codeSpark Academy – an award winning ed-tech platform that teaches kids aged 4-9 the fundamentals of coding – today launched its first-ever virtual classes offering which will further help kids spark interest in STEM while teaching kids coding, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while at home. Just in time for break, this makes for the perfect summer education option while kids are away from school.
The 45-minute class offerings will be led by America’s best schoolteachers with specializations in early childhood education and computer science encourage kids to create their own games and story projects through game development principles. The sessions cover everything from visualizing to creating to iterating on the final project – further teaching critical skills like developing grit and problem solving.
The most unique aspect of the classes is the high level of collaboration between kids as they play and test each other’s games, learn to provide constructive feedback, and present their final projects to one another.
I had a chance to interview Grant Hosford – Co-Founder and General Manager of codeSpark – and an instructor to discuss the launch of codeSpark’s online classes, what parents and students can expect while attending, specific skills kids will gain and how that will enhance their future and more.
Why is codeSpark launching online coding classes?
We originally launched codeSpark Academy because we wanted to use kids' passion for game creation and storytelling to teach them coding and creative problem solving. We’ve now decided to add online classes due to consistent requests from our best customers to help them dive deeper into creating with code. Examples of our online class curriculum include advanced game design, entrepreneurship 101, and advanced commands.
The most unique aspect of our classes is the high level of collaboration between kids; they playtest each other’s games, learn to provide constructive feedback, and present their final projects to one another. Since opportunities to socialize in a class setting have been limited these past two years, we wanted to provide an opportunity to connect with peers while learning how to give and receive feedback. In fact, some of our past students have become pen pals after completing one of our courses!
- How can online classes be just as effective as face-to-face classes?
As a result of the pandemic, we’ve been able to test and polish our approach to online classes. We now have what we consider a best-in-class approach. Two clear advantages of online classes are the flexibility they afford and the price point we can offer — especially when compared to in-person tutoring. Classes are easy to schedule, easy to join, and parents can avoid complicated drop-off and pick up logistics. With online classes, we can now connect students all over the United States and Canada to high quality Computer Science teachers.
To make sure our online classes are just as effective as an in-person class, we developed specific tools in our coding app to help teachers facilitate learning. Students who join our classes enter a special area of our app where their teacher and classmates can view each other’s screens seamlessly. The teacher can also reward students with virtual coins in the app for their accomplishments. Students can then trade these coins for programmable items and special commands for use in future coding projects. We also take the time to develop class norms (such as instructing students to raise their hand when asking for help) so students are clear on how to effectively participate in class.
- What can families expect if they sign up for an online class?
When families sign up their kids for an online class, they can expect collaborative project based learning where every kid designs and codes a dream game or story from scratch. Our process is to help kids visualize their goal, create a draft project, and then iterate until they are ready to submit a final project to the group. As a result, kids learn how important grit and creativity are for problem solving. And while kids can learn to code on their own in codeSpark Academy, teachers can accelerate STEM development with ‘just-right’ challenges that push kids outside of their comfort zone and inspire empathy. By the end of our classes, the student’s mentality shifts from creating a game that is fun to make, to creating a game that is fun to play!
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