Under the GUI Academy - North Vancouver: Coding for Kids — Video Game Design

I enrolled my 9-year-old in the Under the GUI Academy's Video Game Design program in North Vancouver, and overall, it was a great experience. The instructor, Sam, was very enthusiastic and engaged with the kids, which made the sessions lively and fun. My child really enjoyed creating a simple platformer game and loved collaborating with peers to brainstorm ideas. The small group size allowed for personalized attention, which was a real plus. However, I did notice that my child spent quite a bit of time on the computer, which made me wonder if they could incorporate more unplugged activities in future sessions. The pickup process was smooth, and Sam communicated well with parents about the kids' progress and what they were learning each week. I would recommend this program, especially for creative kids, but keep an eye on the screen time.

My son recently completed the Coding for Kids program at Under the GUI Academy in North Vancouver, and overall, it was a solid experience. The instructor, Lily, was really engaged with the kids, fostering a fun environment where they could explore their creativity while learning the basics of game design. My son particularly enjoyed creating his own character and level. The small group size allowed for more personal attention, which I appreciated. However, I did notice there were quite a few screen hours involved, which made me a bit uneasy. While I understand coding requires some screen time, I was hoping for a bit more off-screen activities or discussions about what they were creating. The pickup process was smooth, which was a relief amid the bustling class transition. If your child is creative and enjoys video games, I think this program can be beneficial, but just keep an eye on the screen time aspect.