tynker logoTynker is a MASSIVE suite of programming tools, lessons and projects for individuals, classrooms and entire schools. It uses a Scratch like programming interface, but guides you along the way.

Students sign up as part of a classroom that you as a teacher can manage.  They then proceed through the lessons and projects that you set forth for them. They can also code and program their own masterpieces.

Tynker is available as a website app, which is nice, along with mobile apps.  Basically any platform can use Tynker.

Concerns

Tynker can be expensive for schools as you get further into it.   You might find it so useful that you don’t want to give up!

Sample Uses

  • Build your own games
  • Learn to code for the novice
  • Solve puzzles
  • Interact with hardware devices

Do I Plan to Use It?

I want to say yes. With my new job in the elementary school next year, I want to bring in some type of coding application.  This might be just the one, but I will need to evaluate it against other ones.  I plan to review more coding apps in the near future.

Commitment and Learning Curve

Medium to high commitment curve here. You are committing yourself and your classroom to spending significant amounts of time coding and using the program.  It could be a great thing!  Just need to know it will consume time.

Best for ES MS or HS?

This program is designed for upper ES as well as MS

Cost

Free to start, but it goes up quite a bit. 399 USD for a classroom and 2,000 USD for an entire school. https://www.tynker.com/school/pricing

The iOS app has a different price structure.

Website Link

  • iOS link
  • Tynker.com