Top 15 Educational Sites/Apps of 2021

It's that time of year for to list my favorite sites/apps of the year.  This years list has quite the variety and covers a wide range of educational content, such as: game based learning, programming/coding, educational resources, and more.  As in previous annual end of the year lists, any site/app listed before will not be listed here.

Top 15 Educational Sites/Apps of 2021

1. BookWidgets - BookWidgets is a fantastic that lets teachers become "paperless' and create interactive quizzes/games that can automatically be graded.  This is all done through an educational portal making it easy to assess student learning and differentiate instruction.
2. CodePen - CodePen is an innovative site that is ideal for teaching students how to program/code.  This is a great way to integrate STEM into the classroom as well as monitor student's progress in real-time.
3. Thinkio - A great learning tool for educators to make interactive worksheets/lessons online.
4. SplashLearn - A super-fun, easy-to-use online Math platform for grades K-5.  SplashLearn uses "game based learning" to teach a wide range of subject.  Finally, the educational portal makes it easy for teachers to track and manage student accounts.
5. GamiLab - A excellent to create and play educational games while assessing student's learning.
6. BombBomb - A useful site that makes it easy for teachers to create "free' video emails to students and parents.
7. Blackbird - One of my favorite sites for students to learn how to program/code in an educational environment.
8. Edform - A wonderful site that turns worksheets into interactive graded assignments.  Also, these graded worksheets can generate a detailed report making it easy to assess student learning.
9. WisdomMaps - An innovative site uses "mind maps" to teach history and humanities.
10. edu-pal - A nice Chrome extension that lets users create polls/quizzes in Google Meet, while users respond in real-time.
11. Pedagogue - A fantastic new social network where educators can collaborate and find educational resources.
12. Tract - An interesting new site where students collaborate w/ their peers to learn about different topics.
13. Brainstormer Online - A new "spin" on brainstorming where users create and then vote on their favorite brainstorm to use.
14. Peanuts in the Classroom- A fun site for educational resources for ages 4-13.
15. Ducksters - a nice safe friendly search engine for students. 

CodePen

 CodePen is an innovative site that is ideal to help students learn how to program/code.  This is done by letting students code in real-time existing sites/apps.  Best of all, the educational portal allows educators to remotely watch students program or work in groups to program/code.  Finally, it's a great way to integrate STEM into the classroom.

I highly recommend checking out CodePen by clicking here!!!

For a more detailed review check out Richard Byrne's award winning blog.

Blackbird

Blackbird is an excellent new online platform designed to teach students how to program/code.  This is done through a very easy-to-use interface where students progress through stages typing code and watching their results.  If a student gets stuck there is a "show me" button to help them progress as well: tips, videos, and helpful tutorials to help students and teachers integrate coding into their classroom.  Best of all, Blackbird has an educational portal to monitor and track student progress to make it easy to assess student learning.

Below is a brief demo...

I highly recommend checking out Blackbird by clicking here!!!

For a more detailed review check out Richard Byrne's award winning blog.

GameChangineer

 

GameChangineer is a fantastic site that I just found out about that helps students learn how to 
program/code in a simple and unique way.  The way GameChangineer works is simply by typing in what you want to happen in the game or by thinking/typing out loud.  Students will begin to use their computational thinking and sequential skills to develop a game.  Also, this is a great way to integrate STEM into the classroom and focus on essential skills such as: logical thinking, problem solving, and more.  Best of all, GameChangineer works in real-time and will help offer suggestions/auto correct what part of your text is wrong and how to correct it so your game will work.  There are even lesson plans to help educators use GameChangineer in the classroom.  Finally, students can test out their game and see how games such as Pacman and Space Invaders work.

I highly recommend checking out GameChangineer by clicking here!!!

Educators Corner

 Educators Corner is one of my new favorite places to find educational resources such as: links, videos, and ideas for using STEM in technology.  This is all done by two of my favorite educators Brad Waid and Michelle Moore.  These videos vary in length and are fun and easy watch where they cover topics such as: augmented reality, STEM activities, and more.

I highly recommend checking out Educators Corner by clicking here!!! 

Rabbids Coding

Rabbids Coding is a super-fun iOS app that uses the popular Rabbids characters to teach kids the basics of how to program/code (ideal for 7yrs old on up).  This is done by uses lines of code where students use sequential and computational thinking to help save "their" spaceship that the Rabbits had invaded.

