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Microsoft Coding Camps for Kids!

Did you know that Microsoft has had coding programs and camps for kids… for over 15 years???

Well, consider yourself informed!

Microsoft K-12 CS Programs

1. IGNITE Worldwide Girls Events

ignite_logo

IGNITE = Inspiring Girls Now in Technology Evolution

IGNITE Worldwide started in 1999! Check out IGNITE's website.

Microsoft teams with Small Basic and IGNITE to teach girls how to code! See the videos here. (Workshops; Interviews)

There are opportunities to Support, Volunteer, Start a Chapter, Host an Event, and Subscribe! See the Take Action tabs. If you work at Microsoft, just email me (Ed Price) to get involved.

Here is a look at the Small Basic IGNITE workshops at Microsoft:

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJsrGR33Xyg[/embed]

2. Microsoft Coding Camps at Microsoft Stores

YouthSpark Programs

Find a YouthSpark Program at a Microsoft Store near you!

We’ve been running workshops in Microsoft Stores to teach kids how to code since January 2011 (using Small Basic and Kodu)! We updated these classes in 2015 as the YouthSpark Hour of Code workshops! These have recently included Touch Develop’s Flatverse and Jetpack Jumper, Kodu’s Makerspace, and Code.org’s Minecraft code tutorials.

3. DigiGirlz

digigirlz

DigiGirlz started in 2000!

Microsoft DigiGirlz gives middle and high school girls opportunities to learn about careers in technology, to connect with Microsoft employees, and to participate in hands-on computer and technology workshops. Learn more at the DigiGirlz website.

4. TEALS

teals_logo

TEALS = Technology Education and Literacy in Schools

Launched in 2009: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology_Education_and_Literacy_in_Schools

Now high schools can get help from professional developers... directly in their classrooms! For more info, visit the TEALS website.

teals_teacher

5. Are you a teacher?

Join the Microsoft Computer Science Teachers Network!!

  • Connect directly with Microsoft engineers! Get help and info!
  • Learn about everything Microsoft is doing in K-12 and College-level CS Education!
  • Collaborate with other CS teachers around the globe!

Microsoft K-12 CS Tools

1. Small Basichttps://smallbasic.com/

Small Basic started in 2008! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Small_Basic

You’re on the blog for Small Basic now: https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/smallbasic/

Small Basic teaches actual text/syntax-based coding (the professional stuff), helping students take the next step after tile and block-based conceptual coding. Unlike Java, JavaScript, and Python (which were made for adults), Small Basic was made for kids and young students. The language has been simplified for that purpose, the UI teaches you as you type, and the interface is simple and easy! See The Unique Features of Small Basic.

2.4 Million Installations!

10+ Books, including my book (Learn to Program with Small Basic).

Here we used Small Basic to teach kids to code:

Full free curriculum: https://aka.ms/TeachSmallBasic

Download Microsoft Small Basic

SmallBasic_MascotVersion08

Here we used Small Basic to teach kids to code:

[embed]https://youtu.be/CfF3CyEyT0M[/embed]

2. Koduhttps://www.kodugamelab.com/

screenshot-kodugamelab-2

Kodu first released in 2009! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodu_Game_Lab

2.35 Million installations!

Last update was 3 days ago!

Try out the Kodu Makerspace tutorial!

kodu_avatar

3. Minecraft on Code.org – https://code.org/minecraft

minecrafthourofcode9593692_lrg

2016 and 2015 versions!

Also, don’t miss out on Minecraft Education Edition!

4. Touch Develop – https://www.touchdevelop.com/

flatverse_ui

Launched in 2011: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TouchDevelop

1 Million users!

Try out the Flatverse and Jetpack Jumper tutorials!

Free Curriculum – Creative Coding through Games and Apps: https://aka.ms/CCGA

flatverse

5. Code Hunthttps://www.codehunt.com/

codehunt

Started in 2014!

Meet the team at MSR: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/project/code-hunt/

350K+ Users!

codehunt_ui2

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Have a Small and Basic life!

– Ninja Ed

Comments

  • Anonymous
    February 27, 2017
    This article is really interesting, have realized all the works done for the development of information technology.And especially I didn't know this statistic on the number of installations of Small Basic, is that what I have read, 2.4 million installations, wow!
    • Anonymous
      March 03, 2017
      Thanks, Yled!