Computer Science education and the teaching of coding is increasingly popular within schools. Coding practice helps learners develop problem-solving skills needed for academic and future ready workplace success. Coding skills are in high demand. Learners with computer science and coding knowledge are better prepared to enter the job market. While there are many ways to teach coding in the classroom, creating an inclusive environment for computer science learning requires special tools and curated curriculum. i2e is proud to work with American Printing House for the Blind (APH) to expand classroom accessibility and bring coding education to schools through the APH Code Jumper program.
The Code Jumper is an educational toy that includes an assortment of pods, plugs, and cords. Code Jumper has been a staple for teaching computer science to all learners, including those who are blind or visually impaired. Using sounds, learners follow directions to complete coding activities based on lessons that are free to use. These lessons are clear and concise, and the activities are engaging and accessible for all learners. The lessons are written for educators who may have no prior computer science experience. As if this isn’t enough, Code Jumper, in partnership with i2e, has added free puzzles to inspire more practice and play for learners.
Photograph courtesy of APH
In the new puzzles, learners meet CJ, a cat-like alien from planet Jumpiter. CJ takes learners on adventures to discover more about Earth. Learners can play and solve puzzles independently, or with little guidance. While playing, learners practice their computational thinking skills, problem solving, and solidify some of the computer science concepts from the curriculum in a fun way. This undirected learning is also fun, and learners will want to repeat solving the puzzles. This repetition helps solidify concepts. In these puzzles, learners relate to everyday experiences; including making pizza, going to an amusement park, and finding hidden clues and treasures. The puzzles bridge computer science skills with daily living skills, orientation and mobility, and concepts from the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC). (Learn more about the ECC).
These new puzzles are free and are available from the Code Jumper Website. Here you’ll find eight puzzles and all the coordinating sounds that incorporate the basic coding concepts in settings and situations that learners can relate to. In addition, each puzzle has a braille ready file (.brf), audio file, and print file; which means you can select the one that works best for your learners.
