CodeHS is a code teaching tool designed specifically for schools as it integrates the introductory curriculum by design.
As such, this is not the best option for parents or people looking to learn on their own; however, for use by computer science teachers, this is a valuable tool. For individual learning, something like code academy it's more appropriate.
As the name suggests, this tool is aimed at high school students and is designed to be integrated into programming classes. A wide range of pricing options can help tailor this to the specific needs of a teacher, school, or district.
This coding teaching tool is intended to span a full year of teaching, or more, making it an investment that can have a lasting effect on student learning outcomes.
This guide aims to share everything you need to know about CodeHS so you can decide if it's right for your coding or STEM teaching needs.
What is CodeHS?
HSCode is a set of teaching tools intended to help educators work within the curriculum while teaching students to code in a structured computing environment.
CodeHS offers over 100 classes that work to teach a variety of coding topics, offering custom assignment creation for educators. It uses a structured coding sandbox, with coding space and results window, but does so with the freedom to go off topic, making it an empowering way for students to learn.
While this is more focused on coding than some of the game-style coding teaching tools available, it still integrates games and visuals to make it engaging and easier to understand, even for the youngest students.
CodeHS teaches a selection of code types including JavaScript, HTML, Python and C++, all of which are used in real-world coding, so this can lead straight to work.
How does CodeHS work?
CodeHS allows teachers to share lessons with individuals or the class as a whole, so they can work independently and progress at their own pace. Crucially, it allows teachers to monitor all of this to ensure that everyone is helped and no one is left stuck.
CodeHS offers short videos that help introduce a topic to students so they can understand the process in an engaging way. Ideally, this frees up the teacher's time to focus on students who may be stuck or need additional help.
Students can create simple games, code instructions, and more, which works in the sandbox immediately, helping students feel empowered or solve problems with the end result visible immediately.
What are the best features of CodeHS?
CodeHS teaches a wide variety of useful coding languages in a way that gives students freedom to play. The open sandbox-style makerspace also provides room for creativity and problem-solving, which can be an important asset in tackling real-world coding challenges.
CodeHS also has its own tutors, in the paid version, allowing students to not only seek help from their teacher in the classroom but also from online assistants. This makes it a viable option outside of traditional class time.
Simplicity is also key here, with a nice easy start when students move a digital dog around the screen using code, helping to facilitate this style of learning to a wide range of ages and abilities.
The ability to design and create games is an attractive part of this code teaching tool, as it can help motivate students to learn as they gain more tools to create increasingly complex and potentially fun games.
How much does CodeHS cost?
CodeHS has a variety of pricing options offering different features to meet a selection of needs.
He Free Classroom option offers over 100 courses, complete pathways for grades 6-12, board-approved AP CSA and AP CSP courses, AP test and review prep materials, detailed syllabi , solution references, integrated self-graders, in-course assessments. , supplemental curriculum, alignment to state and national standards and practice problems, and more.
Go for him Start plan, at the quoted price, and you'll get the above plus assessment reports, random order of quiz questions, printable assessments, professional-only assessments, detailed lesson plans, and more.
Update to School plan, with a quote price, and add course route builder and queries, adjust student copy and paste settings, all history, all school data, smart list and more.
go for the top District Plan, with one quote price, to get custom LMS integration, LTI advantage, full district implementation support, and more.
Best CodeHS Tips and Tricks
Start with karel
Let students begin by manipulating Karel the digital dog as a way to see how code can work with instant results.
Built retro
Have students play a retro game and then create it themselves to see how powerful and fun programming can be.
Grant freedom
In the sandbox, students can stray off target in their constructions. Allowing this can help foster creativity; Just be sure to factor in time for this extra freedom.