I highly recommend checking out Rabbids Coding by clicking here!!!

For a more detailed review click here.

Dystopia 2153

 

Dystopia 2153 is an innovative new site for coding/programming that I just found out about from Monica Burns.  Dystopia is a fresh take on teaching STEM skills by helping kids learn how to code through a digital graphic novel w/ over 40 different coding games.  Also, for those that like "traditional" graphic novel a print version can be ordered.

I highly recommend checking out Dystopia 2153 by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo...

Erase all Kittens

Erase all Kittens is an interesting online game that I just found out about from Free Technology for Schools.  This game has a rather cool concept as it has kids hacking into levels to help them complete the game and rescue all the kittens by editing html code.  It's very easy to get started and has students learning basic concepts of coding/programming.

I highly recommend checking out Erase all Kittens by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Coding/Programming click here.

GameChanginner

GameChangineer is a fantastic site that I just found out about that helps students learn how to
program/code in a simple and unique way.  The way GameChangineer works is simply by typing in what you want to happen in the game or by thinking/typing out loud.  Students will begin to use their computational thinking and sequential skills to develop a game.  Also, this is a great way to integrate STEM into the classroom and focus on essential skills such as: logical thinking, problem solving, and more.  Best of all, GameChangineer works in real-time and will help offer suggestions/auto correct what part of your text is wrong and how to correct it so your game will work.  There are even lesson plans to help educators use GameChangineer in the classroom.  Finally, students can test out their game and see how games such as Pacman and Space Invaders work.

I highly recommend checking out GameChangineer by clicking here!!!

Hypatia

Hypatia is an interesting new site for Math that I just found out about from Larry Ferlazzo's great blog.  Hypatia calls themselves a "spell check" for Math and checks your Math as you type.
However, Hypatia does not give solutions to Math problems only hints.  This is a great learning tool for those working in increasing speed in subjects such as Algebra, Calculus, or other areas of STEM.

I highly recommend checking out Hypatia by clicking here!!!

15 Online Summer Learning Opportunities

It's that time of year again for my annual list of online summer learning opportunities or programs.  This is especially prevalent w/ the COVID-19 "double whammy" that is happening w/ school closures around the world, economic downturn, and high possibility of summer learning loss for students.  These programs help fill a gap that sometimes is lacking over the summer months and best of all can be done at the comfort from home.

*This list is in alphabetical order

15 Online Summer Learning Opportunities

1. BoomWriter Haunt - A Summer writing club that uses BW's unique interactive story-writing process to create entertaining collaborative stories.
2. Brain Chase - Is a online five week program for grades 2nd-8th.  This adventure has students working in the subjects of Math, Reading, Writing, and more, while watching animated episodes and solving educational problems.
3. Coding With Kids - A wonderful online summer camp that teaches kids of all ages how to code using Scratch, Minecraft, and more.
4. CodeWizardsHQ - A great place to learn how to code in a 3 week online class.
5. Connected Camps - An innovative online camp for students wanting to learn STEM skills such as coding, media, collaboration, and more through the use of Minecraft.
6. Connections Learning - A nice collection of technology related online courses for Math and reading grades K-8th.
7. Edgenuity - A great program for districts K-12 that offers at school classes or "virtual" through their online instructors.
8. fueleducation - A excellent online program for grades 6-12 w/ a wide variety of courses teaching any number of subjects.
9. GoNoodle (Camp GoNoodle) - A fun and free online program that has students learning through play and other various educational activities.
10. ID Tech - A fun online camp for students wanting to learn STEM skills such as: coding, game development, robotics, and more.
11. K5 Learning - A online Reading and Math program for grades K-5th w/ real time results and detailed reports.
12. K12 - A robust online summer school program w/ lotos of electives for students grades 6th-12th.
13. Outschool - A fantastic online platform for students ages 3-18 looking to learn a wide variety of subjects (i.e. Minecraft, physics, panio, etc.)
14. Time4Learning - A fun online program for grades PreK-8th in the subjects of Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts.
15. Treca - An 8 week course for grades 9-12.  Treca offers a wide range of online courses such as: Math, Science Social Studies, and more.

