Entries by Ryan Hunter

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Top 5 Free Coding Tools for Kids

We describe our top 5 favorite tools to learn computer science for kids in grades K-8. Code.org – code.org Tynker – tynker.com Scratch Jr – Downloadable app for iOS, Android, and ChromeOS – scratchjr.org Scratch – scratch.mit.edu Microsoft MakeCode – arcade.makecode.com Watch the video and leave comments or questions . Please don’t forget to subscribe […]

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Create a Soccer Animation in Scratch Jr.

Use Scratch Jr (a free app for Android, iOS, and ChromeOS) to learn computer science concepts for young students. Have a K-3 World Cup fan in the house? Allow them to learn the basics of computer science while creating this fun animation in Scratch Jr. Students will learn how to create scenes, send messages (events), […]

Parent to Parent

It’s exciting to see we’re coming up on our sixth year in business. I’m even more excited to tell you about our upcoming online course for 3rd-5th graders. First, I wanted to tell you a story. TechWise started out for me as a way to do something fun with my oldest son. I am a […]

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Which Minecraft Version Do My Kids Need?

We get a lot of questions from parents about which version of Minecraft are right for their kids. We cover Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, Minecraft: Java Edition, and Minecraft: Education Edition. Watch on YouTube. Where to go to learn more about Minecraft Minecraft: Bedrock Edition Minecraft: Java Edition Minecraft: Education Edition

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What is Microsoft MakeCode?

Microsoft MakeCode is a great tool to teach kids to learn how to code and the principles of computer programming. Microsoft MakeCode has a lot of built in logic to create arcade style games or “retro games” even parents might recognize. Kids can even try the code conversion tool to show how their block code […]

What is Scratch (v3.0) and why is it great for beginner coders?

Scratch is a great block-based coding program used to help beginner coders learn the basics in programming, computer science, and computational thinking. We like to use it in the classroom because it helps students grow and learn without complex scripting. Watch on YouTube. We don’t know what programming languages will look like in the future. […]