Move the Turtle: Learn to Code App Reviews

Wont even open. Was looking forward to this game for our kids but cant even play it.

What We Liked: There are a few different Logo-based apps out there, but I haven’t seen one that equals the production values, comprehensiveness, and self-directed options that Move the Turtle contains. A child can grab this app and learn all the basics of Logo programming on their own (or with a bit of help from a parent). My own daughter (nine-years-old) has already completed most of the tasks in all three levels of this programming app! We’ve never tackled programming in any capacity before, so I was impressed at how independently she dug in (I didn’t even know she’d gone so far until I checked her account!) and how well she understood the material – there were a few activities where it looks like she can use some parental help to troubleshoot and clarify, but overall, she did great! Not only does learning Logo help develop general computer programming skills that can be applied to future programming languages, but it also calls into use logical thinking skills to troubleshoot programs that don’t produce the desired results, and helps to develop spatial intelligence through predicting the course the turtle will take across the visual field in response to the programming commands. I love that the app can be used with several children with the multiple user profiles, and the app is just very well put together – the design is clear and visually appealing. What We Didn’t Like: The addition of sound effects and narration for audio learners would be a nice addition to the app. Overall: Move the Turtle is a comprehensive, self-directed approach to learning a first computer programming language that will help to develop both general programming skills as well as encourage your child to practice logical and spatial thinking abilities. This first step for budding programmers is well designed and naturally engaging.

The Logo language presentation is very well done, but unfortunately, even simple programs like drawing a triangle dont work correctly, which makes it impossible to use. If these issues were fixed, I would give it 5 stars.

This app is a nice introduction to programming for kids. My son went through the tutorials and enjoyed them. It is simple yet engaging enough to keep him interested. It would nice for the developer to add more program examples that you can download (maybe they have done it already, Id have to check...)

It doesnt sound like a hit: an app that teaches how to code, but when You give it to Your child, You know that it makes sense. Its not ne of those dumb games for children. Makes them think, thats for sure.

Easy start into programming, our child (5 yo boy) loves it. Engages him for 15-20 every time he opens it. Some tasks are quite hard so Im assuming some parts are for older children.

Programming learning in playing way - great job!

Great app. Works nicely. The only complaint I have is that the for loops go above the statements when it seems natural to have them below. No big deal, though, since for loops go above the statements in real programming.

Way better than spending time hurling birds. This is both educational and fun, and the step by step introductions are flawless. It works natively on iPad, so my kids can have a larger canvas. Devs: try to remove some of the modal dialogs; assume edit in most cases rather than prompting edit/delete. Also, my son made it through many levels without getting the objectives of that level-- perhaps make it a bit tougher to advance.

This is a nice little game, but for $3 it should include more content. 27 levels is pretty short for a puzzle game of this price.

The iPad is the perfect medium for this new take on LOGO. The idea of using a "game" format to teach the basics of LOGO programming is brilliant.

What a wonderful app. My 4yo would be considered too young according to the description, but i was extremely surprised to see how quickly she picked up on some of the core concepts (move, pen up, pen down, colors, angle, sound). Repeat loops are above her level at this time, but she loved the colors, the smart gem outline matching, etc. If anything, i wish there were a way for me to define some additional tasks for her to solve. The level of complexity rises a little too quickly in the current samples. Id also love to see some additional animals/objects, and more advanced sound options, eg the option to have a shorter pause, repeat over c/c+ with zero pause to create laser-like effects, variables for the sounds to generate increasing note ranges, a rainbow pen option, etc. I looked a long time for a decent app to get her introduced to the joys of programming. This is he best option Ive found. It brings me back to the first time i was able to do simple things with cbm64 basic. Oh, and one more thing, please incorporate some sort of program exchange, so people can show off their code, import the examples of others, etc. Lovely job. This app will be big, Im certain of that! Get it.

I especially like the Angry Birds style levels! I run a programming club for six 9 year old boys and they all loved it. .. Read all my reviews on crosswa.lk ..

Fun and educational. However there are many bugs that make it unplayable after the first few levels

There doesnt seem to be any sound, which is a serious lack. There are bugs in the levels, the difficulty progresses far too quickly, and there is no way to design custom levels. But it does what it says on the tin: Teaches programming basics while seeming like any other game. Also, the multiple users feature is an unusual and greatly appreciated bonus. Four stars because it doesnt seem to have any competition.

U can move the turtle in weird ways but I want to be able to make a small game and there needs to be more than a turtle

Looks very cute and quite addictive learning game!

As someone for whom learning various programming languages (Visual Basic, Java Script, PHP) has been a struggle, I found this app very helpful in the way it steps you through creating simple programming routines and concepts. The ability to drag & drop functions makes it very accessible for anyone to start experimenting with creating simple programs. I have used the tutorials and small library of examples to create a couple of fun routines. I could see a bright and persistent child gaining a lot from this app, but I wish it had just a little more depth of instructional help, particularly considering its intended audience. Heres a wish list for future updates (if any): 1- A way to enter specific position coordinates manually via the keyboard, or assign a variable to it. 2- A way to play a saved routine or "Project" directly without having to open it in edit mode first. 3- A bit more depth of instructional help. Please quickly and simply explain whats going on in the procedures, perhaps with some quick, common examples and/or access to other helpful reference materials. 4- Perhaps a way to view and manipulate the actual code being generated.

This is a clever UI atop good ol turtle graphics! Very well done, simple, touch-friendly editor. Nice job burying, but allowing, advanced features.

This app is truly well designed. I ran into a few very minor bugs, but other than that, it is fantastic! and as if that was not enough, it works on iPhone and iPad! I just have one suggestion: It would be great if you could share your "projects" or at least export them and import them so you could move them from device to device. Other than that, this app is great! A must buy!