Video Game Design
Beginner Coding: Part 3
Ages 7-10
Learn advanced coding techniques to add new elements to your Kodu games, including trading, a monetary system, and more!
Learn advanced coding techniques to add new elements to your Kodu games, including trading, a monetary system, and more!
AGES: 7 – 10
PREREQUISITE: Students should have taken both Video Game Design: Part 1 and Video Game Design: Part 2
SOFTWARE: Kodu Game Lab – View Website
CODING LANGUAGE: Kodu (Visual Based Language)
PATH: Video Game Design
FORMATS: Live Group Class
Video Game Design (Beginner Coding: Part 3)- Ages 7-10
This class introduces students to more advanced concepts in the Kodu program. Students should take part 1 and 2 of this class first as it builds on what students learn in the previous classes. This class allows students to create adventure games where they can setup puzzles for players to solve. Students also learn to utilize trading with NPCs (Non-Playable Characters) to add a new element to their games. Finally, students create a store and monetary system that allows players to earn money and purchase power-ups.
Technology Requirements: Kodu currently only runs on Windows. Please test running Kodu prior to signing up for the class. Kodu Website
In this class, students will learn to…
- Use Boolean (true/false) variables to turn elements on and off in their games.
- Use more complex nesting in their coding to add multiple layers of logic (if/do).
- Set up trading between players and NPCs (Non-Playable Characters).
- Add a monetary system to their games where they can purchase items and special abilities.
- Create games that involve the player having to solve a puzzle or answer a question correctly to proceed.
Parent Reviews
“My 7yo daughter has taken numerous coding classes with Shawn and she has loved every one of them! He is patient with the kids, gives clear explanations and demos, and allows plenty of time each class for the kids to work on their own games, applying the coding techniques he has taught them. I highly recommend all of his classes!”
Heidi B.
“James has taken all of teacher Shawn’s classes and has learned so much. He has also started taking classes through Byjus (more expensive) in the past year and they are very impressed with what he has already learned and his grasp of materials based on what teacher Shawn has taught him. Highly recommend”
Raeanne J.
About The Instructor
Shawn D. Walk has been an educator for over 17 years. He was a 4th/5th grade teacher for 11 years at an elementary school north of Pittsburgh. During his time at that school, he focused on project-based learning and engaging students with real-world tasks that allowed them to see how what they were learning is used in the real world. He also developed a passion for technology and worked to include that in his teaching. Shawn developed several robotics and coding programs during his time as a teacher and helped students learn essential 21st century skills in a fun and exciting way.
About 5 years ago, He started a company in Pittsburgh that partnered with schools to offer coding, Minecraft, and other creative classes. The company was one of the first organizations in the Pittsburgh region to use Minecraft to create engaging programs for students. He now hopes to take this type of fun and creative learning beyond the Pittsburgh region to students all over the world.
Shawn has an active Pennsylvania Teaching Certification and a Masters Degree in education. He looks forward to helping your child discover their creative powers.
Class Formats and Registration
Live Group Class
Students join a live small-group class each week via the Outschool platform. Students have an opportunity to ask questions during the lesson and get extra help from the instructor as they practice what they learned. Students are also given multiple chances to share their work with the group during the course.
COST: $102
