CodeHS

CodeHS is an interactive online learning platform offering computer science and programming instruction for schools and individual learners. CodeHS is focused on spreading access to and knowledge of computer science by offering online instructional materials supported by remote tutors. In the introductory learning module, students on the site practice computer science concepts and programming skills by giving commands to a dog named Karel. Similar to the original Karel programming language developed by Richard E. Pattis, Karel the dog must complete various tasks by moving around a grid world, and putting down and picking up tennis balls using only simple commands. Later learning modules teach more advanced concepts using languages like JavaScript, Java, and HTML.[2]

CodeHS, Inc.

Type of business	Private
Founded	2012
Headquarters	San Francisco , United States
Area served	Worldwide
Founder(s)	Jeremy Keeshin, Zach Galant[1]
Industry	Internet
Services	Technology education
URL	CodeHS
Commercial	Yes
Current status	Active

History

CodeHS was founded in 2012 by Jeremy Keeshin and Zach Galant, both Stanford University Computer Science graduates. Keeshin and Galant based CodeHS on their experience as section leaders and teaching assistants for several of Stanford's introductory computer science courses.[3] The company joined the Imagine K12 incubator's third class, launching in October 2012,[4] and its investors include NewSchools Venture Fund, Seven Peaks Ventures, Kapor Capital, Learn Capital, Imagine K12, Marc Bell Ventures, and Lighter Capital.[5] In total, CodeHS has raised $2.9 million as of December 2016.

NBC Education Nation

CodeHS was selected as one of three education technology companies to take part in the 2013 Innovation Challenge, part of the NBC Education Nation initiative.[6] Innovation Nation challenge participants CodeHS, Teachley, and GigaBryte participated in a series of challenges in October 2013, culminating in a live pitch contest broadcast live on NBC during the Education Nation Summit. CodeHS won the Innovation Challenge, earning a $75,000 prize awarded by the Robin Hood Foundation.[7][8]

Hour of Code

During the week of December 9, 2013, CodeHS participated in the nationwide Hour of Code challenge promoted by Code.org. CodeHS was featured as a tutorial for learning JavaScript on the Computer Science Education Week website. Over the course of the week, an estimated 116,648 participants started learning to code for an hour on CodeHS.[9]

Karel the Dog

The first learning module on CodeHS teaches introductory programming concepts by having students give basic commands to Karel the Dog using Karel-specific JavaScript commands.[10] This approach is based on the original Karel programming language developed by Richard E. Pattis and is used in Stanford University's introductory computer science classes. Karel initially knows only a few basic commands: move(); to have Karel move one spot forward, turnLeft(); to have Karel turn left, putBall(); to have Karel put down one tennis ball in the current spot, and takeBall(); to have Karel pick up one tennis ball from the current spot. Karel can be "taught" additional commands by defining new functions composed of these basic commands. The programmer can also use elements like loops and conditionals to control the flow of the program.

Superkarel

Karel evolves into Superkarel and gains the ability to turnRight() and turnAround().

Example

The following is an example of a simple program to have Karel repeat a series of commands (put down a tennis ball, move, turn left, move, then turn right) three times:

Demonstration of Karel the Dog executing the sample program.

 function start() {
     for (var i = 0; i < 3; i++) {
         putBall();
         move();
         turnLeft();
         move();
         turnRight();
     }
 }
 
 function turnRight() {
     turnLeft();
     turnLeft();
     turnLeft();
 }

Reception

CodeHS received significant media coverage upon its launch, including articles in the Forbes, TechCrunch, and Education Week.[11][12][13][14] The site has also been featured on various blogs for its interactive and beginner-focused approach to teaching programming.[15]

See also

• Blended learning
• Karel (programming language)
• Code.org
• Codecademy
• CodeCombat
• Code Avengers
• Khan Academy
• Livecoding.tv
• Team Treehouse
• Udacity

References

1. "Meet the Team - CodeHS". Archived from the original on 2014-12-16. Retrieved 2014-12-12.
2. "Course: Introduction to Computer Science". Retrieved 30 June 2014.
3. "CodeHS: About". Archived from the original on 26 June 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
4. "Y Combinator Of Education Imagine K12 Launches Its 3rd Cohort, Bringing The Digital Revolution To Classrooms Near You". Retrieved 30 June 2014.
5. "CodeHS Financials and Metrics". Craft for Business. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
6. "Education Nation 2013". NBC News. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
7. "CodeHS Wins Innovation Challenge at Education Nation". Getting Smart. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
8. "Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Education". NewSchools Venture Fund. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
9. "Computer Science Education Week". Retrieved 26 June 2014.
10. "What is Karel and What Language does Karel Use?". Archived from the original on 4 September 2014. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
11. "Tech Startup CodeHS Aims to Bring Computer Literacy to High Schools". Retrieved 26 June 2014.
12. "STEM Ed: CodeHS Wants To Teach Every American High Schooler How To Code". Retrieved 26 June 2014.
13. "Startup Hopefuls Test Ideas With Educators". Retrieved 26 June 2014.
14. "The Anatomy of an Education-Technology Startup". Retrieved 26 June 2014.
15. "Top 10 Websites To Learn Coding (Interactively) Online". Retrieved 26 June 2014.

External links

• CodeHS
• CodeHS Blog