Did you know that Microsoft has had tools and programs for kids… for 8 years???
Well, consider yourself informed!
Microsoft K-12 CS Tools
1. Small Basic – http://smallbasic.com/
Small Basic started in 2008! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Small_Basic
You’re on the blog for Small Basic now: https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/smallbasic/
2.4 Million Installations!
10+ Books, including my book (Learn to Program with Small Basic).
Full free curriculum: http://aka.ms/TeachSmallBasic
Download Microsoft Small Basic
2. Kodu – http://www.kodugamelab.com/
Kodu first released in 2009! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodu_Game_Lab
2.35 Million installations!
Last update was 3 days ago!
Try out the Kodu Makerspace tutorial!
3. Minecraft on Code.org – https://code.org/minecraft
2016 and 2015 versions!
Also, don’t miss out on Minecraft Education Edition!
4. Touch Develop – https://www.touchdevelop.com/
Launched in 2011: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TouchDevelop
1 Million users!
Try out the Flatverse and Jetpack Jumper tutorials!
Free Curriculum – Creative Coding through Games and Apps: http://aka.ms/CCGA
5. Code Hunt – https://www.codehunt.com/
Started in 2014!
Meet the team at MSR: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/project/code-hunt/
350K+ Users!
Microsoft K-12 CS Programs
1. Are you a teacher?
Join the Microsoft Computer Science Teachers Network!!
- Connect directly with Microsoft engineers! Get help and info!
- Learn about everything Microsoft is doing in K-12 and College-level CS Education!
- Collaborate with other CS teachers around the globe!
2. Microsoft Coding Camps at Microsoft Stores
Find a YouthSpark Program at a Microsoft Store near you!
We’ve been running workshops in Microsoft Stores to teach kids how to code since 2012 (using Small Basic and Kodu)! We updated these classes in 2015 as the YouthSpark Hour of Code workshops! These have included Touch Develop’s Flatverse and Jetpack Jumper, Kodu’s Makerspace, and Code.org’s Minecraft code tutorials.
Have a Small and Basic weekend!
– Ninja Ed