Apple has announced new learning resources for elementary school.
In a new press release, Apple has today announced a series of new education resources for elementary schools as part of its “Everyone Can Code” initiative.
Everyone Can Code Early Learners helps educators and families introduce coding to students in their early years, when learners are first developing computational thinking skills. Through engaging and often off-screen activities, learners in kindergarten through third grade will discuss, discover, and play to build a foundation in core coding concepts through subjects that include science, art, music, and physical education.
“Coding and app design are essential literacies — these skills help students think critically and creatively, regardless of whether they go on to be app developers,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Education and Enterprise Marketing. “Apple now offers coding resources for learners from kindergarten to college, and challenges them to design amazing apps that are inclusive and accessible to users. Our resources and support for educators are designed to prepare students to be the innovators of tomorrow, whether they’re just getting started or ready to build their first apps.”
Apple is encouraging teachers and students to participate in a new Inclusive App Design activity during Europe Code Week (October 9-24) and Computer Science Education Week (December 6-12), where teachers will guide students through a one-hour session “to turn their ideas into apps with inclusion and accessibility in mind,” the press release explains.
Additionally, new updates coming to the Schoolwork app add support for a popular educator survey tool called “exit tickets” — a quick way for teachers to check in with students during or after class, using easy-to-create questions to gauge student comprehension, reactions, or engagement.
Everyone Can Code Early Learners is available today as a free download for families and educators on Apple’s website. In celebration of Europe Code Week, the guide is launching in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish, and Swedish, with additional languages to follow.
