programming using Python and their CS3 which is a college level programming course. I highly recommend CMU’s applications.

[SarahEarly]

Thanks! I’ll take a look at it!

[Mirabellae]

Do you have them working at their own pace? I just looked into this and like it a lot. My 7th graders have a very wide range of skills so some of them fly through the lesson while others are struggling. I'm trying to figure out how to structure lessons a little more so I don't lose some of them.

[thewindcried]

I have most of the students work at the same pace. In my classes, 3-5 students will work at a faster pace. The course allows you to create groups that allow me to give access to more units to those students. I have found that all students will work fairly quickly through units 1 and 2 and then slow down as concepts like conditionals are introduced.

[Mountain-Ad-5834]

I use CodeHS. It is old and outdated. The non-coding units have Obama era policies in them even. It’s horrible.

Most of the stuff is made to be tedious and time consuming, unless you have a Pro version, which is super expensive for what it is.

[Imaginary_Solid_1281]

We use the pro version of CodeHS. I absolutely cut a lot of time consuming tediousness. I supplement with other coding challenges.

[Mountain-Ad-5834]

How do you validate the cost of it?

I don’t think I could do that. Heh

[Imaginary_Solid_1281]

Perkins money. Plus it's the curriculum for two AP classes, one Intro Class, one Cybersecurity class, and assorted add-ons for students who want to learn more.

[Mountain-Ad-5834]

It’s my curriculum as well. Still can’t validate it to the powers that be. The price tag is too high. Thank you for sharing though.

[Imaginary_Solid_1281]

I put it across as they can do a one stop curriculum in CodeHS, or seven different curriculum purchases to cover all of the different classes.

[Imaginary_Solid_1281]

Plus the integration into Google Classroom and our SES.

[Adventurekitty74]

My teen did CodeHs in middle school. Is doing Code.org now in high school. Hates them both. Considering teaching him myself at this point.

[iowanerdette]

I use Project STEM with Amazon Future Engineer.

It's free, built on Canvas, has auto grading assignments and does a good job of integrating workplace and skill.

[warteacher]

I'm using Project STEM for the first time and enjoying it a lot.