Kids Creating Video Games | VOA Connect

Summary

Code Ninjas empowers kids aged 7–14 to turn screen time into a fun, educational adventure by learning coding through video games and robotics. Students like 10-year-old Ethan and 8-year-old Marion create and test their own games, building skills progressively each week. With hands-on activities like drone coding and guidance from passionate instructors, or Code Senseis, children develop problem-solving abilities and creativity while staying engaged. The program emphasizes early STEM learning, encourages girls in tech, and delights parents as kids proudly showcase their projects. Code Ninjas makes learning coding enjoyable, practical, and inspiring for the next generation of innovators.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ethan, a 10-year-old, has worked on robots and video games, and he aims to create 5 to 7 games by the end of the week.
• 😀 Code Ninjas is a center for children ages 7-14 to learn coding by building video games, leveraging their love for gaming.
• 😀 The curriculum at Code Ninjas is designed to make screen time productive by engaging kids in coding through fun activities.
• 😀 Drones are also a part of the learning experience at Code Ninjas, where kids code flight paths and test them through hoops.
• 😀 The instructors, called 'Code Senseis,' are chosen for their ability to work well with children, with diverse backgrounds.
• 😀 Andrea Hatcher, a junior studying cybersecurity at Penn State, is passionate about encouraging girls in STEM fields.
• 😀 The demand for tech skills, especially in cybersecurity, is growing rapidly, and early coding education helps kids build important skills.
• 😀 Kids are particularly receptive to learning at a young age, absorbing information quickly and effectively.
• 😀 Parents appreciate the learning environment at Code Ninjas because kids are happy, engaged, and able to showcase their creations.
• 😀 An 8-year-old girl named Marion created a video game where a dinosaur chases a mouse, demonstrating her creativity and coding skills.
• 😀 Marion's ongoing development of video games at Code Ninjas shows how children can start with small projects that build toward more advanced coding.

Q & A

What is Code Ninjas, and who is it for?

Code Ninjas is a center where children ages 7 through 14 can learn how to code. The program focuses on teaching kids through the creation of video games, offering a fun and engaging way to learn coding skills.

What is the primary goal of Code Ninjas?

The primary goal of Code Ninjas is to leverage screen time by making it productive. Kids love video games, so the curriculum is designed around building games, which keeps them engaged and helps them learn coding.

What is the role of the Code Ninjas curriculum?

The curriculum at Code Ninjas is designed to teach kids coding through the development of video games. The idea is that by having fun while learning, the kids will retain and apply coding concepts more effectively.

What is the drone station at Code Ninjas?

The drone station is a feature at Code Ninjas where kids can code the flight path for drones. They can test the path by flying drones through hoops, adjust the code as necessary, and refine their skills.

What qualities do Code Senseis possess?

Code Senseis are individuals who are not only knowledgeable in coding but also skilled at working with children. The primary qualification for a Code Sensei is the ability to engage and teach kids in a way that's fun and effective.

What is Andrea Hatcher’s background?

Andrea Hatcher is a Code Sensei at Code Ninjas. She is also a junior at Penn State studying cybersecurity. She is particularly passionate about encouraging young girls to get involved in STEM fields.

Why is it important for young girls to get involved in STEM?

Andrea Hatcher believes that getting girls involved in STEM at a young age is essential, as the cyber and technology industries are rapidly growing. By learning early, kids can develop the skills needed to succeed in these fields.

What skills do kids gain from learning to code at Code Ninjas?

Kids gain critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills by learning to code at Code Ninjas. They also develop a deep understanding of how video games work behind the scenes, which can spark further interest in tech careers.

How does Marion, an 8-year-old student, benefit from Code Ninjas?

Marion, an 8-year-old, benefits by creating simple video games, such as one where a dinosaur follows a mouse. As she progresses, she will build more advanced coding skills, which can help her in the future if she wants to pursue a career in technology.

Why do parents appreciate the Code Ninjas program?

Parents appreciate the program because their kids are happy and engaged. Moreover, they can see the results of their child's work, like a video game or a drone flight path, which shows tangible learning and skill development.