FAQ's = AnswerS to mOst cOmMon QuestIOns-
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CODING?
Coding improves logical thinking, organisation, maths skills and even spelling and grammar. It promotes problem solving skills, resilience, creativity and attention to detail.
Coding is regarded as one of the most future proof skills to have. Schools in many leading educational countries have already integrated coding in their curriculum and many are looking to include it. Coding will be a large part of our lives in the future in many ways.
Demand for coders is increasing as the world becomes more technology driven. Knowing coding is helpful even in non-tech professions. You might become an entrepreneur who can adjust their website with code or be a scientist developing new equipment with a team and it’s useful to know how it all works.
Coding is a great stepping stone into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects for children. Children who are interested in gaming and building games will benefit knowing the code as it’s basis to all functionality in the games. For them altering the code is a door to new creative discoveries.
WHY IS KIDDICODE DIFFERENT TO MOST CHILDREN’S CODING CLASSES?
Most children’s coding and game building platforms such as Scratch use ready made blocks of code which children place in a desired order, but they don’t write the code.
In real life code does not display in blocks, but as written code, syntax. At KiddiCode your child will learn to write and read syntax using professional software instead of these blocks. She/He will create a program from scratch (Sorry for the pun!) and can therefore use their skills in practise, for example alter their website or the code in a game. Our coding curriculum is based on a Finnish university coding program adapted to suit children’s learning.
In our gaming club we use state of an art professional software that game developers around the world use. Only sky is the limit for your child’s creativity.
It’s fun and creative!
WHAT AGE CHILDREN CAN JOIN KIDDICLUBS?
KiddiCode coding clubs are suitable for children age 7-16 who are comfortable with using computers. Your child will need to be familiar with basic computers functions e.g. they have to be able to type confidently, find different buttons on keyboard, use a mouse, adjust volume etc. Otherwise they don’t need any previous experience in coding.
KiddiGame gaming club is suitable for ages 10-16 who are fluent in using computers. This is much more challenging course and hence your child will need to be able to navigate more complex software, find all buttons on keyboard and understand where to find files on their computers and so on.
KiddiApp, KiddiGraphics and KiddiWeb also suit 10-16 year olds, who are confident computer users and who have at least basic knowledge of English in order to understand the software.
KiddiComputer is for primary school years 1 and 2.
KiddiTurtle is suitable for children age 8-16 who are fluent in using computers. This club is suitable for beginners, but also works well for children who want to do more coding on top of their weekly coding club.
We are not able to teach basic computer skills during the classes so please talk to us about suitability of our club to your child if in doubt.
DOES MY CHILD NEED PREVIOUS CODING EXPERIENCE?
Our clubs are suitable for beginners and we start from scratch. Your child then move on in LEVELS. You can learn about different levels here. If your child has previous coding experience, contact us to discuss which level is most suited for them.
WHICH CODING LANGUAGE DO YOU TEACH?
KiddiCode teaches Python. It is easy to learn and widely used coding language for various application such as apps, robots, drones, data analysis etc. Your child will learn common concepts in coding such as algorithms, variables, debugging and loop structures. Once you learn Python, all other languages become easier to learn too.
In gaming club your child will learn coding language C#, which is integrated in the Unity game engine. Learning any language helps in understanding other languages as they all have similar structures and commands.
WHAT ARE THE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR KIDDICODE CODING CLUB?
We use KiddiCode’s own integrated learning environment OLIO, so you do not have to install anything on your computer. You need a computer that works well online, a webcam and a broadband connection.
We will send you detailed instructions on how to attend our classes after we have received your booking.
We use integrated Zoom for the video connection. Zoom does not work with very old operating systems or web browsers.
Supported operating systems are Windows 7 or MacOS 10.9 or newer.
Supported webs browsers are Chrome 30+, Edge 12+ and Firefox 27+.
You can find full compatibility details on Zoom website.
WHAT ARE THE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR KIDDIGAME GAMING CLUB?
A laptop or desktop computer with webcam, a mouse with scroll wheel, internet connection and Unity game engine installed on your computer. The software is free for personal use. We recommend Windows and IOS, but most common operating systems will work apart from Chrome OS on Chromebooks. Running a game engine requires a bit more power from your computer than coding. If your computer runs a 3D game smoothly, then it should be capable of running the game software. We also recommend a screen size 14″ and bigger as it’s easier to work on the software with bigger screen. We recommend you read our installation guide for detailed requirements HERE.
WHAT KIND OF GAMES CAN MY CHILD MAKE IN GAMING CLUB?
Modern blockbuster games require big production teams and years of work and that is out of our scope, but we’ll certainly be making 3D games! Your child will be creating simpler mini-games, which will have all the essential elements of an engaging game. They will be able to create characters, props, collectable items, particle effects (smoke, sparkles etc.). Then they’ll learn to add scripts (code) that control everything that happens in the game (game play). We will be adding scores and points, sound effects, lights etc, everything that makes a game exciting and visually pleasing.
One thing we’ll never teach is shooting, death animations or any kind of violence. KiddiGame will only teach how to make peaceful and fun games.
I HAVEN’T RECEIVED MY CLASS SETUP INSTRUCTION EMAIL- WHAT TO DO?
We will send you your club access codes and setup email after we receive your booking. If you have not received it within two hours, please check your email spam/junk folder. It has most likely disappeared there, especially if you use Gmail account. If you still can’t find it please contact us by email, phone or messenger via Facebook and we’ll ensure you receive your instructions. You can also find installation instructions HERE.
DO YOU RECORD CLASSES?
We do not record our classes to protect privacy of our children.
WHAT IF MY CHILD MISSES A CLASS?
It would be preferable not to miss any classes as we move forward in each session and therefore your child will miss learning that particular subject which will impact their ability to progress further down the line. Especially in our Gaming Clubs missing a class will be a problem as on each lesson we build a piece of the game. If that particular piece is missing, your child’s game won’t be working as expected and they might not be able to continue the club. Therefore we ask you to commit in attending each Gaming Club lesson.
If you miss your class and fear your child won’t be able to catch up, speak to us. We can organise a private catch up session or help you in some other ways.
CAN PARENTS JOIN THE CLASS WITH THEIR CHILD?
It is also important in encouraging your child to communicate with others and find solutions to their problems on their own as well as creating a peer driven learning environment.
CAN MY CHILD WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS ATTEND YOUR CLUB?
We are all inclusive and love to be able to provide learning to all children. If your child has a learning difficulty or disability, please contact us to discuss suitability of our club for your child prior to booking so we can help you find the best solution for them.
DOES MY CHILD NEED TO SPEAK GOOD FINNISH TO ATTEND CLUB IN FINNISH?
The aim of Finnish clubs is to teach your child coding, but also practise the language in a daily routine. Your child will need to understand basic Finnish, but does not have to be confident in speaking it. We encourage children to get involved in the class verbally. Your child will be helped in English if needed and we always do what is best for the child. We will also type in Finnish so they will learn spelling too.
