This is the ultimate showdown of the finest 32 tools we can find to help teach computing! Each day, two tools go head-to-head in a vote, decided by you! Winners advance to the next round and losers are eliminated. Who will win?

Vote Now!

Round 2 (Currently Open)

All the votes are in and we had a lot of votes come through! Here are the next 8 match ups. All vs are open and we will announce the winners

A battle between two screen-free coding solutions for young learners! Dash & Dot, with their expressive robot design and app-based coding, offer a playful introduction to robotics. Meanwhile, MatataStudio Tale Bot is an intuitive, tactile coding experience designed for pre-readers using physical command tiles. Which approach is best for early computational thinking?

A showdown between two powerhouse platforms for introducing block-based coding to young students! Scratch Jr. is a widely used, open-source platform that fosters creativity and storytelling, while Tynker Jr. provides structured, gamified lessons that progress into more advanced programming. Both empower early learners, but which one captures student interest better?

This is an IDE vs. online learning platform matchup! MU is a simple, beginner-friendly code editor that makes Python programming approachable, while CodeHS provides structured online lessons and practice exercises across multiple programming languages. If you’re teaching coding, do you start with an accessible coding environment like MU or an all-in-one learning system like CodeHS?

A comparison of different ways to learn coding through games! Swift Playgrounds offers hands-on coding with Apple’s Swift language, guiding students through interactive puzzles. CodeCombat and its curriculum-based version, Ozaria, immerse students in a fantasy role-playing game where they type real code to solve challenges. Both build programming fluency, but which one is more engaging?

Two physical computing tools built for hands-on learning! MatataStudio Pro enhances block-based and screen-free programming, while Sphero Indi uses colour-based navigation to introduce problem-solving and sequencing. Both foster critical thinking, but which one better develops algorithmic understanding?

A software vs. hardware face-off! Octostudio is a creative coding app designed for younger students to bring animations and interactions to life, whereas VEX GO is a robotics kit that blends physical engineering with coding. One emphasises digital creativity, while the other builds hands-on STEM skills. Where does your classroom need to focus?

A battle of versatility! Code.org is a widely used platform for teaching block- and text-based coding through engaging, structured lessons. The Micro:bit, on the other hand, is a microcontroller that lets students apply coding in real-world projects. Both provide powerful learning experiences, should students start on a screen or with hands-on hardware?

A Python-based face-off! Edublocks bridges the gap between block-based coding and text-based Python, allowing students to transition seamlessly into real programming. Python Turtle, on the other hand, introduces students to coding through visual drawing, making abstract programming concepts more tangible. Both are great for learning Python; should students start with structured blocks or dive straight into creative coding?

Round 1 (Finished)

This round is closed but you can read our full write up with many comments from educators here:
Part 1: https://readysetcompute.com/firstweekmchmdness2025/
Part 2: https://readysetcompute.com/first-round-part-2/

Which of these old-school Programmable robots is your favourite?

Dash and Dot are a dynamic duo of robots that bring coding to life for elementary school children. Dash is a wheeled robot that can move, light up, and make sounds, while Dot is a stationary robot that can control Dash and interact with its environment. Using block-based coding on tablets or smartphones, children can program Dash and Dot to perform a variety of tasks, from simple movements to complex sequences of actions.

These adorable, bee-shaped robots are designed to introduce young children to the basics of coding. With simple button controls for forward, backward, left, and right movements, kids can easily program Bee-Bot’s path. This hands-on approach makes learning fundamental programming concepts like sequencing and algorithms fun and accessible. Bee-Bot is perfect for early learners, typically in preschool and kindergarten, and helps develop essential problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Vote Now: Open till March 2nd
Which is the better robot?
Results

Osmo Coding combines physical blocks with a tablet interface to introduce coding concepts to young children. By arranging the blocks in specific sequences, children can control on-screen characters and solve puzzles.

Matatalab Studio Pro is designed to help children learn coding through hands-on experience. It utilises a physical coding board, and coding blocks, so that children can create programs without the use of a screen.

Sphero is a spherical robot that can roll, spin, and change colors, providing a fun and interactive way to learn coding. Using block-based coding on tablets or smartphones, children can program Sphero to navigate mazes, race against friends, and even create artistic light displays.

