Classes

Leveled Classes

Our classes are separated into levels. Each level builds on what students learn in a previous level of classes. The levels are also flexible in that students that have some previous coding experience in another program may be able to take classes at a higher level. Please see the descriptions below to determine what level might be best for your child.

Beginner Classes– In these classes, there are no prerequisite skills students needed. They are introduced to basic coding terminology and techniques. They may have dabbled in a few other coding classes/programs, but they are not confident with basic coding terminology and techniques.

Level 2 Classes– Students should have taken one of our beginner classes OR have participated in a coding program with another organization. Although they may not be fluent in any coding language, they should be able to recognize coding terms like loops, logic (IF/THEN), and variables.

Level 3 Classes– Students have taken one/two of our level 2 classes OR spent time learning a coding language previously and know how to use and explain things like loops, logic (IF/THEN), conditions, behaviors, and variables. They are ready to learn a text-based language that requires attention to detail.

Beginner Classes

Video Game Design (Beginner Coding Part 1)- Ages 7-10

This the beginner coding class I offer for ages 7-10. This class introduces students to basic coding vocabulary and techniques. Students don’t need to have any previous coding experience.

How would you like to create your own original video game for you and all your friends to play? Kids will learn to make games via a simple visual programming language. This program is a great entry into design and programming skills. Students will follow a kid-friendly process similar to real video game designers who create the games they play at home!

Students learn programming logic to code characters’ behaviors and reactions to events in their games. All programming in Kodu is WHEN/DO (similar to IF/THEN statements).
Students learn to use the tools available in Kodu to create land, water, mountains, buildings, and more.
Students learn more advanced coding to give their characters power-ups. This involves creating parallel programming that changes the behavior of their characters based on a specific event.
Students complete game design planning prior to starting their final projects to create the best video game possible.

Important: Kodu currently only runs on Windows. It is possible to run Kodu on a Mac with programs that simulate the Windows environment, but setting this up can be complicated. Please test running Kodu prior to signing up for the class. Kodu is a free download at https://www.kodugamelab.com/.

See schedule and register for classes.

Video Game Design II (Beginner Coding Part 2)- Ages 7-10

This is part 2 of the beginner coding class I offer for Ages 7-10. This class continues introducing students to basic coding vocabulary and techniques. Students should take part 1 of this class first as it builds on what students learned in the previous beginners class and it assumes they have a working knowledge of the Kodu program.

If you loved creating games with the Kodu program in my video game design class, continue the fun in part 2 of the course. This class is part 2 of my popular video game design class for beginner coders. Learn more advanced coding techniques and about coding blocks not used in the first course.

Students learn to use more advanced coding logic by utilizing PAGES available in the Kodu program
Students learn new character movement techniques.
Students learn new ways to end/advance levels in their games.
Students learn to use sub-routines in their coding.
Students learn how to utilize new coding blocks not used in the first course.
Overall, students learn to create more complex and interesting games.

See schedule and register for classes.

Mobile Game Design (Beginner Coding For Ages 11-14)

Mobile Game Design (Beginner Coding For Ages 11-14): This class is designed for students Ages 11-14 who want to learn basic coding terminology and techniques while creating their own video game.

Students in this class learn to use a special program called GameSalad that allows them to design a game environment, choose characters, and code to create a complete video game.

Students use a program called GameSalad, which is a powerful program that amateur and professional game developers use to create video games.
Students learn several programming terms, such as condition, behavior, logic (IF/THEN statements).
Students learn to program attributes, which act as storage for programming that can be called from later in the programming, such as character position.
Students learn how to add touch controls to their video games.
Students add cool effects to their games such as animations, custom artwork, and power ups for their characters.

This class requires a separate subscription to the Gamesalad program (https://gamesalad.com/). YOU ONLY NEED THE BASIC VERSION. You can try the program for 5 days and then must pay a monthly fee. You can cancel after the class if you don’t want to continue the subscription.

See schedule and register for classes.

Level 2 Classes

Game Design With Roblox (Level 2 Coding)– Ages 9-13

This class builds on terminology and techniques learned in my beginner coding classes. Students can still take this class even if they haven’t completed a beginner class if they have some previous coding experience.

