Getting started

Hello, dear educator! Thanks so much for your interest in Bitsbox. Educators all around the world have been using Bitsbox in their classrooms, and we couldn't be more thrilled. Bitsbox has been used by hundreds of thousands of students in over 70 countries to build apps and learn about computer science.

What's Bitsbox?

With Bitsbox, students learn to program by creating fun apps that work on computers and gadgets like iPads and Android tablets. The Bitsbox website provides your students with a virtual tablet and a place to type their code. The experience starts with lots of guidance. It first shows learners exactly what to type, then quickly encourages them to modify and expand their apps by adding in new code.

How can I learn more about STEMscopes Coding powered by Bitsbox?

Thanks for your interest in our new partnership with STEMscopes! To learn more about getting this new product for your school or district, visit the STEMscopes website.

What kinds of kids can use Bitsbox?

We are currently making materials to teach elementary and middle school students about computer science and programming. No previous experience is needed. As a CSforALL member, we are committed to providing quality CS education to every child by creating tools and materials that will make educators' jobs—and their lives—better.

What computers do I need to use Bitsbox in my classroom?

Bitsbox is an online application that runs entirely in the computer browser. Here's what you need to use Bitsbox in your classroom:

• One computer for every one or two students (Younger kids do very well in "pair programming" setups where they can help each other out, while older students should probably have a machine all to themselves.)
• A modern web browser. (Google Chrome is best, but Firefox, IE11+, Edge, and Safari work okay, too.)
• A reliable (though not necessarily lightning-fast) internet connection
• A physical keyboard and mouse for each computer

Make sure the Bitsbox website works on the computers your students will use.

Some school districts block unfamiliar websites for safety reasons. Go to bitsbox.com/code and click Build Apps Now. If you get an error message, ask your school's IT person to allow access to the following websites:

• *.bitsbox.com
• *.firebase.com
• *.firebaseio.com
• *.googleapis.com
• *.gstatic.com
• *.codepops.com
• bitsbox.firebaseapp.com

How do I get my students started with Bitsbox?

Do our online sample apps! These are completely online and tailor-made for classrooms full of Bitsbox beginners. After that, you can order some Bitsbox printed materials to keep the party going. Have fun!

Can my students do Bitsbox entirely on their iPads or tablet?

Yes! As long as they have a keyboard!

How can my students run their apps on a tablet?

Kids can easily use the apps they build on smartphones and tablets. Bitsbox apps are really just web pages; to run them on a device, you open the webpage in that device's web browser. The easiest way to "send" the web address to the device is by using a QR code reader to scan it right off the student's computer screen. Follow these steps:

1. Many smartphone Camera apps can read QR codes by default. If yours doesn't, you can install a QR code scanner app on your tablet or phone. These are two good, free options:
   Apple iOS: QR Code Reader and Barcode Scanner
   Android: QR Code Reader
2. On a computer, open the student's app in Bitsbox. You'll see a small, gray "share" icon in the upper-right corner of the computer screen.
3. Click the share icon to show the QR code that's unique to their app.
4. Use the QR code scanner app on your tablet or phone to scan the QR code on the student's computer screen.
5. Open the web page that wants to open on your tablet or phone. It's the student's app!

What programming language are students learning with Bitsbox?

Bitsbox uses a modified version of JavaScript, one of the most popular programming languages in the world. Bitsbox commands are short, easy to type, and easy to understand for beginners. As students progress, they're introduced to more "vanilla" JavaScript syntax (vocabulary and grammar).

Can I get your printed materials for my classroom?

Yes! We now offer $149.95 Coding Project Book sets. Each set includes 10 copies of the book and a helpful Educators Guide! We also offer Coding Workbooks that help your students plan their projects and reflect on what they've learned.

Is there a way to "bulk create" accounts for my students?

Yes there is. We have a bulk account creator just for you. All you need is a CSV file with the usernames and passwords you'd like to use.

Do you have an Hour of Code project?

Yes! Check out the Yak Attack lesson plan and project here!

Who created Bitsbox?

Bitsbox was invented in 2014 by a pair of Boulder, Colorado-based ex-Google employees named Scott Lininger and Aidan Chopra. They both have kids who are learning to code. The Bitsbox website is actually only half of the idea; the other half is the physical materials which you can find on our Education Store. Learning from print? What an outrageous idea!

As a teacher, how can I stay in the loop about Bitsbox and education?

Click here to sign up for our educator-specific mailing list. You can also join the Bitsbox Educators Group on Facebook.

How do I contact the Bitsbox team?

If you have any questions or ideas, please email help@bitsbox.com. We love feedback and bug reports. There's also a little feedback widget in the lower-right corner of bitsbox.com; if you prefer, you can use that instead.

THANKS FOR TRYING BITSBOX WITH YOUR KIDS!