What Programming Languages Are Taught in Whitehat Jr.?

Whitehat Jr. prioritizes teaching coding through two primary programming languages: Scratch (for younger students) and Python (for older students). Each language is designed to cater to different age groups and skill levels, gradually increasing in complexity as students progress. This comprehensive curriculum aims to train children in logical understanding and conceptual knowledge of coding, fostering a strong foundation in various programming skills.

Age-Based Curricula

The curriculum at Whitehat Jr. is structured based on the age of the student, with five distinct curriculums. Each curriculum is designed to introduce students to a specific set of programming languages and skills, ensuring that children are consistently challenged and engaged. These curriculums are further divided into three main modules:

Game Development: Focuses on JavaScript (block-based coding), HTML, CSS, and JSX. App Development: Introduces HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (text-based) along with various app development tools. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence: Emphasizes Python and may include JavaScript or HTML for certain projects.

Main Programming Languages

The primary programming languages taught at Whitehat Jr. are:

Scratch

Scratch is the first language introduced, especially for younger students. This visual programming environment allows children to create animations, games, and interactive stories by dragging and dropping code blocks. It serves as an essential tool for introducing fundamental coding concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Python

For older students, Whitehat Jr. introduces Python due to its versatility and wide range of applications. Python is a widely-used language that enables students to build more complex projects and understand programming fundamentals. It is the focus in the Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence module, providing a strong foundation for more advanced programming concepts.

Advanced Level Curriculum

At the advanced level, Whitehat Jr. adopts a structured approach to introducing programming languages. Initially, students are introduced to Blockly language to grasp the core concepts. Once they are comfortable with Blockly, they move on to learning JavaScript (block-based coding), and subsequently, the transition to typing code in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (text-based). This progression ensures that students develop a comprehensive skill set across multiple programming languages and tools.

Exploring Different Platforms

Whitehat Jr. educates students in various programming languages and tools beyond the core curriculum. Students will explore different platforms for app development:

Thunkable for visual development of applications. Brackets for server-side development. React Native for mobile app development. P5 Editor for artistic and creative projects. Codepen for experimenting with front-end development.

These platforms not only expand students' skill sets but also provide them with exposure to different development environments and tools, preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities in the tech industry.

Conclusion

Whitehat Jr. offers a well-structured and comprehensive programming curriculum, focusing on essential coding concepts and languages such as Scratch, Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and possibly JSX. This curriculum is designed to cater to different age groups and skill levels, ensuring that students receive a balanced and enriching learning experience. By exploring multiple programming languages and tools, students are better prepared for the dynamic world of technology.