Friday, January 21, 2022

Enriching Education: codeSpark Academy Interview

 codeSpark Academy, just launched new game that will empower kids aged 4-9 to design new digital worlds with code. 

2021 marked a massive year for codeSpark. The company was recently acquired by BEGiN, leader in early learning programs and has seen more than 40M projects created and saved by kids using the platform’s current toolset. Currently, more than 30M students and kids in America are coding with codeSpark.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview with Grant Hosford, Co-Founder and General Manager of codeSpark.

Why can it be beneficial to start kids on learning coding concepts from a young age?

Every child should have an engaging introduction to coding because learning to code is helping children also learn how to think and be creative. codeSpark Academy, for example, goes beyond introducing fundamental coding concepts and teaches kids foundational knowledge about logic and problem solving, skills which they can leverage through other core learning subjects and in their everyday life.


What benefits does learning about code have even if kids don't pursue coding as a career?

In addition to equipping kids with critical skills such as logical thinking and creative problem solving, learning to code  also helps kids builds confidence and reinforces broadly valuable skills like sequencing – a core skill for math and reading comprehension. Practicing coding also ignites kids’ interest in digital creation and even teaches them how to apply the concepts they’ve learned to create their own projects.


codeSpark Academy recently launched Adventure Game – a powerful new set of design tools within the platform – which makes it easier for kids to play, learn. These innovative creative tools require less hand-eye coordination than other creative modes, making it easier for younger coders to use code to create their own games.  Kids can also add features such as speech bubbles for every character, giving them new ways to practice storytelling and creating open-ended challenges. 


How is this tailored specifically to the needs of younger learners?

Coding can seem intimidating if you don’t fit the stereotype. At codeSpark, we aim to make coding and STEM approachable, no matter who you are, and demonstrate that coding is fun, creative, and collaborative. We go beyond the basic “move the robot” puzzles that tire quickly. We have worked for years developing a platform where kids code their own video games and interactive stories that are meaningful to them. Their creativity has surpassed even our own expectations, with kids creating over 12.6 million games and stories in 2021. Kids can then safely share their projects to get feedback, remix ideas, and join a community with other coders all over the world. That sense of belonging and self-identity as somebody who is good at STEM is the “spark” that we want every kid to experience.


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