Teaching Computing Skills with Visual Studio Code for Education
As educators, we know that preparing students for the future is a top priority. With the rapid advancement of technology, it’s essential to equip them with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. That’s why I’m excited to share with you a game-changing tool that’s revolutionizing the way we teach computing skills: Visual Studio Code for Education.
Learn to Code with Real-World Tools
Visual Studio Code for Education is a free online computer science education platform that provides an integrated curriculum and a sandbox coding environment for everyone. With zero setup, anyone can start learning to code using Visual Studio Code, the code editor preferred by software development professionals worldwide.
Learning to code with real-world tools
Coding for Everyone
The platform is designed to be accessible to students of all levels, with short, bite-sized lessons or full Python or Web Development courses with interactive assessments and coding challenges. Plus, with accessibility features like Immersive Reader, high contrast, zoom, and screen reader support built-in, every student can learn to code.
Accessibility features built-in
Courses and Coding Activities
Visual Studio Code for Education currently offers two comprehensive courses: Introduction to Python and Intro to Web Development. These courses are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in programming languages like Python and JavaScript. Additionally, there are bite-sized coding activities available, such as a Python Fortune Teller or a Spooky Manor text-based adventure game, which focus on specific elements of a programming language and support student creativity, exploration, and expression.
Python Fortune Teller activity
Projects in Visual Studio Code for Education
If you prefer to use your own curriculum or lessons with Visual Studio Code for Education, you can use a project workspace that supports both Python and Web development projects. With zero setup required, students can start editing and running code in the browser. For web projects, students can preview their websites and publish them to the internet.
Project workspace for Python and Web development projects
Safe and Secure for Students and Schools
At Microsoft, we prioritize student data privacy and school security with rigorous governance practices and a privacy-by-design approach. To learn more, see Frequently Asked Questions about Visual Studio Code for Education.
Get Started with Visual Studio Code for Education
It’s quick and easy to get started teaching with Visual Studio Code for Education:
- Open a web browser to https://vscodeedu.com
- Sign in using a Microsoft or Google account
- Browse the catalog of courses to select a full course or coding activity to follow along with or create your own website or Python project
Get started with Visual Studio Code for Education
