Improve Your Python Skills with Trinket.io, PyFlo, CMU CS Academy, and CodingBat

Here are four resources you can use to help you with Python, including one new one that I have not tried before, but looks promising. The four resources are:

1. Trinket.io
2. PyFlo
3. CMU CS Academy’s Exploring Programming course and
4. CodingBat Python

What follows are a little bit about their strengths, limitations, and how each can support your learning.

Resource Overviews

1. Trinket.io

Overview: Trinket.io is a web-based platform for running Python code, with no setup required. It supports projects that use interactive graphics, like turtle graphics, which can help make coding concepts more tangible.

• Strengths:

  • No Setup Required: Trinket runs in a browser, making it easy to access and use.
  • Turtle Graphics for Visual Learning: Supports basic graphics and interactive projects, which is useful for exploring functions and loops in a visual way.
  • Easy to Share Code: Trinket allows sharing projects via a link, helpful for getting feedback or sharing code with others.

• Limitations:

  • Limited Advanced Features: Trinket doesn’t support complex libraries, so it may not be sufficient for advanced Python work. If you are using this with students who are novices, this won’t matter.
  • No Collaboration Tools: Lacks features for real-time collaboration, so it may not support team-based learning.

2. PyFlo

Overview: PyFlo is a visual programming tool that uses flowcharts to organize python concepts. I have not used this with kids – I just found it in the past couple of weeks –  but it seems like it would be helpful for beginners, and I am thinking of using some of the features with some of my students. 

• Strengths:

  • Syntax-Free: Allows users to learn logic and sequence without worrying about syntax errors.
  • Focus on Logical Thinking: Helps develop computational thinking, which is essential for all programming.
  • Visual Debugging: PyFlo’s flowchart style makes it easier to spot logic issues.

• Limitations:

  • Limited Transition to Syntax-Based Coding: May not fully prepare users for text-based Python coding.
  • Restricted Problem Complexity: PyFlo’s environment may not support more complex or abstract coding problems.

3. CMU CS Academy Exploring Programming Course

Overview: CMU CS Academy’s Exploring Programming course is a structured, online curriculum aimed at introducing Python through interactive exercises. It’s designed for high school classrooms, with a focus on gradual progression and teacher support.

• Strengths:

  • Structured Curriculum: Provides a clear path from beginner to intermediate Python concepts.
  • Interactive Exercises: Uses animations and interactive tasks to reinforce concepts.
  • Teacher Support Tools: Offers tools to track progress, view solutions, and manage student work.

• Limitations:

  • Flexibitily The course is structured for classrooms, so it may feel restrictive if used independently.
  • Challenging for Novices: There is a learning curve and I find myself doing quite a bit of direct teaching up from. Some familiarity with basic programming concepts are helpful.

4. CodingBat Python

Overview: CodingBat is a free, web-based platform that provides targeted Python exercises designed to build fluency in syntax and logic through immediate feedback.

• Strengths:

  • Immediate Feedback: Instant feedback on code submissions, which helps reinforce learning and correct mistakes quickly.
  • Focused Practice: Exercises are grouped by topic, so you can work on specific skills like loops or strings.
  • Simple Browser-Based Format: Easy to use with no setup required.

• Limitations:

  • Not an instructional tool: Lacks explanations or tutorials, so it may be challenging for those new to Python.
  • No interactivity: CodingBat doesn’t offer interactive graphics or project-based learning, which may limit engagement.

Comparing the Resources

Each resource offers different strengths:

• Trinket.io and PyFlo are hands-on and interactive, with Trinket focusing on text-based coding and Turtles and PyFlo on logic of Python with flowcharts.
• CMU CS Academy’s course is well-suited for structured classroom learning and gradual skill-building.
• CodingBat provides focused practice for improving specific skills but lacks instructional support.

Best Fit and Gaps

All four resources make Python accessible. However, Trinket.io and PyFlo don’t provide real-time collaboration features, and CodingBat lacks instructional content, which may require supplementing with other resources.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Each of these resources can help you build Python skills, depending on your preferred style and learning needs.

1. Maybe Start with PyFlo for an Introduction.
2. Use Trinket.io for th e Turtles.
3. Follow and of the CMU CS Academy Courses for MoreStructured Learning.
4. Use CodingBat for Targeted Skill Reinforcement.

References

• Parlante, N. (n.d.). CodingBat Python. Retrieved from CodingBat
• Workman, K. (n.d.). Happy Coding p5.js Tutorials. Retrieved from Happy Coding
• CMU CS Academy. (n.d.). Exploring programming: A comprehensive high school curriculum. Retrieved from CS Academy