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CodaKid Review: Coding Made Easy For Kids

CodaKid Featured

One of the most popular and valuable employment skills not only today but also in the future is computer programming or computer coding skills. This is the reason why most students are taking STEM courses and want to pursue studying computer-related courses. CodaKid is one of the ideal choices for parents where their children will start learning.

 

What Is CodaKid?

CodaKid
Photo from CodaKid

 

CodaKid is an online kid’s school that offers a wide range of online programming courses and classes. It teaches computer programming for kids by integrating coding and game design and uses real programming languages and tools that professionals use. Moreover, kids will also learn Roblox game development, Python programming, web development, machine learning, drone programming, and artificial intelligence.

In addition to this, CodaKid makes sure that all its courses are accessible to kids as young as seven years old. Moreover, its online courses focus more on internationally known games and use helper files to make learning easier for youngsters. It provides full support to all its students, and the teachers are always reaching out to the students who need help through email and messaging.

If you’re looking for an alternative, here’s our review of Tynker.

 

Courses That CodaKid Offers

CodaKid offers a wide range of coding courses that you will enjoy. These include Coding Basics, Minecraft Coding Courses, Roblox Coding Courses, Game Programming Courses, and Specialty Coding Courses.

 

Computer Languages that CodaKid Teaches

  • Python
  • Unreal Blueprints scripting language
  • JavaScript
  • Arduino
  • Html/CSS
  • Java
  • C#
  • Lua

 

CodaKid System Requirements

  • Windows 7, 8, and 10
  • Mac OS 10.9+ (64-bit)
  • 4-8 Mbps Internet Connection

 

How to Sign Up to CodaKid

Registration CodaKid
Screenshot from CodaKid

 

  1. Go to the CodaKid website.
  2. Create your account for your kid to access CodaKid.
  3. Enter your name, last name, and email address.
  4. After that, click on Continue.
  5. Create your kid’s identity by entering your preferred username and a unique password for your kid. You also have to confirm your chosen password and key in your phone number.
  6. Click Continue.
  7. In case you enjoy your trial, you can continue by picking a plan for free. You need not worry since the free trial is not included in the charge if you are going to pick a plan.
  8. After that, click on Continue.
  9. Your child can now enjoy CodaKid’s free trial.

 

CodaKid Pricing Plans

Plans
Screenshot from CodaKid

 

You can enjoy CodaKid through a subscription. You can subscribe to its monthly plan, which will cost you $25 per month, or the yearly plan that is more affordable at $149.99. This gives you six months free when you choose this plan. Its original cost was priced at $299. These two subscriptions come with a 14-day trial. After the trial is over, you can decide if you will pursue your subscription or not. This is to give you time to think if CodaKid is the right fit for your kid to learn to code.

You can also gift friends or relatives with a CodaKid subscription. It can be a single course, bundle, or subscription. You can pay $300 for a 12-month subscription for all courses. You can also subscribe to the Bundle Package, which includes lessons in Java and Lua, for only $199. CodaKid also offers various individual courses starting at $99.

CodaKid accepts payment through credit cards. It accepts cards issued by American Express, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, and Visa card. You can also pay through PayPal.

 

Scratch Coding Courses

Scratch Coding
Screenshot from CodaKid

 

These provide a solid foundation for younger learners and focus on Scratch and JavaScript. Included here are beginner coding courses, and these include:

 

Scratch Basics

In this course, you will get to know the platform and will know how to navigate it. You will learn a wide range of Scratch’s functions that will help you in building their very own games, apps, and interactive stories.

 

Scratch Art and Sound

Included in the amazing functions of Scratch are the art and sound functionality. In this coding and design adventure, you will use these essential functionalities to bring out the best you can and showcase your creativity.

 

Scratch Catch the Cat

In this coding course, you will make a fun game wherein a player gains points by clicking on the sneaky and clever cat. The concepts that you will learn here are conditionals, loops, and functions.

 

Scratch Infinite Jumper

This focuses on making a game wherein a player will gain points by jumping into fast-moving obstacles. You will get to understand the key concepts, loops, and conditionals.

 

Scratch Archery

This focuses on making an archery game wherein a player will gain points by shooting a moving target. This will test your focus and patience and will help you understand the concepts of conditionals and loops.

 

Scratch Hockey

This course lets you make an air hockey game wherein the player will have to take on the CPU to know who scores more. You will get to learn loops, functions, and conditionals in the process.

 

Scratch Fruit Slash

Be a Fruit Ninja and slash fruits as many as you want. However, you should avoid slashing your enemies so you won’t be penalized. You will get to learn concepts of variables, functions, loops, and conditionals.