Students in this class learn how to use Roblox Studio and a program called Code Kingdoms (https://codekingdoms.com/roblox-coding/) to create games they can publish on the Roblox platform. Code Kingdoms uses a special drag and drop code editor that makes the Lua coding language easier to learn.

–Students learn how to create methods (functions) to add events and behaviors to their games.
–Students learn how to use Roblox Studio to add buildings, objects, and characters to their games.
–Students learn how to use loops, logic statements (if/then), and variables in their projects to create more interesting games.
–Students learn how to publish their games to Roblox.
–Students learn about safety features that allow them to choose who to allow in their games.

Safety: In creating this course, it was important to me that students learned how to safely use the Roblox platform online. During the class, we will cover safety tips and how to change settings to play Roblox safely online. Additionally, parents can choose to have their child not publish their game on Roblox. A game can be created in Roblox studio (a separate program) and not published. Students can create and play their game without ever taking it online.

A Roblox account is required for this program. An account is free and can be setup at https://www.roblox.com/

Students also use a program called Code Kingdoms to help code their games. Students must purchase a Code Kingdoms ROBLOX account prior to the beginning of class. The cost of this program is currently $14.99 per month. – https://codekingdoms.com/roblox-coding/

See schedule and register for classes.

Modding With Minecraft (Level 2 Coding)– Ages 9-13

This class builds on terminology and techniques learned in my beginner coding classes. The class also begins the transition to the Javascript coding language. Students can still take this class even if they haven’t completed a beginner class if they have some previous coding experience.

Students in this class learn to use coding to make fundamental changes to what is possible in Minecraft. They give new powers to players and even learn how to change the entire look of the game. Students are also introduced to Javascript programming.

Students learn how to use a drag and drop programming language called Blockly. Blockly converts their code into Javascript and is a great way to set students up for more advanced programming.
Throughout the class, students analyze how Blockly and Javascript compare. In one lesson, students are shown how they can edit the actual Javascript to create more advanced programming.
To create amazing Mods, students are shown how to use programming loops, logic (IF/THEN), functions, and more!
Students are even challenged to program Minecraft drones to encourage spatial reasoning.

A Minecraft (PC/MAC Version) account is required for this program. Minecraft –https://minecraft.net/en-us/

Students use a program called Learn to Mod to help them create their mods. Students must purchase a Learn to Mod account prior to the beginning of class. The cost of this program is currently $29.99 for a year subscription. – https://www.learntomod.com/

See schedule and register for classes.

Level 3 Class

Modding With Minecraft II (Level 3 Coding)– Javascript — Ages 9-13

This class is taught entirely in the Javascript coding language allowing for the creation of more advanced mods. Students learn how to create the items they learned about in previous levels using a text-based language.

Students in this class take the next step in coding by learning how to use Javascript to build more advanced Minecraft mods. They learn the basic syntax of Javascript and how to create variables, loops, logic statements, and more.

Students learn to appreciate the power of a text-based language to build on what they have learned using visual-based languages at previous levels.
Students use Javascript to create variables and utilize them in their code to create more advanced Minecraft mods.
Students utilize logic statements (IF/THEN) and loops in their coding.
Students leave class with Mods they can publish on the Learn to Mod website.

A Minecraft (PC/MAC Version) is required for this program. Minecraft –https://minecraft.net/en-us/

See schedule and register for classes.

Sample/Trial Classes (One Day)

Video Game Design (Sample Class)- Ages 7-10

This class is a sample class and allows students and parents to try out a class before considering one of our multi-week leveled classes.

Get introduced to coding in this fun class where students will design and code their own video game. Students will use an application called Kodu that makes coding fun and accessible to children. We will learn some basic map-making and coding skills before giving students a chance to create their own mini-game with the teacher’s help. Students will also be introduced to some basic coding terminology.

–Students learn programming logic to code characters’ behaviors and reactions to events in their games. All programming in Kodu is WHEN/DO (similar to IF/THEN statements).
–Students learn to use the tools available in Kodu to create land, water, mountains, buildings, and more.
–Students use what they learn to create their own mini-game.

See schedule and register for classes.

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