At iCodeSchool, we believe that children are the future of the planet. With this knowledge comes the responsibility to teach them essential skills to succeed in an age of ever-evolving technology. One of the ways we inspire children to bridge the gaps they’ll eventually cross is through something called STEAM learning. STEAM is based on the concepts that combining science, technology, engineering, art and match will prepare young learners for what’s ahead.
A problem many parents and teachers are facing today is the idea that STEAM learning is boring, difficult, or too advanced. This couldn’t be further from the truth. To show kids that STEAM is fun, engaging, and useful, we’ve created several courses, like our Java with Minecraft Mods camp for elementary and middle school children.
Throughout his blog, we’ll dig a little deeper into what Java is and how it works with Minecraft to enhance your child’s understanding of computers, technology, and science.
What is Java?
In programming, as in life, there are many languages used to create the apps, software, games, videos, and other tech we enjoy. Java is one of these programming languages and an early one at that. Developed in 1995, it is still used today in a variety of applications and websites. You may notice a popup asking you to run Java if you haven’t already installed it on your computer.
Understanding how Java works and being able to use the programming language essentially means your child has access to advanced computer skills. These skills can then be used to create his or her own website, game, or mobile application, and more.
Java is free to download, making it an excellent early tool for students and young programmers. Whether your child is interested in computer programming, or simply loves to play computer games, Java is an excellent way to increase understanding of the things they enjoy.
How Minecraft Mania Teaches Children to Code
Minecraft is a single and multiplayer game that took the world by storm in 2009. Still a popular computer game played over multiple consoles, Minecraft is a great way to teach your child to code early. It also fosters creativity and a sense of community.
Minecraft offers a unique user experience called a Minecraft mod. A mod is basically an independent modification to the Minecraft game made by users. There are thousands of different mods already online and running, which can be downloaded and played for free.
Many people believe that the reason Minecraft became as popular as it did is that it offered players so many customizations. Being able to create your own virtual world is a video game fantasy for many, and Minecraft made it a reality.
Using the Minecraft mod experience and the programming language Java, iCode School created a course for your child to learn to create and explore their own Minecraft mod.
iCode School’s Minecraft Camp
Coding with Java to create a Minecraft mod provides more than a video game experience to young learners. It offers a chance to learn practical hands-on computer coding skills which will be beneficial in years to come. Working in a team environment, students learn to work together, depend on themselves, troubleshoot, problem-solve, and delegate different responsibilities to their teammates.
The coding process and the gameplay process are very different things. What children receive when they begin a course like this, isn’t just a chance to play a game with their friends. Coding a Minecraft mod is a lot of types of language and code. In the beginning, it all looks like computer jargon and gibberish. By the end of the course, students understand Java, how to use it on their own, and the power of code and the internet.
The iCodeSchool Advantage
iCode School designs curriculum specifically for future generations who will require these skills to succeed in a digital world. Everything from shopping to learning takes place on computers and knowing how to program a computer is just as important, if not more so, than understanding how to use one.
The skills children learn through iCode School’s Java with Minecraft program will carry over into a computer science degree, an engineering career, or a video game designer position. These early years are crucial in a child’s learning journey to develop the foundation for future courses and advanced lessons.
For more information on iCode School, our Java with Minecraft course, and other STEAM-based courses, contact us today. Our inclusive learning environment is a safe place for kids to develop self-esteem and proficiency in science, technology, engineering, art, and math learning models.