Workbench

Workbench is a excellent place for educational resources, lessons plans, and much much more.  Also, this is great place to find STEM resources and help introduce coding/programming into the classroom.  Best of all, Workbench integrates w/ Google Classroom allowing teachers to track and monitor students and makes it easy to create student portfolios.

I highly recommend checking out Workbench by clicking here!!!

Thanks to Larry Ferlazzo's blog for the tip.

Bitsbox

Bitbox is an innovative way to teach kids (6-12 yrs old) coding/programming apps by getting presents in the mail.  The way this works is simple kids open their "Bitbox" and select their material/app.  Then the kids customize the code to make it their "own".  Finally, finished apps are then played and shared on any mobile device.  Best of all, Bitbox Computer Science concepts such as: functions, coordinates, variables, computational logic, and much much more.

Below is a brief demo video...



I highly recommend checking out Bitbox by clicking here!!!

LightUp

LightUp is a great company and learning solution for those looking to integrated augmented reality and STEM resources into their classroom.  For example, they have educational apps and learning labs that help students learn different topics such as: solar systems, weather/geology, sciences, and more.

I highly recommend checking out LightUp by clicking here!!!

Makerdemy

Makerdemy is an excellent site for learning how to program/code in different languages such as: Raspberry Pi, Google Assistant, Alexa, and more.  This is done through self paced learning where students can select their own level (i.e. advanced) and then take courses at their own pace.  Finally, Makerdemy has excellent online support and answers questions w/ detailed timely responses.

I highly recommend checking out Makerdemy by clicking here!!!

40 Sites/Apps to Learn how to Program or Code

In today's classroom STEM is a vital topic covered universally.  With that being said, more and more students are being introduce to coding and programming earlier then ever before.  Best of all, new technology and apps makes it easier and easier for students to learn these useful skills.  Below is a list of some of the best resources for students and educators looking to learn how to program and code.

*This list is in alphabetical order.

