PLATFORM: (Minecraft Java Edition for PC / Non-M1 Mac Only! Not compatible with M1 Chip Macs, Ipads, Kindles, Tablets, Phones, and Game Consoles) SKILL LEVEL: This program is meant for Intermediate level players. This program requires Advanced reading comprehension, Moderate proficiency with computers, and some prior experience with Minecraft. Additionally, campers will need typing and hotkey proficiency, along with basic arithmetic skills. PROGRAM OVERVIEW: If you love Minecraft and the thrill of customizing your play, then this is the camp for you. In this camp you’ll learn to command robots and transform your Minecraft into a powerful world filled with dynamic machines. Like all Connected Camps programs, this class offers a project-based, exploratory classroom environment that sits at the intersection of learning and playing. After all, kids learn the most when they're having fun! To control the robots in game, you’ll master the basics of a lightweight programming language called Lua. Like the machines in the real world, you can use these robot helpers to improve your ability to work and play. Over the course of the week, you will: — Use code and robots to access new levels of play. — Think like a programmer and approach Minecraft problems to find answers. — Learn the fundamentals of the Lua programming and how to use it to direct your robot helpers. — Solve in-game challenges by coding with variables, conditions, and loops. To fully understand the basics of programming, you’ll first observe Minecraft robots and examine the way they operate. Once you understand how the robots work, you’ll code your own machines to solve different types of challenges. You’ll get to explore new concepts through group discussions during each session so you’re constantly learning and coding. These robots are also accessible after class so you can continue to use them when playing with your friends. PARENTS: This is a camp for students who want to dive into the world of code and machinery by learning the basics of a programming language called Lua. We provide a constructive and safe space for students to learn the essentials while adopting the mindset of a programmer. Students will then apply the same concepts that real life programmers use to find solutions and automate processes. This is a 5-session camp that lasts a week. We balance group discussion time with plenty of hands-on experience with other students. This way, students can cement what they’re learning and fully explore the topics they're interested in. By combining Minecraft with education, your child will be able to engage their passions as they have fun in a positive, interest-driven environment. Please note that we will be asking for your camper's in-game username so that we can add them to our server's safelist. Your child will also have access to the ComputerCraft mod after the session and can continue to play with robots in Minecraft.
— Day 1 - Set Up and Movement: Our primary goal for this day is to assist students in setting up Minecraft and to familiarize kids with our course’s objectives. We’ll introduce students to the world of programming where they will learn the basics of ComputerCraft to take control of robots and enable them to navigate a small maze.
— Day 2 - Block Interactions: Students will program robots to interact with blocks through a series of challenges. With these newfound learnings they will work alongside their robots to build a simple house.
— Day 3 - Variables: What are variables and how are they used in programming? Students will explore different types of variables to dig a staircase in Minecraft in order to further their journey in programming.
— Day 4 - Conditionals: Using conditionals like if/then statements, students will create an algorithm so their robots can solve the puzzles from Day 1.
— Day 5 - Loops: Loops give students the ability to repeat a part of a code. Students will use for-loops and automate their robots to completely solve a maze on its own.
A Minecraft Java Edition account must be purchased by the learner. Participants will receive access to the Connected Camps Minecraft Server where the program will be run. To access the server, each learner will need the Java edition of Minecraft and will need to set their version release to 1.12.2. Other Minecraft versions like the "Minecraft for Windows 10 version", console editions, and pocket editions for mobile devices will not work for this course. A pair of headphones and microphone are also needed for communication with the class.
Connected Camps is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2015 with the mission to build a global online community where kids build, code, play, and learn alongside one another. Our programs are designed based on extensive research in the learning sciences. The founders and leaders of Connected Camps, Mimi Ito and Katie Salen, are professors at the University of California, Irvine, who specialize in the design of online learning experiences that are fun, social, and directly tied to academic outcomes. Learn more about the research behind Connected Camps at the Connected Learning Alliance resource site: https://clalliance.org/
One thing that makes our programs unique is our near-peer mentorship model. Our programs are led by young adults and college students, often with the help of high school volunteers. We hire counselors and coaches from top universities in computer science, game development, economics, social studies, and the arts, and train them on how to facilitate project-based learning with younger kids. Our young instructors have the same passion for technology, games, and digital making as our learners, and take on the role of instructors, as well as fellow enthusiasts and relatable role models.
The curriculum for this program was designed by a team of counselors pursuing degrees relevant to the material at hand. The learning experiences in this class are driven by these counselors’ academic expertise in the field, along with their desire to share their passion for the subject with a group of excited learners. All of Connected Camps’ curricula are vetted by the organization’s Product Manager, Matthew, who possesses a Masters in Secondary Education and a deep belief in the power of collaborative virtual learning.