Pharm Evo | CodeCombat

RAJA AHMED
6 min readDec 11, 2024

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Interactive EdTech Platform to teach programming & computer science concepts

Photo by Mohammad Rahmani on Unsplash

CodeCombat is an educational platform designed to teach programming and computer science concepts through interactive game-based learning. It focuses on making coding fun and accessible to learners of all ages, primarily targeting K-12 students, educators, and anyone new to programming.

Features of CodeCombat

1. Game-Based Learning
— Learn to code by solving puzzles and completing quests in a game-like environment.
— Students write actual code to control characters, solve problems, and progress through levels.

2. Programming Languages
— Supports languages like Python, JavaScript, and Lua, allowing students to choose their preferred language.

3. Interactive Levels
— Over 500 levels, each designed to teach specific programming concepts like loops, functions, variables, and conditionals.
— Incremental difficulty to match the learner’s progress.

4. Customizable Curriculum
— Teachers can tailor lessons and assignments to align with their curriculum goals.
— Offers pre-built lesson plans aligned with Common Core and CSTA standards.

5. Real-Time Feedback
— Students receive immediate feedback on their code, helping them understand errors and learn faster.

6. Code Visualization
— Provides visual representation of code execution, helping learners understand the impact of their programming in real-time.

7. Collaborative Learning
— Multiplayer levels and classroom modes enable students to learn through teamwork and competition.

8. Teacher Dashboard
— Tools for educators to monitor student progress, provide guidance, and assess understanding.
— Detailed reports and analytics to track learning outcomes.

9. AI and Computer Science Concepts
— Teaches advanced topics like algorithms, object-oriented programming, and basic artificial intelligence.

10. Engaging Themes and Characters
— Features fantasy-themed storylines and characters to make learning immersive and enjoyable.

11. Web-Based Platform
— Fully online, with no software installation required. Accessible through a browser.

12. Gamification Elements
— Badges, achievements, and in-game rewards to motivate and engage students.

13. Classroom Integration
— Designed for classroom use, with features to integrate with tools like Google Classroom.

14. Free and Paid Plans
— Free version with basic levels.
— Paid plans unlock advanced levels, teacher tools, and additional features.

15. Professional Development
— Provides resources and training for educators to effectively use CodeCombat in teaching.

16. Community and Open Source
— Open-source game engine that allows advanced users to contribute new content and features.

CodeCombat is widely regarded as a powerful tool for introducing coding concepts in an engaging and effective way, appealing to both students and educators.

Agenda

Agenda for CodeCombat Session

Target Audience: Students (Grades K-8)
Duration: 1.5–2 hours

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

  • Brief introduction to coding and its importance.
  • Overview of CodeCombat: What it is and how it works.
  • Goals of the session.

2. Setting Up (15 minutes)

  • Guide students to create CodeCombat accounts (if not already done).
  • Quick tour of the platform interface.
  • Explanation of programming languages available (focus on Python for beginners).

3. Getting Started with CodeCombat (20 minutes)

  • Demonstration of the first few levels:
  • Walking through a simple level.
  • Explaining coding concepts such as basic syntax, loops, and functions.
  • Allow students to try the initial levels with guidance.

4. Hands-On Challenges (25 minutes)

  • Assign specific levels or challenges based on their progress.
  • Encourage students to explore problem-solving and coding independently.
  • Provide tips and answer questions as they arise.

5. Showcase & Sharing (10 minutes)

  • Invite a few students to share their screens and explain their solutions.
  • Celebrate their progress with verbal recognition or small rewards (like virtual badges).

6. Wrap-Up & Q&A (10 minutes)

  • Recap what was learned during the session.
  • Discuss how students can continue learning with CodeCombat at home or school.
  • Answer questions.

