Espresso Coding

[SimonWindisch]

Anyone out there going for the "free" pilot at EspressoCoding - Computing Made Simple - Choose a unit

 

It's a coding environment for primary school children, probably aimed at infants.

 

I've had a look and it looks fatally flawed in that the code and program are on two different screens.

 

I think Scratch is better designed, and is really free, but for ages 4-7 this might be useful.

 

I wondered what thoughts you all had.

[MaxW]

The reason the program layout and program code are on different tabs is to make sure it all fits properly on older screen sizes and can be used on iPads. I have considered making both of these tabs visible if pupils are working on a larger screen - what do you think?

 

We've had lots of schools using the program with pupils from Y1 to upper KS2. I spent a lot of time teaching with all primary year groups when developing the program, and wanted to keep it simple so all teachers could use it confidently. It does however have a lot of power too - have a look at how this unit for Y6 teaches pupils how to handle touch events and create apps EspressoCoding - Computing Made Simple - Activity v1.0.9.9.11 which respond proportionately to multi-directional swipes!

 

I'd be interested to hear how other forum members are getting on with it - we are always happy to hear constructive feedback and ideas!

 

Thanks!

[SimonWindisch]

Thanks for listening!

 

Yes, let's see both sides on the same screen.

 

You'll be competing with this in a few months time. Our primary school cannot be alone in having a very tight budget.

 

Thanks - Simon