40 Sites/Apps for Learning how to Program or Code

1. Boogie Bot - A super fun iOS app that teaches kids how to program/code.  This is done by dragging and dropping code to make your robot dance.
2. Coda Game - A nice free iOS app that helps students create their own game and learn how to program/code.
3. Code Avengers - A great site for teachers wanting their students to learn how to code games, websites, apps, or more.
4. Code Karts - A interesting fun iOS game designed to teach students how to code by programming a car to drive through a racetrack and finish a race.
5. Code Kingdoms - An excellent site for students to learn how to code games like Minecraft and Roblox through a drag-n-drop interface.  Best of all is the educator portal which allows teachers to track and monitor student progress.
6. Code Kingdoms: Treasure - A cool free iOS app that teaches young students how to program/code by drag-n-dropping blocks of code to have their character move around a board and collect an item.
7. Code Monster - A fantastic very user friendly site that has students learn how to program Javascript by practicing in a side-by-side window and watching what happens as they type in commands.
8. Code w/ Google - A new initiative from Google to help students strengthen their STEM skills and learn to program/code.
9. Codecademy - A interactive site that helps students learn how to program in Javascript,  PHP, Ruby, or Python by step by step instructions.
10. CodeCampKidz - A great way for students to learn live (i.e. Microsoft stores) or online to program in html, CSS, JS, and more.
11. CodeCombat - A fantastic way to teach coding such as: html, CSS, and more through playing a game by typing text not dropping blocks of code.
12. Codelicious - A wonderful Computer Science Curriculum for grades 3rd-8th designed to teach students Javacsript, Photoshop, game creation, and more.
13. Codemoji - An innovative new site that lets students learn how to code through the use of emojis as well as track student progress through the educational dashboard.  This is ideal for assessing students and differentiating instruction.
14. CodePlayer - A nice site to learn HTML5, CSS3, and Javascript through video walkthroughs.
15. CodeWizardsHQ - A fantastic site for kids 8-18 wanting to learn how to program/code through live online classes.
16. CoderZ - A innovative site for learning how to program/code 3D virtual robotos through gamified lessons.
17. codeSpark Academy - A fun way for kids 4-9 yrs old to learn how to code through activities, puzzles, projects and more by interacting w/ the Foos.
18. Coding the Musical - A free iOS game designed for girls 4 - 8 yrs to teaching programming/coding by creating their own musical.
19. Daisy the Dinosaur - A fun iPad app that teaches kids how to program and animate by dragging blocks together and watching Daisy preform the action.
20. Dystopia - An innovative site that teaches students how to code through a digital graphic novel.
21. Gamefroot - Is an excellent resource for teachers looking to learn how to code or teach it in their classroom.  Also, the easy-to-follow tutorials and professional development help educators integrate Gamefroot and STEM into their classrooms.
22. Gamestar Mechanic - A nice site for teachers wanting to teach their students how to program games.  This is done by reinforcing skills such as, problem solving, writing, storytelling, and more.
23. Grasshopper - A free mobile app that teaches students how to program through Javascript by playing through games and puzzles.
24. Hopscotch - A wonderful iOS app that teaches kids how to program and create animations by dragging-n-dropping blocks together.
25. Human Resource Machine EDU - A fun iOS game where a students programmers their worker to complete a job their boss gives them.
26. hyperPad - Formerly known as GamePress, allows students to create games, apps, interactive books and more.  This iOS app is ideal for learning the basics of programming w/ lots of resources and activities for educators.
27. Kodable - A fun iPad app designed for younger kids that has them controlling fuzzballs to complete each level.  Each level deals w/ a simple concept of programming and gets more advanced as they get higher.
28. MIT App Inventor - A wonderful site filled w/ lots of educational resources for teaching students how to program mobile apps.
29. Osmo - An award winning education game system for the iPad that lets students learn how to code through three different games (i.e. Awbie, Jam, and Duo).
30. Pixel Press Floors - An amazing app that lets students create games by drawing them.
31. Programmr - A nice way to learn programming by solving coding exercises.
32. Quest - An innovative site/app for creating text based games that will show/hide the programming language while it is being worked on.
33. Sam Labs - Sam Labs Alpha Kit is an educational kit designed for the classroom that ignites creativity and teaches students how to code and more.
34. Scratch - Probably the most popular site on the list as 1000's of students have created online games through their very easy to use web interface.
35. Scratch Jr - A spinoff of Scratch designed for younger kids 5 - 7 yrs old to teach them how to code and create interactive stories by drag-n-dropping blocks of code.
36. ScreenPlay - A fun game that introduces the basics of programming by solving puzzles through a variety of worlds.
37. Sketch Nation - A fantastic easy-to-use mobile (iOS/Android) app for students learning how to create games.  Also, there are lots of lesson plans for educators to help integrate STEM into the classroom.
38. Stencyl - A wonderful site for creating iOS or Flash based games by putting blocks together (i.e. Scratch).
39. Swift Playgrounds - A free iPad app that lets students learn how to program in Swift.  This is a fun and easy-to-use app that has users take on different challenges and even integrates w/ iTunes U.
40. Tynker - A great site for students 4th-8th grade learning how to program.

DataCamp

DataCamp is a free mobile (iOS/Google Play) to learn coding for: SQL, Python, and more.  This is done through a game based learning interface through 5 min courses.  This is a great way to integrate STEM into the classroom and learn more advanced programming/coding languages.

I highly recommend checking out DataCamp by clicking here!!!

For a more detailed review click here.

Dystopia 2153

Dystopia 2153 is an innovative new site for coding/programming that I just found out about from Monica Burns.  Dystopia is a fresh take on teaching STEM skills by helping kids learn how to code through a digital graphic novel w/ over 40 different coding games.  Also, for those that like "traditional" graphic novel a print version can be ordered.

I highly recommend checking out Dystopia 2153 by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo...

while True: learn()

while True: learn() is an innovative new iOS game that educators can use to not only integrate Game Based Learning into their teachings, but introduce STEM skills such as: programming, coding, and logical thinking.  This is done through a fun game where a cat has learned how to code but not speak, and it's up to the player to communicate w/ the cat and solve the problem by creating a speech system.  This is done through puzzles and easy to use drag-n-drop system.

I highly recommend checking out while True: learn() by clicking here!!!

For a more detailed review click here.

Codelicious

Codelicious is a wonderful Computer Science curriculum designed to help educators integrate STEM into their classroom.  Codelicious is for grades 3rd-8th and teaches students to program and code in Javascript, create games, use Photoshop and more.  Best of all, there are lots of educational resources and lesson plans to help teachers use Codelicious w/ their classroom.

Below is a brief demo....



I highly recommend checking out Codelicious by clicking here!!!