Transition from Blocks to Text with EduBlocks - CAS Secondary TC meeting

Key Summary Points:

• EduBlocks is designed to help secondary school students transition smoothly from block-based to text-based coding.
• The platform supports Python and HTML, offering a flexible and engaging learning experience.
• EduBlocks’ split-screen feature allows real-time comparison of block-based coding and Python syntax.
• Interactive tools like Turtle and extensions for machine learning and weather data make Python more visual and accessible.
• EduBlocks includes free resources, lesson plans, and assessment tools tailored for secondary school teachers.

In a recent CAS Secondary community session, EduBlocks was presented as a tool designed to help secondary school students transition from block-based to text-based programming. The platform aims to fill the gap between visual programming environments, such as Scratch, and more advanced text-based coding, such as Python, which is commonly taught in UK schools.

EduBlocks offers a familiar block-based interface while simultaneously introducing students to Python. The key feature of the platform is its split-screen view, where students can drag and drop blocks on one side and see the corresponding Python code generated in real-time on the other. This helps students understand how their block-based actions translate into actual programming syntax, easing the transition to more complex coding.

The platform integrates several visual Python libraries, including Turtle, which enables students to create graphics and visual projects using code. This provides a more engaging approach to Python, making it accessible and less abstract, particularly for younger students. Other extensions, such as access to weather data and machine learning tools, add practical applications to the coding process, making it more relevant to real-world scenarios.

EduBlocks also supports other coding languages, such as HTML, and allows for additional integrations with platforms like micro: bit. This flexibility ensures that the tool can be adapted to various teaching environments and curricula, catering to students of different skill levels, from beginners to those preparing for their GCSEs.

For teachers, EduBlocks provides a range of free resources, including a six-lesson curriculum, coding flashcards, and an end-of-unit assessment. These resources are designed to guide students through the fundamentals of Python, incorporating interactive elements like Turtle to maintain engagement. Lesson plans and curriculum guides are available for teachers to use directly or modify for their specific classroom needs.

The platform’s classroom management tools include options to create assignments, set deadlines, and provide automated tests. These features help reduce the workload for teachers by enabling automated marking of students' work. Assignments can be set with either block-based or text-based coding tasks, depending on the students’ skill level.

EduBlocks is a web-based platform, which means there is no need for installation. It is free to use and includes options for students to save their work to the cloud via Google or Microsoft accounts, or locally if preferred. This ensures accessibility for schools with varying IT resources.

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