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Compatible with Chromebooks, Windows, and Mac computers.
Block-based programming is an excellent starting point for beginners. It allows students to understand coding concepts by simply dragging and dropping blocks, without worrying about typing or syntax errors. This approach helps build confidence and problem-solving skills before transitioning to text-based programming, which offers more advanced capabilities for creating complex programs.
There's no fixed timeline for when students should switch from blocks to text. However, tools like Switch blocks can help bridge this gap. By allowing students to see how their block commands convert into text within the same environment, Switch blocks make the transition to languages like Python smoother and more intuitive. This gradual shift helps students connect block-based programming concepts with written code, preparing them for more advanced programming tasks.
Switch blocks were designed from the ground up through close collaboration with researchers and educators to meet classroom needs. Its development process and outcomes have been extensively studied, with findings published in academic papers validating its effectiveness. Research demonstrates that students smoothly transition from block-based to text-based programming using Switch blocks, regardless of their programming background. This makes Switch blocks a valuable, research-based tool for schools and teachers to introduce computer science and computational thinking.
To learn more about our research, read these studies:
Students can convert their Blocks to Python using the "Convert to Switch" feature. This helps them learn Python syntax while staying in the familiar block coding environment, making the transition to text-based programming easier.
VEXcode's autocomplete feature suggests Python commands as you type, speeding up coding and showing you available options. This helps you code without needing to know the exact syntax beforehand or remember all possible commands.
Switch blocks let students write multiple lines of Python code together. They automatically indent when pressing enter, making it easier to learn proper Python coding structure.
Switch blocks come in various shapes for Python coding. These blocks let students write Python code within familiar block structures. Each type of Switch block represents a different Block shape, allowing learners to use various Python constructs while maintaining a visual, block-based environment.
A Stack block is a rectangular block that is shaped to fit above and below other blocks. Stack blocks make up the majority of the blocks available in VEXcode.
A Boolean block is an elongated hexagonal block that reports boolean values (values with only true or false).
A Reporter block is a block that reports a value. These can be anything, from numbers to strings.
A C block is a programming structure shaped like the letter "C", allowing other blocks to fit inside it. These blocks handle conditions and loops.
Converting the C Block
Converting the C Block and its contents
A Hat block is a block that starts a script when a specific event occurs. All Hat blocks are either Control blocks, Events blocks or My Blocks.
Note: You cannot convert a Hat block into Switch Hat blocks. You can only type in the Switch hat blocks.
This example shows how Switch blocks help transition from block-based coding to Python. It presents a gradual progression, using more Python code with each step, until the entire project is in Python.
