CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Encouraging the expression of creativity while teaching kids new skills, College for Kids, run by Parkland College, hosted a series of classes over the summer to allow kids to explore new interests while immersing themselves in courses that give them an idea of what the college environment is like. One of the students' favorite classes this year was Incredible Apps.
During the course, students were able to create their own apps using easy-to-understand programs. Learning the app-making process allowed students to learn more about coding and what it takes to create their favorite games.
“Of course, kids know what apps are and they have their favorites,” says David Black, a lecturer at College for Kids, “but now they're in a position to sit down in front of a computer and learn how to make their own apps.”
Students were able to use their imaginations to create the games they wanted to play, and the course also provided an opportunity for students to come together and test each other's creations.
“I had one kid make an app where you could pet a dog, and when you clicked on a dog to pet it, it would unlock other dogs to pet. There were 10 dogs, and you had to click 2,500 times to unlock the last dog, but two kids in the class were able to do it and it was really popular.”
The course instructors say their greatest hope is that students will leave the class with a renewed sense of confidence and passion for creating, with students eager to continue creating their work at home after class and proudly showing it to their teachers and classmates the next day.
“I hope they'll be inspired. I hope they'll realize they have capabilities they didn't know they had and think about computers as a way to help them achieve some goal.”
College for Kids, which encourages kids to explore new subjects and use new skills to bring their visions to life, is a long-standing program at Parkland College, and organizers say more courses will be offered next summer.
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