From IDK to IDE, everything you need to know about coding outside the course content and doing it with confidence.
Where and what is the Standalone Code Editor?
Our standalone code editor is a virtual IDE - Integrated Development Environment - which is a fancy way of saying 'a place where you can write code.' You can find it on the teacher and student dashboard as the last thing listed on the left side navigation panel, where it says < > Code Editor:
Once you open the code editor, you'll be prompted to make a new project in one of the languages we support. Click one, and it will generate a new program for you in what looks like a blank version of the traditional code editor you usually see in your favorite Kira Course!
Why would I want a Standalone Code Editor? What's it for?
This is a great question, especially if you are someone new to Computer Science! A standalone editor can serve many purposes, including some of our favorites:
Your Coding Scratchpad or Notebook
Do you need to test how something works before submitting? Maybe you forgot if something works in Python and want to check, or perhaps you want to work out an alternate solution to a problem, or add on to code you write.
This is your place to do that!
An empty code editor project can serve as a testing ground or a place to take notes. Write code and leave code comments so you remember what you were up to and any other key points that you want to make sure future-you is aware of.
Blank Space for Teaching
We love our Kira videos, but sometimes you may want to teach a topic live without or before students get to the video - either for time, remediation, or that tingling feeling that this is what is best for your class.
Pop open the standalone editor, and have your students open it as well, and you can introduce code concepts on a clean slate without worrying that you deleted starter code for a task students may need to submit later.
Remediation, Extension, and Extra Practice
Sometimes students need more help: send them to the standalone editor for more practice!
Sometimes students need more challenge: send them to the standalone editor for harder tasks and bigger projects!
And sometimes students just need more; they can do practice prompt on practice prompt in the standalone editor.
While veteran teachers may have tricks up their sleeves and a wealth of tasks for different topics in their back pockets, it can be daunting for someone new to the subject area to determine what will be most useful for their students. Luckily, we have a tool for that: the Kira Content Chatbot! You can use this tool to generate extra problems galore to keep minds working at all levels.
Looking for more?
Check out our recorded webinar on teaching with the standalone code editor.
Coming Soon in the Editor
We are working on new tools all the time and are thrilled that we will soon be able to release collaborative editing - so multiple students can work on one task or project, like a Google Doc - and the ability for teachers to share starter code and templates with their students.
Keep checking back regularly as we work to level up your coding journey!