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While I love anything that encourages kids to learn basic computer science skills (since this is also my niche) this isn't the approach I would take, and I ques

While I love anything that encourages kids to learn basic computer science skills (since this is also my niche) this isn't the approach I would take, and I question whether such a simple "recipe" construction of primitive, limited algorithms will really provide any real skill development over what a child would learn from a chemistry or electronics set or even a cooking course. Based on this, calling your game "CodeSpells" is a bit of a stretch. You've made your definition of "code" so vague that MineCraft may as well call itself CodeCraft and market itself as a computer science education tool. Sorry to be harsh and I applaud the effort but where you're currently at is like saying "I'll teach people to drive and then they can become automotive engineers," which is, while somewhat true, obviously not going to be all that effective. Now, "something" may be better than nothing but if you really want to have an impact you desperately need to broaden your concept. What you have isn't enough, from my perspective. That said, you obviously know the whole "teaching code" thing is trendy and maybe you might get something out of your Kickstarter. Best of luck with that.

seanmcdirmid 12y ago
This is not only harsh, but close minded. MineCraft and Legos provide tremendous values to kids in developing at least creativity, and often fire technical interests that drive kids to learn "real skills" later on in life. CodeSpells is just pushing that to the next level.
- empressplay 12y ago
  I'm not discounting that CodeSpells has a certain value, but many other things in this context do as well. If it really wants to succeed in its "vision" CodeSpells needs to become much more than what it is. Hope it does.
andrewchambers 12y ago
The blocks allows instant gratification to hook people in. I see no problem if they want to add an advanced mode where you can drop down into an actual programming language like lua, python or scheme. Seeing more advanced spells from other players might even encourage people to do so, just so they can have status in the game too.
raphdg 12y ago
I can agree with you that maybe, at this early stage of the game development, the "Code" part in the "CodeSpell" name may be a bit inaccurate. But nothing tells us it won't evolve to something RPG-like, where you'll have to actually code your spells effects with raw instructions to reach higher levels. I totally love those games where the players bring all the value by being creative, when the conceptors have absolutely no idea of what the in-game will look like 6 months from now. It's not about teaching raw code and basic algorithms, but using code as a tool to achieve what's in your mind, and I think that's the most important part to prepare someone for the future of programming.
thoughtstem 12y ago
Another CodeSpells team member here... What's up on our website is pretty limited right now. I hope the Kickstarter page (launching tonight) will elaborate better on what we hope to do with CodeSpells. In our experience, students learn to code through exploring. If we can make a fun way to explore coding, I think students who may not have even been interested in coding before will come away with a feeling that coding is fun, creative, and challenging. We're not going to turn every kid into a hardcore programmer, but I do want kids to feel like it's something that is possible for them to learn & is kind of cool!

seanmcdirmid 12y ago

This is not only harsh, but close minded. MineCraft and Legos provide tremendous values to kids in developing at least creativity, and often fire technical interests that drive kids to learn "real skills" later on in life. CodeSpells is just pushing that to the next level.

empressplay 12y ago
I'm not discounting that CodeSpells has a certain value, but many other things in this context do as well. If it really wants to succeed in its "vision" CodeSpells needs to become much more than what it is. Hope it does.

andrewchambers 12y ago

The blocks allows instant gratification to hook people in. I see no problem if they want to add an advanced mode where you can drop down into an actual programming language like lua, python or scheme. Seeing more advanced spells from other players might even encourage people to do so, just so they can have status in the game too.

raphdg 12y ago

I can agree with you that maybe, at this early stage of the game development, the "Code" part in the "CodeSpell" name may be a bit inaccurate. But nothing tells us it won't evolve to something RPG-like, where you'll have to actually code your spells effects with raw instructions to reach higher levels. I totally love those games where the players bring all the value by being creative, when the conceptors have absolutely no idea of what the in-game will look like 6 months from now. It's not about teaching raw code and basic algorithms, but using code as a tool to achieve what's in your mind, and I think that's the most important part to prepare someone for the future of programming.

thoughtstem 12y ago

Another CodeSpells team member here... What's up on our website is pretty limited right now. I hope the Kickstarter page (launching tonight) will elaborate better on what we hope to do with CodeSpells. In our experience, students learn to code through exploring. If we can make a fun way to explore coding, I think students who may not have even been interested in coding before will come away with a feeling that coding is fun, creative, and challenging. We're not going to turn every kid into a hardcore programmer, but I do want kids to feel like it's something that is possible for them to learn & is kind of cool!