Several classrooms in Morden schools tried a new program recently teaching students about writing video games through computer coding.
The idea was to teach children sequential logic and creativity through an interactive, kid-friendly program called Scratch.
"It was great in that it was the type of project where kids got to explore and take some leadership," said Minnewasta principle, Andrew Volk.
He and other teachers saw the program click right away with some students, and they would become leaders in their classrooms helping other students.
After months of practice and dozens of games created by the children, 40 kids took a field-trip to the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology in Winnipeg for Arcade, a mass presentation of student-created games.
Minnewasta Elementary School in Morden sent their own detachment to Arcade.
"It was kind of fun seeing how people made their games, and seeing other ideas," said Evee Jackson.
Nevaeh Nicholson, Elora Crossman-Toews, and Evee Jackson attended the event in Winnipeg, and appreciated playing the games other students built because they could transpose ideas from them into their own games.
The coding program involved a number of classrooms throughout Western School Division including Minnewasta Elementary, Maple Leaf Elementary, and École Morden Middle school.
"I think it gave them a sense of importance to be at an event where we had teachers, administrators, superintendents, and trustees," said Volk. "A lot of people had come out to see what these kids had done."
All three of the girls said that they hope to continue coding games or apps and even teach others in the future.
Fri, Apr 26, 9:00 AM
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