Block world approaches to no-code in teaching programming introduce programming concepts by using visual, drag-and-drop interfaces. The aim is to simplify the learning process, making programming more accessible and engaging (how did you find it?).
Here are some key block world approaches and their applications in teaching programming, with relevant URLs (other than EduBlocks which you already know):
Scratch 🧩: Developed by MIT, Scratch is one of the most popular block-based programming languages for children (ages 8-16). It allows users to create interactive stories, animations, and games by dragging and dropping colourful blocks. Scratch focuses on teaching computational thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. It's an excellent first step before transitioning to text-based languages. Scratch Official Website
Blockly 🧱: Google's Blockly is a library that allows developers to create their own block-based coding environments. It's the engine behind many popular educational platforms, including Scratch and Code.org. Blockly provides a visual interface for core programming concepts like variables, loops, conditionals, and functions, generating clean code in various text-based languages (like JavaScript or Python) in the background. This makes it a great bridge to traditional coding. Blockly - Google for Developers
MIT App Inventor 📱: Similar to Scratch but focused on mobile app development, MIT App Inventor allows users to create Android and iOS applications using a drag-and-drop interface. It's ideal for teaching event-driven programming, user interface design, and even introductory AI concepts (like speech recognition) in a no-code environment. MIT App Inventor Official Website (Colorado Department of Education)
Alice 🎬: Developed by Carnegie Mellon University, Alice is a 3D animation and interactive storytelling environment that uses a drag-and-drop block-based interface. It teaches fundamental programming principles and object-oriented programming concepts by allowing users to create 3D worlds, characters, and animations. Alice motivates learning through creative exploration rather than just puzzle-solving. Alice Official Website
Other Platforms: Many other platforms utilise block-based approaches, such as:
Tynker 💡: Offers a range of coding solutions from icon-coding for pre-readers to block-based and advanced courses in Python and JavaScript. Tynker Official Website
Code.org 💻: A non-profit dedicated to expanding access to computer science education, offering free K-12 curriculum with block-based activities. Code.org Official Website
VEXcode VR 🤖: A virtual robotics platform that supports block-based coding, allowing students to program virtual robots in a simulated environment. VEXcode VR - VEX Robotics