Video Game Design
One-Time/Sample Class
Ages 7-10
Try out video game design in this fun and educational one-time class!
Try out video game design in this fun and educational sample class!
CODING LANGUAGE: Kodu (Visual Based Language)
PATH: Video Game Design
FORMATS: Live Group Class (One-Time Class)
Video Game Design (One-Time/Sample Class)- Ages 7-10
This is a one-time/sample class that allows students to get a taste of designing their own video game using a beginner friendly coding language. If students would like to keep learning after the class, I offer a longer 6-week class that goes into more depth and detail about how to create a video game using the Kodu app.
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 my help. Students will also be introduced to some basic coding terminology.
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…
- 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).
- To program both player controlled characters and non-player controlled characters (NPCs).
- To use the tools available in Kodu to create a game map.
- To use what they learn to create their own mini-game.
Parent Reviews
“My son was so happy to try this class that he remained in the program for an hour past the class. He also requested immediately that I sign him up for the full class. I am so glad that it fit in our schedule! “
Falynn B.
“My child loved that he was taught step by step on how to create and play as the character. I loved the one on one attention with the break out rooms.”
Sierra Y.
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 one-time, live, small-group class 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: $15
Live Group Class
Students join a one-time, live, small-group class 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: $15
