Kids Creating Video Games | VOA Connect

Tech concepts & product/program features mentioned

• Kids coding via video game creation (ages 7–14): The program’s curriculum keeps screen time “productive” by teaching coding through building video games, using game design as motivation.
• Drone coding station: Kids also code drones by:
  • programming a flight path
  • testing it by flying through hoops
  • adjusting the code based on results
• Instructors (“Code Senseis”):
  • staff are selected for being good with children
  • example background: an instructor studied cybersecurity (Penn State)
• Progression from simple to advanced:
  • students start with small-scale projects (basic game behaviors)
  • gradually move toward more advanced coding concepts

Reviews / testimonials / analysis highlights

• Engagement-driven learning: The program emphasizes that kids learn better when they’re engaged and having fun, which improves coding outcomes.
• STEM motivation for underrepresented groups: A key focus is encouraging girls in STEM; an instructor notes girls stay engaged alongside boys.
• Parental satisfaction: Parents report being happy because kids are happy, and students can show what they built.
• Skill development outcome: Students gain exposure to the “back end” of games they enjoy, helping them decide whether they want to pursue technology or coding skills further.

Example student activity (tutorial-style outcome)

• An 8-year-old student created a video game where a creative dinosaur follows the mouse and catches the mouse.
• The learning cycle:
  • create a game on a small scale
  • build toward more complex coding over time

Main speakers / sources

• Ethan (10 years old) – student participant; worked on robots and a game
• Andrea Hatcher – Code Sensei (mentions a cybersecurity background at Penn State)
• A parent (unnamed) – describes their 8-year-old daughter’s experience at Code Ninjas