About the Resource Panel

The Resource Panel in Code.org’s programming environments (Labs) helps teachers and students access important information—like instructions, rubrics, and teaching tips—without losing focus on their workspace.

The panel consolidates Instructions, Teacher Resources, AI Tutor, Version History, Documentation, Settings, and Copyright information into a single, organized space on the left-hand side of the screen.

By keeping all supporting information in one place, the Resource Panel helps classrooms stay focused and engaged during coding activities.

Overview of the Panel

The Resource Panel has two main sections that provide quick access to everything students and teachers need during a lesson.

Tabs (top section of the panel)

The upper part of the panel includes tabs for the main instructional and activity-related content:

• Instructions: Displays level directions, goals, and lesson guidance.
• Rubrics: Shows assessment information for students (when applicable, available in supported courses).
• Teaching Tips: Provides teacher-only guidance for instruction and classroom management.
• Version History (Python Lab, Web Lab): Allows users to view and restore past versions of their work.
• AI Tutor (Python Lab, Web Lab): AI assistant for students. Helps with debugging, answering questions and in certain cases generating code. Learn more.

Each tab opens within the panel while keeping the coding workspace visible, allowing users to read and code side by side.

Lower-Left Corner

The bottom of the panel contains additional tools and links that are used less frequently but are important for functionality and compliance:

• Settings: Access general Lab settings, including the language selector and accessible color themes.
• Documentation: Open coding documentation or reference materials related to the current Lab.
• Copyright: View Code.org’s copyright notice and related information.

This layout keeps lesson content in the tabs and supporting tools organized in the lower corner for easy access.

Student Experience

Students can use the Resource Panel to manage instructions, rubrics, and settings without interrupting their coding flow.

• The Instructions tab is the default view on each level except in Web Lab where AI Tutor is the default tab with an instructions drawer over the top.
• Additional tabs, such as Rubrics or Version History, appear as needed based on the course.
• Settings, Documentation, and Copyright links are always available in the lower-left corner of the panel.
• Python Lab, Web Lab & Sketch Lab:
  • The Continue/Submit button appears at the bottom of the panel, so students can move to the next level from any tab. The Continue/Submit button will be disabled until students have done all the work needed to move to the next level.
• Music Lab:
  • The Continue button, Submit button and Validation messages will generally appear below the instructions. If on a different tab than instructions, they will appear at the bottom of the panel once students complete the goals on the level and pass validation checks. 
  • The Submit button will be disabled until students have done all the work needed to move to the next level.

Teacher Experience

Teachers use the same Resource Panel layout but have access to additional instructional materials and classroom tools.

• The Teaching Tips tab is visible only to teachers.
• Teachers can view Rubrics in the panel, but they can also submit rubric feedback to students in the floating action button (FAB)
• The Settings, Documentation, and Copyright links in the lower-left corner are the same as those available to students.

This shared layout allows teachers to easily model the student experience while also accessing their own instructional resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the language settings?

Language options are available in the Settings menu in the lower-left corner of the panel. Both teachers and students can change the site language at any time.

Where can I find documentation or reference materials?

Documentation links are located in the lower-left corner of the panel, alongside Settings and Copyright.

Where is the copyright notice?

The copyright link appears in the bottom-left corner of the panel. 

How can I share feedback about the Resource Panel?

Feedback is always welcome. Email support@code.org or use the teacher dashboard to share your thoughts.