December's Mash of the Month is 2Code

Each month we will be highlighting a #MashoftheMonth, this will focus on a tool or application within Purple Mash and how it can be used within the classroom to support learning across the curriculum. During the month, if you share how you have used #MashoftheMonth, you will then be entered into a draw to win a 2Simple Goody Bag!

This December the Mash of the Month is 2Code, which we have chosen to coincide with Computer Science Education Week. Computer Science Education Week is held annually in recognition of the birthday of computing pioneer Admiral Grace Murray Hooper; this year the week runs from December 6th -12th. The annual program is dedicated to inspiring students to take an interest in computer science and develop and nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify "code", to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities.

The week is a great opportunity for your Digital Leaders to explore 2Code. There are different levels for activities as well as a range of games and quizzes for your Digital Leaders to enhance their 2Code experience.

2Code is a tool to introduce computer programming (coding) to children. It has three key components: free code, guided lessons and debug challenges. The short video below provides a guide to coding in Purple Mash:

There are a wealth of support materials within 2Code: video tutorials, a glossary, and Coding resources containing guided lessons and solutions; perfect to explore coding with your students during the week.

Explore Computer Science with Digital Leaders and Mash Club

It would also be a great time to use Mash Club resources with your Digital Leaders. There are a number of sessions within Mash Club that could be used to complete the #MashoftheMonth challenge this month including:

• Escape the Dragon game
• Making a Dancing Robot game
• Making a 2player Racetrack game
• Designing and making their own program.

Share your code with us

However you use 2Code, we can’t wait to see how you use our #MashoftheMonth this month. You can share examples via our Twitter or Facebook pages with the #PMDLChallenge. All examples will be entered into our monthly draw to win a 2Simple goody bag!