Mini Agenda

- Introduction to Programming and Development

- Introduction to Python & JavaScript Programming Languages

- Examples of JavaScript Games developed by Instructor as Motivation

- Introduction to CodeCombat

- 5 Modules
- Gems in the deep
- Dungeons of Kithgard
- Shadow Guard
- Enemy Mine
- The Raised Swords

- Quiz

- Questions & Answers Session

- Assignment

Pre-requisite: Create a free account on https://codecombat.com

Fancy Agenda

🎮 Level Up with CodeCombat: A Fun Coding Adventure! 🎮

👨‍🏫 Target Audience: Kids in Grades K-8
⏳ Duration: 1.5 Hours

🗓️ Exciting Agenda:

1️⃣ Unveiling the World of Coding:
Discover the magic of programming and development, where ideas transform into creations!

2️⃣ Meet Your Superpowers — Python & JavaScript:
Learn the basics of two incredible languages that power games, apps, and the web.

3️⃣ Inspiring Creations — A Sneak Peek:
See some cool JavaScript games crafted by your instructor to fuel your imagination!

4️⃣ Enter the Realm of CodeCombat:
Step into an exciting gaming world where coding meets adventure!

🛠️ Modules We’ll Explore:

  • ✨ Gems in the Deep: Solve puzzles and collect shiny treasures.
  • 🏰 Dungeons of Kithgard: Escape tricky mazes with your coding skills.
  • 🛡️ Shadow Guard: Outsmart enemies with strategy and code.
  • ⚔️ Enemy Mine: Collaborate and conquer challenges together.
  • 💥 The Raised Swords: Unleash powerful moves to defeat the final test!

5️⃣ Brain Teasers — Quiz Time!
Show off what you’ve learned in a fun and friendly quiz.

6️⃣ Your Questions, Our Answers:
Have burning questions? Let’s solve them together!

7️⃣ The Grand Quest — Your Assignment:
Take home an exciting challenge to sharpen your skills and continue your coding journey.

🎯 Pre-requisite: Sign up for free on CodeCombat. Don’t miss the adventure — create your account now!

Ready to dive into a world of coding, creativity, and fun? Let’s get started! 🌟

Outcomes of the Session

By the end of the session, students will:

  1. Understand the basics of programming and its real-world applications.
  2. Be familiar with the CodeCombat platform and how to navigate it.
  3. Learn foundational coding concepts such as loops, conditionals, and functions.
  4. Complete at least a few levels of CodeCombat independently.
  5. Develop problem-solving skills through interactive gameplay.
  6. Feel motivated and confident to explore more coding opportunities.
  7. Gain exposure to how coding can be fun and engaging through gamified learning.

1. Introduction to Programming

  • Understand the basics of programming and its real-world applications.

2. Familiarity with CodeCombat

  • Be familiar with the CodeCombat platform and how to navigate it.

3. Foundational Coding Concepts

  • Learn foundational coding concepts such as loops, conditionals, and functions.

4. Hands-on Experience

  • Complete at least a few levels of CodeCombat independently.

5. Problem-Solving Skills

  • Develop logical, creative, and problem-solving skills through interactive gameplay.

6. Digital Creativity

  • Enhance logical, creative, and problem-solving abilities.

7. Technology Literacy

  • Gain familiarity with digital tools and software.

8. Digital Citizenship

  • Learn about responsible use of digital tools and online communities.

9. Motivation and Confidence

  • Feel motivated and confident to explore more coding opportunities.

10. Gamified Learning

  • Gain exposure to how coding can be fun and engaging through gamified learning.

Homework Assignment

Homework Assignment

Learn about HTML and perform the following task.
- Using HTML write two paragraphs about yourself.

Send the homework snap to us on following email: __________________________

Help: https://www.w3schools.com/html/default.asp
Use this link to perform the task by clicking the Try Yourself button.

Useful Links

Visionary Founders about Learning to Code

https://chromedino.com/

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RAJA AHMED
RAJA AHMED

Written by RAJA AHMED

IDEAS ARE NO ONE’S MONOPOLY !

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