|
|
I spent a little time on code.org doing an HOC called MInecraft: Hero's Journey. In my opinion, this course very effectively utilizes gamification to promote interest in coding. With the guidance of video tutorials narrated by a real Minecraft YouTuber, students will progress through a series of "levels" that require them to move a character using strings of code. After each level, the player can even view a more authentic example of the code they just wrote. The course uses real music and sound effects from the game, and the videos have quality subtitles.
While I don't think absolutely every child will grow up to be a programmer, our job as educators is to provide our students with the skills they need to choose and pursue a career. And coding is relevant to many careers, including "cool" careers like those in the gaming industry. One skill I found important to this activity is spatial reasoning - when moving the character, you have to count how many steps they need to move to reach their goal, with no obvious grid to assist you. |
|
|