As a tech blogger and parent, I realize how important it is for kids to get comfortable with technology. Tech & gadgets are such a big part of their childhood that it will serve them well in life to learn to code, program, and design now.
This post is sponsored by Youth Digital and a class was received.
I’m always on the lookout for great programs that teach these things in a fun kid-friendly way. That’s why I am excited about Youth Digital’s online tech courses, specifically their Server Design 1 Learning Java With Minecraft class.
I was happy to learn that Youth Digital is the leading technology education organization for kids ages 8-14. Their mission is “Creating Creators” and their vision is to make advanced technology available to every child. They are striving to do this through their innovative platform that get kids learning by being interactive, rewarding, and fun.
They have a wide variety of online classes including:
- Mobile App Design
- Game Development
- 3D Animation
- 3D Printing & Modeling
- …and more
In the courses, kids use professional level software in a fun and kid-friendly way which is fantastic because they retain what they learn and can apply it later to other projects.
Kora and Logan started coding last summer. We found a few free sites and they had fun making some simple games and playing them. I wanted to pick up the pace this summer and since Kora’s teacher had her class using Minecraft.edu to learn math and history, I was excited to sign them up for the Youth Digital Class Server Design 1.
Server Design 1 is a new online course with more than 30 hours of interactive lessons that teaches kids how to program their own Minecraft server using Java.
That means they can make a Minecraft world with all of their own ideas and parameters – they can make it rain, freeze the sun as it’s setting, change the difficulty level, flip the game to multiplayer, hide easter eggs, and more. They can invite their friends to play in their world and then change it on the fly.
I love that Server Design 1 challenges kids not just to play, but to create. The course involves engaging activities including:
- Watching videos
- Responding to questions
- Earning badges
- Completing quizzes and challenging assignments
When I told Kora & Logan about the course they couldn’t wait to get started! As soon as the first video started to play I knew they would be hooked. The instructor’s delivery is light-hearted and comical but full of information.
The videos provide step-by-step lessons about what to do and how to do it exactly and kids can replay parts or entire lessons over and over again if they wish. Kids watch the videos then type in the lines of code as instructed and watch their Minecraft server come to life with all of their personal touches.
I was impressed with the Pause feature in the videos. When the kids pause the video, the instructions the teacher is talking about pop up below the video so kids can see each step visually and in simple terms.
I was also very pleased to see how helpful and prompt the support is as well. When Kora & Logan first got started, they had a small issue right in the beginning. We wrote the support team and they got back to us right away with the solution. We haven’t had to use the support again since, but it is wonderful knowing they are there if any other questions pop up.
I also like that through this course the server is completely safe and secure and only friends who your kids whitelist can play.
Here’s Kora & Logan to tell you about their Minecraft Server:
I admit that I was amazed at how many terms they have picked up like “parameters,” “boolean,” and more. I also like that this course has reviews to test their knowledge in a fun way which makes everything stick and becomes easier to recall later. The kids have learned so much in just a short time that we are all excited to see how far this course will take them!
Watch this video from another father and son who have been happy with their Server Design 1 experience as well.
I highly recommend Youth Digital to anyone looking for online tech courses for kids. With a large selection of classes covering App Design, Game Design, 3D Animation, 3D Printing, and more there is something for every child interested in tech. If the kids in your life love Minecraft as much as mine do, Server Digital 1 is a fantastic and fun way for them to learn Java and create their very own Minecraft server. They can invite friends to play, make changes on the fly, be endlessly creative, and learn a lot along the way.
There is a 30 Day, No Risk Money Back Guarantee on every course purchased on Youth Digital. So head on over, sign your kids up, and put them on the path to becoming creators today.
