FAQ
For what ages are the packages designed?
The packages are suitable for children and young people aged 9 to 15. If you are in doubt, try out a demo lesson!
How does CodeCosmos differ from other coding tools and platforms for children?
We offer a unique combination of pedagogically well-founded lessons and extensive expertise (which we have already built up for years with our Coding Academy CodeFever and as Microsoft Global Training Partner). The fun videos, cool games and a continuous storyline all form a coherent whole.
The platform provides additional assets that are incorporated into our lessons in Scratch and Minecraft.
Scratch
The programming tool Scratch was fully integrated into our learning platform so that all exercises can be easily opened and saved from the informative slides in the platform. Together with the University of Ghent, we also developed a digital co-teacher in Scratch who provides children with tailored feedback.
Minecraft Education
For our Minecraft teaching package, we provide pre-programmed worlds and prepared code in MakeCode so that the children can complete attractive tasks that are not too difficult. What they have to do is recorded step by step in our learning platform.
With CodeCosmos, children and young people properly learn computational thinking and coding, which are essential skills for the future!
Which concepts are being taught?
Both teaching packages require no prior knowledge of computational thinking or coding. We focus on the concepts of computational thinking and coding in which we use Minecraft Education or Scratch as a tool.
These concepts are covered in both teaching packages:
- Sequence
- Decomposition
- Pattern recognition
- Functions
- Algorithms
- Loops
- Selections
- Conditions
- Debugging
- Coordinates
Can I become a reseller?
Yes, it is possible to become a distribution partner of CodeCosmos. You will then sell the products we offer through your own channels.
For more information, please send an email to sales@codecosmos.be
How long does it take to complete each course?
Embark on an exciting journey with our missions! Each mission takes about an hour to complete and is packed with fun, hands-on learning. Children can dive into a bundle of thrilling Scratch missions and 8 captivating Minecraft missions. Some missions even include optional extra challenges for kids who want a bit more adventure. Perfect for curious minds, and completely flexible.
Families can move through the missions at their own pace, making the duration as long or as short as they prefer. It’s an adventure that grows with your child’s enthusiasm!
What is the difference between Minecraft and Minecraft Education?
Minecraft Education is the educational version of Minecraft, especially designed for teaching. The integration with a code builder give the possibility to teach teenagers how to code. The extra functionalities of this version allow children to code worlds themselves in Microsoft’s MakeCode. In combination with our learning platform, the concepts of computational thinking and coding are practiced in an appealing way in the Minecraft Education series.
What do I need to do the exercises?
Scratch is fully embedded on our learning platform. This means that nothing needs to be downloaded or installed. This makes saving a piece of cake. The digital co-teacher in the platform automatically gives the children tailor-made feedback. When you purchase a package, you can start immediately!
When you buy a Minecraft Education package, you will need to install the Minecraft Education software.
What is the added value of the lesson package, compared to practising with Scratch?
With 58 million users Scratch is one of the top 20 programming languages in the world and is regarded as the market leader in educational computational thinking for children. We are taking it a step further by integrating Scratch into our learning platform. Throughout the lessons, which are written in comprehensible language, children are introduced to the methodology of computational thinking. The integrated digital teacher, developed in collaboration with Ghent University, checks the written code and provides feedback. These tips help children get back on the right track.
How does the Coach CoDi work?
The digital co-teacher is, in short, an extra checking tool that has been added to the Scratch environment. By clicking on the coach CoDI tab in Scratch the digital co-teacher will automatically check the written code. Based on this check, you can quickly and clearly see what is going well and what can be improved.
What technical requirements are needed to run CodeCosmos?
CodeCosmos is an online platform so you need internet access and the most recent version of Google Chrome. This browser updates automatically so normally you always have the most recent version.
When you purchase the Minecraft Education Edition teaching package, you will also need to install the corresponding software.
You can download it via this link:
https://education.minecraft.net/get-started/download/
Installation Minecraft Education:
Requirements:
- Windows: preferably Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7 also possible
- Mac: macOS High Sierra 10.13 and higher
- Chromebook: Chrome OS 83 and higher
- iPad: iOS 10 and higher
You will download a zipped folder with the name ‘minecraft_education_edition_xxxx’. After you have unzipped it, open the document ‘installation instructions-READ ME’. You will find further instructions there. This information is also mentioned in the first lesson of the Minecraft package.
When you want to install the program right-click on ‘InstallMinecraftEducationEdition’ and select ‘Run as administrator’. Minecraft will then be installed on your computer.
