Video Game Design (Live Sample Class)- Beginner

One-Time/Sample Class--This is a one-time 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.

After completing this class, families will also receive a discount code for $15 they can apply towards the full 6-week class if the student would like to continue.
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Important:  A Windows based PC is required for this class.   The Kodu program will not work on a Mac, Chromebook, or other device.   Kodu is a free download at https://www.kodugamelab.com/.
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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. 

--Students 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).
--Students learn to program both player controlled characters and non-player controlled characters (NPCs).
--Students learn to use the tools available in Kodu to create a game map.
--Students use what they learn to create their own mini-game.
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Instructional Technique

During this class, students watch short demonstrations on how to use Kodu followed by independent activities that allow them to practice what they learned in the demonstration.  During the demonstration, I ask questions to engage students with the code to help them understand how the code works and why we use certain coding techniques.  

Parents and students sometimes ask me why I don’t let students code/create with me why I do the demonstration.  Through my experience, I have found that when kids in this age group try to do the activities with me, they focus more on trying to keep up with me instead of understanding why we are choosing certain coding blocks.  I want to help kids to learn how to code; not just copy my actions.

While students work on the independent activity, they have the ability to ask me for individual help and have access to activity print-outs that remind them how to do the things they learned in the demonstration.