Description:

Coding Workshop is a computer lab environment in which students work through the Coder Kids curriculum under the direction of computer science coaches. Work in the Coding Lab is self-paced which allows students to progress through skill-building activities and instructional coding modules at their own rate of learning. The Lab environment allows students to enroll at any quarter, fosters brand new coders, and encourages those with prior coding experience. Computer science-trained coaches work with small pull-out groups, pairs, or individuals to provide additional instruction and support on the skillset each needs each week.

Kids are introduced to coding in the virtual world they already know and love. Students learn to enhance their Minecraft world through mods (modifications) that they program themselves. Young coders begin by creating custom structures and cool new effects using Python. Later they create mods that add custom items and blocks to the game using Java. Students use their imaginations to make Minecraft do what they want it to do- through the power of coding.

Coder Kids proprietary curriculum is designed to meet and exceed the standards of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA). Students work on modern MacBook Air laptops. Students may enroll in a Coding course at any quarter, as they can start with initial lessons at any time. Coaches send prompts for parents in the weekly e-mail updates to encourage discussion and reflection about what the student learned in class each week. The class tuition includes a student technology fee that covers repair/maintenance of hardware, software, and licenses. Students can continue from one quarter to the next with no repeat or overlap; instead they will just keep building and enhancing their ongoing projects.