Top Picks for Gratis Hour of Code Sessions and Tasks
In the spirit of Computer Science Education Week, taking place from December 9-15, 2024, a myriad of resources are available to ignite the coding curiosity in kids of all ages. This article highlights a selection of free resources designed to teach coding, STEM, and computer logic effectively.
Online Learning Platforms with Free Coding Courses
Platforms like BitDegree, Udemy, Sololearn, and Code.org offer a wealth of free courses in programming languages such as HTML, CSS, Python, and JavaScript. BitDegree even rewards course completion with a blockchain-based token system [1].
Interactive and Game-Based Coding Apps and Tools
Tynker, Swift Playgrounds, Kodable, Hopscotch, Mimo, and apps like Bee-Bot, Ozobot, and LEGO Education Kits provide engaging lessons and game creation opportunities to introduce coding concepts to young learners [4].
Additional Educational Resources
CS Unplugged offers hands-on, device-free coding and computational thinking activities suitable for classrooms or home use [4]. Learner.org provides free K-12 videos and printed materials covering STEM topics including computer science [2]. BBC Bitesize offers online step-by-step guides, activities, and quizzes across subjects, including computing [2].
Structured Programming (C Language) Resources
Free C programming tutorials and courses, including YouTube video channels, provide a stepwise introduction from syntax to advanced topics like memory management [3].
General Resource Lists
Websites compiling extensive free coding resources, such as the "Top 100 Websites to Learn to Code for Free (2025)" by Hostinger, offer a convenient starting point for those seeking to learn coding [1].
In addition to Hour of Code activities, resources like Scratch, Scratch Jr., MIT App Inventor, Hour of Code with CodeHS, and CodeCombat Game provide unique approaches to learning coding concepts [2][4]. For those interested in teaching coding with no prior experience, resources like "How To Teach Coding with No Prior Experience" are also available [New].
Embrace the world of coding and computer logic with these accessible, free resources designed to inspire and educate learners of all ages. Happy coding!
[1] Hostinger. (2025). Top 100 Websites to Learn to Code for Free. [online] Available at: https://www.hostinger.com/tutorials/top-100-websites-to-learn-to-code-for-free
[2] BBC Bitesize. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
[3] Free C Programming Tutorials. [online] Available at: https://www.tutorialspoint.com/cprogramming/
[4] Code.org. [online] Available at: https://code.org/
- With the ongoing Computer Science Education Week, learners of all ages can embark on a journey to ignite their coding curiosity, leveraging a plethora of free resources.
- Online learning platforms like BitDegree, Udemy, Sololearn, and Code.org offer diverse courses in popular programming languages such as HTML, CSS, Python, and JavaScript.
- Engaging interactive apps and tools such as Tynker, Swift Playgrounds, Kodable, Hopscotch, Mimo, Bee-Bot, Ozobot, and LEGO Education Kits introduce coding concepts to young learners through game-based lessons.
- For learners eager to grasp the fundamentals of programming, structured curriculum including free C programming tutorials and courses are available.
- Expanding the horizons of learning, websites compiling extensive free coding resources, such as "Top 100 Websites to Learn to Code for Free (2025)" by Hostinger, offer a one-stop solution.
- To accompany Hour of Code activities, resources like Scratch, Scratch Jr., MIT App Inventor, Hour of Code with CodeHS, and CodeCombat Game provide an innovative approach to learning coding concepts.
- For those new to teaching coding, resources like "How To Teach Coding with No Prior Experience" are catered to help them get started.
- Delve into the world of education and self-development, as these accessible, free resources are designed to inspire and educate learners of all ages, promoting digital literacy and critical thinking skills for the future.
