How can I do an Hour of Code with a screen reader?
The Hour of Code activities page includes a filter for activities compatible with screen readers.
If you use a screen reader, the Quorum tutorial for beginners or the Quorum tutorial for comfortable students are great places to start an Hour of Code. Quorum started as an interpreted language originally designed to be accessible through screen readers. It has become a general purpose programming language designed for any user. And, if you want to go beyond an Hour of Code, the team at Quorum has additional tools and curriculum.
If you use a screen reader and are interested in robotics, try the Dash Joins a Dance Circle activity (for grades K-5) or the Dash Joins a Dance Circle with Functions activity (for grades 6-8) from Lauren Milne.
What tutorials support students who are blind or low vision?
For students who use a screen reader, the Quorum tutorial for beginners or the Quorum tutorial for comfortable students is a great place to start. Quorum started as an interpreted language designed to be accessible to screen reader users. Eventually, it became a general purpose programming language designed for any user. You can use these Hour of Code tutorials with your entire classroom. And, if you want to go beyond an Hour of Code, the team at Quorum has additional tools and curriculum.
If your student uses other accommodations in technology classes, you may use those to help with Hour of Code as well. These can include larger monitors, software screen magnification, high contrast settings in their operating system, voice control, and more.
What tutorials support deaf or hard of hearing students?
The Code.org tutorials are all designed to be used with or without sound. All the videos have captions. Some students can also benefit from headphones set to a higher volume.
How can I support students with different learning needs?
Anyone can try an Hour of Code during Computer Science Education Week. Often, students with autism, ADHD, or other learning differences find they love programming. Encourage all the students in your classroom to give it a try! In setting up the experience for your classroom, reward participation rather than completion. You can give everyone a certificate no matter how many puzzles or challenges they complete within the hour. Pair programming is another great way to teach collaboration and have students work together to solve problems.
For other frequently asked questions about the Hour of Code, please see here.