Matata Tale-Bot is a screen-free coding robot designed for preschoolers and kindergarteners. Using physical coding blocks, children can create sequences of instructions to guide Tale-Bot through various adventures.

Cubetto is a screen-free coding toy designed for preschoolers. Using a wooden robot and a physical coding board, children can create programs by placing colorful blocks in specific sequences.

Sphero Indi is a screen-free, colour-based coding robot that allows young children to explore coding concepts through hands-on play. By placing colored tiles on the floor, children can guide Indi’s movements and actions.

Scratch Jr. is a simplified version of the popular Scratch programming language, designed for children aged 5-7. Using a visual programming interface, children can create interactive stories, games, and animations by snapping together colorful coding blocks.

CodeMonkey Jr. is a playful and engaging platform that introduces young children to coding through a series of fun challenges and puzzles. Using a block-based coding interface, children can program a virtual monkey to collect bananas, solve mazes, and complete other exciting tasks.

OctoStudio is a coding platform that allows users to create interactive media projects. It uses a visual, block based coding system. This allows for the creations of interactive stories, animations, and games.

Tynker is a comprehensive coding platform that offers a wide range of courses and activities for children of all ages.

Kodable is a comprehensive coding curriculum designed for elementary school children. Using a combination of online games and offline activities,

Tynker Jr. is a creative coding platform designed for young children aged 4-7. Using a visual programming interface, children can create interactive stories, games, and animations by snapping together colorful coding blocks.

LEGO Education SPIKE Prime combines LEGO building elements with programmable hubs and sensors to create engaging and hands-on coding experiences.

VEX GO is a robotics platform designed for elementary school students. It uses snap-together parts and a simple coding interface to introduce students to robotics and coding concepts.

Mu is a simple and user-friendly Python editor designed for beginner programmers. Its clean interface and helpful features, such as code completion and error highlighting, make it easy for new coders to write and debug their programs.

Thonny is a Python IDE (Integrated Development Environment) designed for beginners. Its simple interface and helpful features, such as a debugger and variable explorer, make it easy for new coders to write and understand their code.

Code.org is a non-profit organization that provides free coding resources and tutorials for students of all ages.

Khan Academy offers free online courses and tutorials on a wide range of subjects, including computer programming.

CodeHS is a comprehensive online platform that provides coding education for students of all ages. With a wide range of courses covering topics like Python, JavaScript, and web development, CodeHS offers a structured and engaging learning experience.

Codecademy is a popular online platform that offers free and paid coding courses in a variety of programming languages. Its interactive lessons, quizzes, and projects make learning coding engaging and accessible.

Micro:bit is a small, programmable computer that can be used to create a wide range of projects. Its simple interface and versatile features make it accessible to beginners and experienced coders alike.

Makeblock mBot is a programmable robot kit that allows students to learn coding and robotics through hands-on activities. Its modular design and intuitive coding interface make it accessible to beginners.

Swift Playgrounds is an iPad app that makes learning Swift, Apple’s programming language, fun and interactive. Using a playful interface and engaging puzzles, Swift Playgrounds introduces beginners to fundamental coding concepts.

CS First is a free coding curriculum developed by Google that introduces students to computer science through creative and collaborative activities. Using Scratch, a block-based programming language, students can create interactive stories, games, and animations.

The Raspberry Pi code editor is a tool that is used to write and edit code on a Raspberry Pi computer. It is a simple and user friendly program.

EduBlocks is a block based programming language that is designed to make it easy to learn python. It simplifies the transition from block based coding to text based coding.

CodeCombat and Ozaria offer engaging, game-based platforms that teach coding concepts through interactive gameplay. Players navigate fantasy worlds, solve puzzles, and defeat enemies by writing code in languages like Python and JavaScript.

Erase All Kittens is a unique platform that uses a playful and engaging narrative to teach HTML. By presenting coding as a way to rescue adorable kittens from digital peril, it captures the attention of learners, particularly young children.

Turtle Academy is an online platform that teaches coding concepts through the use of turtle graphics.

Python Turtle is a built-in module in the Python programming language that allows users to create graphics using a virtual turtle.