Modding in Minecraft is one of the best ways for kids to learn computer science – students can use their imaginations and knowledge of Java (a widely used programming language) to create custom, unique mods.
Key Skills students will build in class:
Each themed class below has a specific focus and can be taken in any order! Best of all, kids can test, play, and share their mods so the entire class can play together using their own Minecraft server.
Students learn Java concepts to create their own personalized mods and minigames such as Spartan School, Epic Mods, and The Walls!
With Java fundamentals, students will program and customize some of the most popular Minecraft arcade minigames and mods such as Blocky Races, Spleef, and even create their own Lucky Blocks!
*These are recommended age ranges. We can adjust based on your child’s needs and abilities.
Kids spend most of their time on social media sites like Facebook, Youtube, and other platforms. Interestingly, platforms like Instagram, Minecraft, and Shopify are built with Java. It is a widely used coding language that has comprised object-oriented programming since its establishment in 1995. Kids will find it interesting how Java formed the backend of various favorite apps, games, and sites. It can enhance their interest in learning the language.
It is also a highly-demanded programming language among employers, so encouraging your kids to learn it will prove beneficial for their future. Besides, Java has importance in the real world because it is helpful in various applications from commercial e-commerce websites to android apps. It plays a significant role in scientific and financial applications, as well as games and desktop applications like Minecraft and Eclipse, respectively.
Compared to other programming languages, Java is more advanced and is suitable for older kids. To learn the language, kids need to understand variables like if-then statements, functions, classes, and loops. It will be more helpful if your kids learn a visual programming language like Scratch before learning Java. Interestingly, kids can learn at the introductory level using a special edition of Java that’s designed for kids.
Java is one of the most popular programming languages with extensive job opportunities and high support from the large online community. It uses powerful development tools and is platform-independent. Also, it has multiple open source libraries.
Java has the multi-purpose ability and is compatible with different devices like smartphones, desktops, and so on. So, your kids do not need to have a high–spec PC to learn how to code, and Java is free-to-download too. In addition, it offers to download a free Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like Eclipse. It works as a text editor that can write and organize code easily. Java online community offers support on sites like Stack Overflow. A significant number of Java programmers contribute to this community to provide maximum support.
Java has a simple interface with a vast library of classes that work for different functions in the program. It also shows the option of ‘superclass’ that comprises sections of code that can categorize as ‘subclass’ in the new program. Superclass acts as a parent code and the subclass as the child code.
At their age, kids tend to be visual learners, so the interactive and visual programming language can increase kids’ interest and makes their learning process easy. Java for kids comprises GUI (Graphical User Interface) like JavaFX. In addition, it has a user-friendly interface that allows kids to increase interactivity in their applications. In addition, standard GUI classes comprise text boxes, lists, and drop-down, and buttons.
Kids use Java for gaming and app development opportunities that help them be creative in a professional programming language. They can create simple games like tic-tac-toe. Also, they create advanced projects like data structures for music libraries. Another famous use of Java for kids is modding in Minecraft. It allows kids to use coding skills to modify the game’s code by forming their own rules that are not present in the game.
Moreover, users can use Java to create applications and platforms for multiple devices like laptops, computers, Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, car navigation systems, parking meters, medical monitoring devices, smartphones, and lottery terminals.
Learning to program with Java will not only teach kids to improve their creative skills but expand their problem-solving and analytical skills as well. Once they learn to write and run their code, they can learn a lot by doing different coding experiments.
Once kids learn to program with Java efficiently, they can learn more complex programming languages in the future. Java has extensive uses across the globe, and several big companies like Amazon, Google, Android, and Facebook use this platform. Having a command over this language can open doors to better future opportunities.