 

Scratch Flappy Bat

Instead of having a Flappy Bird, you have to work on a Flappy Bat by keeping it flying and avoiding different obstacles along the way. Aside from learning the concepts of loops and conditional statements, you will also learn about velocity and variables.

 

Scratch Dino Defense

In this course, you will learn to make a game that is more like a Galaga Style. However, the player is tasked with protecting the dinosaur. Aside from concepts like loops, clones, variables, and operators, you will learn the if-then-else statements.

 

Scratch Racing

In this course, you will learn to make a fun racing game, and the goal is to be the first to reach the finish line. You will learn the concepts of loops, clones, conditionals, variables, and operators.

 

Scratch Slither

This course is more like making a game with Slither.io style. Guide your snake as it crawls and eats apples. Beware because it grows longer as it eats, making it a danger even to itself. If that happens, your game is over. In this, you will learn about if-then-else statements, along with clones, variables, and spawn rate concepts.

 

The Great Scratch Maze

In this course, kids will make a popular maze game. However, they will face a lot of challenges before making it to the finish. Your knowledge of the concepts about variables, functions, and loops will increase by playing this game.

 

Scratch Catch

In this course, you will make a catching game. The player needs to catch the falling objects. The more he catches, the more points he will gain. You will gain knowledge on concepts that will help you prepare for CodaKid’s text-based coding courses.

 

Minecraft Coding Courses

Minecraft
Screenshot from CodaKid

 

This is an ideal way to learn Java Programming. The courses included here are the following:

 

Mod Creation Essentials

In this Minecraft coding course, you will learn real Java. You will make a game that shoots fireballs and repulsion shields into the enemies. Also, you will get to learn conditionals and loops key concepts.

 

Mod Creation 1: Forge your Sword

Using Java programming, you will be designing your swords. Moreover, you can add special powers to this sword and make it more fun to use. You will get to learn concepts of variables and methods.

 

Mod Creation 1: Create a Creature

This innovative Minecraft modding course lets kids design and code their mobs in Minecraft. Learn the concepts of parameters, variables, and methods by taking this course.

 

Mod Creation 1: Lucky Block

This innovative Minecraft coding course lets you design and code your own Lucky Block mod.

 

Mod Creation 1: Magic Armor

This is an action-packed course that lets you design and code your Magic Armor in Minecraft.

 

Mod Creation 1: Brand New Biomes

This innovative Minecraft coding course lets you build your very own custom biome. You will have a deeper understanding of the concepts of methods and conditionals.

 

Mod Creation 1: Build and Boom!

Using Java, you will be designing and coding your custom structure to be able to produce huge explosions. Here, you will have a deeper understanding of loops.

 

Mod Creation 1: House in a Box

This popular mod lets you design a house only by coding. You will have a deeper understanding of the concepts of array lists, loops, variables, and parameters.

 

Mod Creation 1: Infinite Items 1.12

This is a creative course wherein you will learn to use JSON files to create several items in Minecraft. This course will help you better understand data files.

 

Mod Creation 1: Epic Weapons

You can have more and more as this Minecraft modding course will let you design and code as many weapons as you want.

 

Mod Creation 1: Power Ore

You can create an extravagant pickaxe and custom ore with this Minecraft coding course. You will not only have a deeper understanding of Java but also concepts of constructors and variables.

 

Mod Creation 1 with Minecraft 1.8

This course consists of more than 35 hours of renowned student projects. You will learn a wide range of key concepts, including variables, loops, conditionals, arrays, and parameters.

 

Mod Creation 2 with Minecraft 1.8

This allows you to learn the more advanced concepts. These include methods, loops, and conditionals.

 

Mod Creation 1: Artificial Intelligence and Fireballs

This course lets you customize the AI of the creature, which you created, and make them more powerful by creating fireball attacks. You will learn not only about Artificial Intelligence but randomization as well.

 

Roblox Coding Courses

Roblox
Screenshot from CodaKid

 

These provide the ideal way to learn not only Lua Programming but also game design with Roblox Studio. The courses included here are the following:

 

Roblox Game Development: Obbies

You will get to learn the fundamentals of the Roblox Studio editor. Moreover, you will get to learn to use Lua programming to help them build a competent Obstacle Course or the popularly known, Obby game. In this Roblox coding course, you will be able to master variables, functions, and events.

 

Roblox Game Development: Adventure Maps

You will be able to build your very own Adventure Map and make use not only of the Roblox Studio editor but also of the Lua programming. Also, you can learn the concepts, such as conditionals and variables.

