Educational Version of JavaScript Enables Middle School Coding Education - Bridging the Computer Science Education Gap
Blackbird today announced the official release of the world’s first educational version of JavaScript. Blackbird’s educational version of JavaScript provides students, even those who have not been drawn to STEM or coding, with a fully functional introduction to the most commonly used programming language on earth. Blackbird’s educational version of Javascript was designed to provide an accessible and fun computer education pathway for students supported by real-time, “friendly and helpful” feedback and insight into Javascript terms and error messages. Blackbird’s standards-aligned coding curriculum offers engaging, project-based lessons that walk students through the process of building their very own video games, animations and more.
“Code teaching systems use unmodified programming languages, they are engineering tools, and they’re very unfriendly to beginners,” said Ness Blackbird, cofounder of Blackbird. “Our educational version of JavaScript enables middle school and high school students and teachers to learn real-world coding skills, with the same sort of guidance and structure used to teach other skills such as arithmetic, or a foreign language, providing a navigable pathway for students to learn and excel in coding – all while having fun by using their coding skills to make their own games.”
“Not every student will grow up to be a software developer, but knowing how computers ‘think’ and how to logically solve a problem by breaking it down into steps, are skills that every student is going to need in the modern workforce,” said Gordon Arnold, computer science professor at the University of Texas at Dallas. “Educational versions of programming languages, such as Blackbird’s, seek to address this need by providing an environment where students can learn the coding concepts in a simple way, with immediate constructive feedback, enabling them to learn at a student-appropriate pace, and in an enjoyable manner.”
Now in use in middle schools and coding academies throughout the country, Blackbird was built from the ground up to address the middle school gap in coding education – in a fun and engaging platform that can be administered by non-technical and technically trained teachers, instructors and parents. Blackbird’s curriculum guides students through coding lessons aligned with standards identified in the Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core State Standards for Math and English – as well as the Computer Science Teachers Association Computer Science standards. Blackbird’s integrated LMS enables instructors to easily track student progress, review code and make direct comments.
Blackbird Education Platform:
Utilizes the first educational version of Javascript
Addresses the “Middle School Gap” in Computer Science education
Students use skills to build games, animations and more
Aligned to Common Core, Next Generation Science and CSTA Learning Standards
Teaches JavaScript through game and animation creation
Can be administered by all instructors and parents – regardless of technical expertise
Integrated Learning Management System (LMS)
Simple, affordable pricing structure, includes full, expert support
Pricing and Availability:
The Blackbird education platform is now open for students, parents and instructors. Blackbird begins with a free, foundational section with additional advanced lessons available through a simple and affordable pricing structure that includes full support and professional development. For more information, visit Blackbird on the web at https://www.BlackbirdCode.com.