Kira Learning

Kira Learning offers full curriculums for computer science courses ranging from Computational Thinking to AP Computer Science. Though students can create accounts and access the coursework on their own, the platform is designed for traditional classroom learning. Teachers will choose their course, customized to their state standards, then add students to their roster. Kira Learning can also be set to integrate with the school learning management system and uses single sign-on. Teachers have a lot of control over how students progress through the content. You can provide access to a single lesson, open up the entire course, or anything in between.

Each course includes very detailed lesson plans, worksheets, unplugged activities, and most any resource you’d need to teach the content to a class of students. Chances are, you won’t use all of the materials, but pick and choose what works best for you. Online, every lesson breaks down each concept with a video, followed by a short task to check for understanding. Some responses have only one correct answer, but others encourage students to share creative ideas and solutions. Teachers can see all student responses and assignments in the gradebook. The gradebook will show you student progress through the learning objectives and you can review assignments and send feedback. However, the grading options are a bit overwhelming. Built-in AI tools offer some auto grading, but expect to spend time reviewing student work, especially the creative responses.

Quick learners, or those with previous computer science knowledge, could probably progress through the coursework independently. However, if they get stuck, they’re going to need a teacher. The built-in AI tutor feature is limited, though it can be helpful in some situations. The simple code editor (used in the middle school course) doesn't work with the AI tutor, as it only works with high school courses. It works well, but it is limited to 10 questions max and only on certain problems. The teacher-facing AI tools work and have built-in parameters but are not very visible. 

Because the digital lesson content is so thorough, you could structure class as a learning lab where students work independently and you offer one-on-one coaching. But students are going to have so much more fun, and probably learn better, if you mix the digital content with in-person teaching, unplugged activities, and group projects. Like most tech platforms these days, Kira Learning is promoting its AI integration, but where it really shines is in its depth of content and comprehensive approach to learning. Kira also offers extensive professional development options and supplemental materials.