*SurfScore’s idea for its Kodable app is simple: a family of fuzzball aliens have crash-landed and need your help to navigate through a series of mazes. You do this by using some of the simple commands and logic concepts that underlie computer programming. The commands are all drag-and-drop, so just a little trial and error will get you by means of, earning rewards and getting to grips with the fundamentals of coding. Our 12-year-old assistant reviewer was initially scathing of the simple, colourful interface, but half an hour later had worked through the entire fi rst world, completely engrossed. The fi rst level teaches the basics: how to go forwards, up and down, and conditional statements: ‘if this, then that’. The diffi culty then increases with a repeat button, coloured squares as part of the instructions, and loops. The second world (available via an in-app purchase) adds more complexity and more fuzzes. A third world, which will focus on debugging techniques, is in development. Kodable is fun to use, challenging and educational, in addition to many of us look forward to additional.
.jpg)
