Code.org is using Minecraft to teach kids how to code

Teaching children how to code isn’t all that difficult, it’s getting them to start learning that’s proving to be a bit of an issue. Fortunately, the people at Code.org have found a solution to this problem, one that uses power of Minecraft and Star Wars to attract more kids to coding. Basically, the organization has created an interactive tutorial that teaches young children how to code by mimicking Minecraft gameplay. 

Programming is a valuable skill for kids of all ages to pick up, and when they learn by playing with their favorite characters and games it’s even more fun. Code.org has two new tutorials that will appeal to many kids based on Minecraft and Star Wars. The Minecraft interactive tutorial has kids choosing between Steve and Alex for their character and then dragging and dropping code blocks to get their character to mine, explore, and craft in the very familiar Minecraft world (complete with that haunting music). There are 14 challenges available now, rated for kids ages 6 and up, and it looks like more languages will be added soon. The Star Wars tutorial, also in beta, offers both the blocks code and a JavaScript version intended for older kids ages 11 and up (but depending on your child, it’s totally doable for younger kids as well). These are incredibly fun tools, part of the Hour of Code, which many schools are scheduled to participate in from December 7 to 13th, Computer Science Education Week. You can volunteer here. Thanks Vin!