Best Replit Teams for Education Alternatives in 2024
Replit has always been a technically impressive product, but their recent shift away from education left many teachers in the dust.
As of a few years ago, Replit claimed “We are deeply committed to expanding access to CS education”. However, in November 2023, they unceremoniously announced the deprecation of their Teams for Education product.
At Pickcode, we’re able to offer a platform that doesn’t just replace Replit but improves upon it. Rather than adding social features or AI distractions, we stay laser-focused on delivering what K-12 educators need.
However, Pickcode isn’t the only option out there, so let’s check out 5 of the best Replit Teams for Education alternatives as of summer 2024.
Pickcode
We’ll start with Pickcode, since this is after all the Pickcode blog!
Pros:
- Support for Python, Java, and HTML/CSS/Javascript
- Real time monitoring and history tracking for student work
- Easy to use custom lesson maker
Cons:
- Fewer LMS and grading features than other options
- Relatively simple interface without fewer advanced options for configuration compared to Replit
Price: Basic editor is free, teacher features start at $699 for 20 students at one school.
Visual Studio Code
https://code.visualstudio.com/
If you can install software on a Windows or Mac computer and are willing to put in some time into installing and setting up programming languages, VS Code is a very powerful option.
Pros:
- Support for every programming language you can install
- Advanced features like debugging and testing
- Full access to terminal commands built in
Cons:
- No teacher features for collecting student work or real time collaboration
- Difficult to set up and potentially too complicated for younger students
Price: Free provided you have a Windows or Mac computer lab
CodeHS
CodeHS is a fully featured editor and comes with extensive curriculum options for teachers who want the “total package”.
Pros
- Extensive curriculum available in many programming languages
- Professional development options are available, both free and paid
- Lots of LMS features for grading, customizing assignments, and integrating with other external LMS systems
Cons
- Potentially complicated for teachers to set up and use
- Less flexibility for creating custom lessons than Replit
Price: ~$3,000/teacher plus professional development costs
Trinket
For a very simple editor, Trinket is a great option.
Pros:
- Very simple interface that is useful for small exercises
- Some Python exercises available without an account
- Easy to embed and share projects
Cons:
- Editor doesn’t include some features like organizing files into folders
- Teacher features aren’t as easy to use as other providers
Price: $3 or $6 per month depending on plan
Edublocks
Edublocks innovative block-based Python solution is great for younger students.
Pros:
- Block based Python for transitioning students from Scratch
- Easy to use LMS features for organizing assignments and grading student work
- Supported by Anaconda, a large provider of professional Python tools
Cons:
- Block based coding might not make sense for older students
- Missing support for Java that is needed for AP CSA
Price: Free
Conclusion
Overall, we’d recommend Pickcode for schools that want to customize their curriculum and already have some lessons and resources they used to use with Replit. For teachers looking for a turn key, complete solution, we think CodeHS is the best bet.
