The power to create
Library program teaches kids computer coding, creating game
Programs help kids with basics in game design
Bryan Ross is hoping his brother will be a little jealous of some new skills he’s picked up.
The 11-year-old from Stellarton has spent several afternoons this week learning how to write computer code and create a simple video game during sessions offered at the Stellarton Library.
“I want to make a Mario game,” he said. “I wanted to see if I could impress my friends.”
Alex MacNeil is teaching the sessions as part of his job as elibrary facilitator with the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library.
He’s teaching the computer skills to about seven young people and one adult during the Hello World! Coding and Game Design Workshop series. More sessions will be held at three other library locations this month.
“They should have fully functioning version of Space Invaders they can play at the end of the session.”
Participants learned game design using a program called Game Salad, building a twodimensional game, inputting data in order to move ships and destroy enemy ships. MacNeil said video games are very popular now, leading to young people wanting to make them.
“The power to create something they enjoy so hugely and is so exciting for them is what is driving the interest in the program. It’s something really, really, really fun rather than strictly educational.”
During the four, one-hour sessions, MacNeil taught the participants the basics of using the coding language Python, which allows people to speak directly to computers to perform a wide variety of operations.
He said because they’re having fun creating games, they don’t necessarily see that they’re doing math.
“Game Salad is great for problem solving – how to get an object in the game to behave the way they want them to.”
He said the new coders are asking “wonderful” questions, and learning how to use logic to solve problems they’re generating.
“They’re doing an extraordinary job – I’m very, very impressed with how they’re doing,” he said. “They’re working with Python and Game Salad and solving logic problems that would be difficult for high school students.”