 

Roblox Game Development: Racing Maps

This is a thrilling Roblox course that lets you create multiplayer racing games. You can do that by using Roblox studio and Lua programming. The key concepts covered here are loops, UI, arrays, and conditionals.

 

Roblox Game Development: Advanced Obbies

With a deeper knowledge of different concepts such as functions and events, you can take their Obbies to the next level using advanced game dynamics

 

Roblox Game Development: Infinite Runner

This allows you to understand real Lua programming. Also, you can run as long as you want in this intermediate-level Roblox coding course. Aside from infinite running, you can also gain knowledge of key concepts such as loops and conditionals.

 

Roblox Game Development: Dodgeball Arena

Create a Dodgeball Arena with this advanced Roblox scripting course. You can do that by using Roblox Studio and Lua programming to code the game dynamics. This will give you a deeper understanding not only of loops and conditionals but also collision detection.

 

Roblox Game Development: Battle Royale

Are you into Fortnite-style battle royale games? In this course, you not only can create this kind of game but also make a weapon based on your preferred design. You will also get to learn animation and server events alongside key coding concepts.

 

Roblox Game Development: Tycoon Game

If you are into getting rich in real life and in games, you should take this course. With this course, you will be able to create your own tycoon game where players can get very rich and be able to build their own empire. The concepts being covered here are typecasting, inheritance, workspace hierarchy, and object values.

 

Roblox Game Development: Speed Simulator

Create your very own racing game. Race with your friends in this course and gain a deeper understanding of loops, conditionals, UI, and understanding of client and server interaction.

 

Game Programming Courses

Game Programming
Screenshot from CodaKid

 

These provide a perfect way to learn JavaScript, Python, and Unreal Engine.

 

Game Programming 1 with Python: Fish Eat First

This is a beginner course that lets you create a 2D game. The player’s fish must eat a smaller one and avoid a larger one to keep it alive. You will get to gain knowledge of loops, game logic, collision detection, and functions.

 

Game Programming 2 with Python: Attack of the Robots

If you think that creating a 2D Attack of the Robots style game is fun, you can do this through this course. You will use Python code and will have a deeper knowledge of functions, collision detection, game logic, and loops.

 

3D Game Development 1 with Unreal

In this course, you will master Unreal Engine 4 and will use a professional game engine to create an exceptional 3D platformer. You can also get to master the Blueprints visual scripting language.

 

Game Programming 3 with Python: Get Connected!

This is a Python programming course wherein you can get to build your lobby for a 2D multiplayer game. The player can join the lobby on their computer, but a stable internet connection is needed for it to function properly. You will get to learn advanced data structure, conditional logic, and server-client interaction.

 

Game Programming 3 with Python: CodaKid Smash

This is what you take after finishing Get Connected! In this phase, the player can choose his fighter and fight on his very own stage. One fighter should be left standing, and he will be the winner. You will be able to learn animations, inheritance, game physics, and advanced collision handling.

 

3D Game Development 2: CodaKid Battlefront

You can create a laser shooter game of which is Battlefront-style and learn functions, loops, and arrays key concepts.

 

Game Programming 1 with JavaScript

Get ready to create a 2D Infinite Runner style game in this course and learn loops, variables, and conditionals.

 

Game Programming 2 with JavaScript

And there’s the retro Tower Defense game that you can create in this course. You will also learn key concepts such as enemy pathing, vectors, collision detection, conditionals, and loops.

 

CodaKid Features

CodaKid Twitter
Photo from CodaKid’s Twitter Page

 

Professional Tools and Languages

Students will learn coding languages and will be able to build real software using the tools that most professionals use. Instead of the usual copy-paste or drag-and-drop interface, kids will be writing real codes and can also get to use tools used at popular companies.

 

Build Real Games and Software

Students will learn to make real games and software with advanced technological tools and techniques.

 

Fast, Helpful Online Support from Friendly Teachers

CodaKid has supportive and friendly teachers who provide help to students if they need assistance and if they have questions. Teachers assist them through messaging and screen share.

 

Keep Your Projects Forever

It lets you keep not only your tools and software but also the projects that you worked on. This will give you a chance to refresh your memory if you ever forget about what you learned at CodaKid.

 

Self-Paced Learning

It lets kids accomplish things at their speed, anytime on their schedule. They just have to watch different online videos and learn from them. After that, they can start coding and designing and test their works afterward.

