Connected Camps is self described as a, “global online community where kids build, code, play and learn from one another.” This venture primarily uses Minecraft as a way to help enhance and teach coding skills to children between the ages of 8 and 15. Children are learning from experts in the field and are in a monitored online environment. Connected Camps can be a tool used by both parents and teachers to help improve coding and teamwork skills. The basis of their products are online coding classes, with mentorship opportunities. This is what sets Connected Camps apart from other online or group coding is that it is truly a global experience where the learner can attend camp from anywhere. There is also the availability of camps and special classes that align with major school holidays.
There are three co-founders;
Mimi Ito, Ph.D. – Co-founder and CEO
- Professor in Residence and MacArthur Foundation Chair in Digital Media and Learning at UC Irvine.
- Research Director of the Digital Media and Learning Research Hub, and Chair of the Connected learning Research Network
Katie Salen, Co-founder and Chief Designer
- Game designer and educator
- Professor in the School of Computing and Digital Media at DePaul University
- Founding Executive Director of Institute of Play, and led the team that founded Quest to Learn in New York City
Tara Tiger Brown, Co-Founder and Board Member
- Technologist and entrepreneur
- Co-founded LA Makerspace
- Technology Director at the Digital Media and Learning Research Hib
- Artist in Residence at MuseumsQuartier in Vienna
- Hacker-in-Residence at Sparkfun Electronics
In addition to the founders, there are two additional board members (Barak Berkowitz, and Joichi Ito) who also are involved in the development, implementation and spread of Connected Camps. There is also a team in place, who have extensive educational backgrounds from top schools as well as real world practical experience in a variety of fields. This diverse group of skill sets will help enable Connected Camps to become a leader in online coding education. There are specialists that range from the technical aspects to the curriculum aspects to community outreach and management.
Additionally, there is a focus on the Councilors of Connected Camps. Many of the councillors are university students who continue to focus on research and development of Connected Camps and the reach of the camps. These students can be viewed as vital team members who run and help expand the daily network of Connected Camps.
Connected Camps also has many partners, giving increased legitimacy and success to the project. Some of the major partners include; Connected Learning, Microsoft Research, Educator Innovator. There are also many affiliates, with notables such as; Digital Youth Network, Global Kids, Los Angeles Public Library.
https://connectedcamps.com
