With the rise of technology over the last couple of decades, it is crucial that education keeps up. Tech jobs are exploding and there is a huge demand for a workforce of coders and computer scientists. Because of this, there has been an increase in educational coding apps and technology as well. Here are some of those apps and tech that we utilize at our camps to make sure our campers are better prepared to use technology and coding concepts in whatever field they go into, especially entrepreneurship.
On Hopscotch, our campers can create unique programs without typing a single line of code! The user is able to learn coding concepts through visual coding blocks which are looped and combined together. A colorful interface, the ability to play what you create instantly, and an endless list of possibilities make this app a camp favorite!
ScratchJr is a programming language for young coders. Through the app they can create games and stories using characters created with a paint editor or the camera and even sounds created using the microphone. The app was specifically designed to match the developmental stage of 5 to 7 year olds.
Cargo-Bot is a app created entirely on an iPad through Codea that uses a simple concept of stacking crates to make a challenging puzzle game. The player must rearrange crates in the right order to move on to the next level using coding concepts like loops.
Dash Robot is a hybrid of hands-on and screen learning that uses a mobile robot. The user types in commands on a mobile device and the robot rolls and turns accordingly to complete puzzles and projects. Our campers love this robot because they can see their code come to life!
The innovative app Floors takes drawings and translates them into playable video game levels! By drawing platforms and terrain, the users have complete control over the levels and games they create. Our campers love creating and showing off their creativity with this app and challenging others to beat the games they created!
This app is also a hybrid of screen and hands-on learning using a tablet and play tray. Placing tiles on the tray the user sequences actions for a character to complete a level. By using a video game platform, this app is a great way to learn coding concepts and have fun at the same time!
With education technologies constantly evolving and developing, we are continuously searching for new and exciting ways to get our campers excited and learning about coding, gaming, and computer science and their integration into entrepreneurship.