 

Experienced Mentors

CodaKid’s online mentors are all experienced computer software developers, designers, and educators that have passed background checks. This is to make sure of providing kids the knowledge that they deserve. As they provide a unique way of giving instructions, kids will be more confident in coding and debugging.

 

Pros and Cons of Studying at CodaKid

PROS

  • Energetic and humorous mentors
  • Affordable monthly payment
  • Teaches text-based coding with professional languages and tools
  • Teachers provide messaging, email, and screen share support.
  • Unlimited support in every subscription
  • Affiliated with popular brands including Minecraft and Roblox

Cons

  • Assistance may be required in getting started
  • Limited learning on tablets and smartphones

 

CodaKid vs Similar Platforms

Tynker vs CodaKid

Tynker Banner
Photo from Tynker

 

Tynker is a complete learning system, which is ideal for beginners and intermediate programmers to learn with. CodaKid, on the other hand, is an online kid coding school that teaches kids to code using programming languages and tools that professionals use. Tynker provides instructional modules with written instructions and a gameplay area where kids can make their own game, whereas CodaKid uses videos that kids can watch at their own pace.

Moreover, when the kids need to code, there are video prompts telling them to pause the video and start coding. They can also have fun while learning as the mentors are fun and energetic.

In addition to this, Tynker provides helpful guides and screenshots that can help kids through problems they encounter. There are also answer keys for the common problems that kids might encounter. CodaKid’s support comes from professional engineers. They communicate with kids through messaging and email. Furthermore, they do screen sharing so kids will quickly understand the lessons.

Tynker is an ideal platform for beginners and uses the visual block teaching method. On the contrary, CodaKid is a great platform for tech-savvy kids who are ready to use professional programming languages and tools.

 

Scratch vs CodaKid

Scratch is a visual programming language that uses visual blocks to teach coding to kids. It lets students make a variety of simple games, interactive stories, arts, music, and animation by using code blocks. That way, they can show not only how well they understand but also how creative they are. CodaKid teaches kids to code by using professional programming tools and languages.

Scratch is more popular with most students because they can use it for free. CodaKid only offers a 14-day trial, and the paid plans are then locked out behind a paywall after the trial period expires. Moreover, the lessons that Scratch provides lets kids learn fundamental computer programming concepts. Moreover, they can be taught by non-engineering teachers. CodaKid provides videos that are hosted by fun and energetic professional engineers.

In addition to this, you can gain support from Scratch through several helpful forums. Meanwhile, CodaKid provides assistance through its supportive mentors. You can use Scratch on almost any kind of device. CodaKid, being part web-based and part client-based, works best on desktop computers and laptops.

 

Udemy vs CodaKid

Udemy Review
Photo by Udemy

 

Udemy sells individual courses ranging from $10 to $20, while CodaKid offers monthly plans to its users. They also offer coding courses for teenage students who have finished different coding platforms. Udemy doesn’t extend its support with experienced engineers, unlike CodaKid’s team of experts that are ready to answer questions.

With both Udemy and CodaKid, kids will learn coding with Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and other coding languages. However, their approach to teaching their students is different. For Udemy, each instructor has a different method of teaching for every coding course. With that, students may or may not be at ease with the teacher’s way of teaching. As for CodaKid, the videos that it provides are hosted by fun mentors, applying a YouTube-style of teaching that makes it easy to attract kids’ attention.

The content of the courses the Udemy offers can have variations as anyone can create and offer a course on it. However, parents will be sure that the content on CodaKid is reliable as professional engineers provide the content of the videos for the kids. Moreover, if the kids cannot understand some of the complex languages, CodaKid’s experienced mentors will explain them in terms a young kid will be able to get.

 

Are CodaKid Lessons Easy to Learn for Kids?

Kids are seeing a lot of things that make them amazed. There are online games and YouTube videos that they want to take part in. Because of this sense of wonder, they may even think of making their very own games. CodaKid offers lessons that let students use different programming languages and tools to build their very own apps and games.

We can’t say that kids can learn CodaKid’s lessons easily. However, as all the videos are hosted by professional engineers and unlimited support to the students is provided, learning will be easier for them. Also, students tend to become more eager to learn as they become more interested in the applications of these tools and languages. They even exert more effort studying them compared to their actual school work.

What the kids will learn from CodaKid can be their stepping stone for further knowledge. Easy or not, the lessons will give them ideas on how to use coding languages and programming tools. Moreover, as CodaKid uses a different style of teaching, knowledge depends on the kid’s learning capabilities. Parents will be surprised how their kids will be able to code and work independently using programming languages and tools.

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