Code Jumper is an incredible innovation that teaches students who are blind or visually impaired computer coding. By putting the block code tactually in your hands, all students can learn together in an inclusive setting. Originally designed by Microsoft® and developed by APH, this educational toy bridges the skills gap and opens up the world of coding to every student.
Children not only learn basic programming concepts, such as sequence, iteration, selection, and variables, but will also be encouraged to think computationally, such as solving the same challenge in multiple ways.
Most important, any teacher can facilitate Code Jumper lessons without prior computer science experience, and Code Jumper is inclusive of all children across the vision spectrum.
Curriculum:
The Code Jumper curriculum has been designed for teachers with little experience in computer science or coding, allowing you to quickly gain the skills to teach your students coding. Each lesson has step-by-step instructions for all activities. Many of the materials are included in the lessons, and those that need to be created by teachers have clear and simple instructions. Key vocabulary words are defined, and links are provided to outside resources for further understanding.
Code Jumper has the unique opportunity to teach coding in a multi-modal way that plays to the strengths to many teachers in a creative way using songs, poems, stories, and more!
The Code Jumper curriculum includes:
The Microsoft Educator Community (MEC) Course
Developed specifically for teachers, the MEC Course provides an overview of what you need to know to teach Code Jumper to your students. You can access the Code Jumper MEC course at this link:
The Code Jumper User Guide
The User Guide includes everything you need to know about your Code Jumper kit. From how to install the batteries, to a comprehensive troubleshooting guide, the Code Jumper User Guide provides the information you need to get started.
Code Jumper Lessons
The Code Jumper curriculum includes 19 lessons that range from the basics of Computer Systems to Boolean Logic. Each lesson includes step-by-step instructions for teachers, student activities, tutorial videos, and an assessment to check for student understanding.
Code Jumper Tutorial Videos
Linked within each lesson are tutorial videos to help you understand the various Code Jumper components. The videos are also available on the APH YouTube page.
Code Jumper Assessments
The curriculum includes two opportunities for assessment: one at the end of the Primary Lessons and one at the end of the Advanced Lessons. These assessments include a project for students to complete that incorporates the concepts learned in the lessons and a rubric based on a 1-4 scale.
Included in the kit:
- Carrying case with:
- Code Jumper Hub
- Assortment of pods, plugs and cords
- Code Jumper App
- Quick Start Sheet (in both print and braille)
- Online Student and Teacher Lesson Plans
