BUSINESS PROFILE CODE NINJAS®: Creative STEM and Coding Education for kids coming to Pensacola
Source: Jo Dawn Brown
Have you heard about ChatGPT, the artificially intelligent (AI) large language model chatbot developed by OpenAI? If not, chances are you’ve probably chatted with one and didn’t even know it. Many companies are now incorporating these next-generation AI Bots into their communications and processes to keep up with the speed and volume of today’s customers. These AI Bots create human-like text responses generated from very large and advanced language models to deliver its own understanding of the world in many forms. This makes its capability very useful for a wide range of applications. The fact that an AI is able to write on complex and nuanced topics should serve as a wake-up call, the AI revolution is already here. Here’s what it had to say about:
The Future of Work: Why Coding is Essential for your Child’s Success
As the world continues to evolve and technology advances at an unprecedented rate, it is increasingly important for parents to focus their attention and efforts on helping their children learn how to code. The ability to understand and utilize technology will be a crucial skill in the rapidly changing world of the future, and those who possess it will have a significant advantage over those who do not.
Though Florida does have some new standards for our students, there is so much more that is needed to truly prepare the next generation for what technology will be developed next. According to The World Economic Forum, 65% of the children entering primary school in 2017 will have jobs that do not yet exist and for which their education will fail to prepare them for. Problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking are some of the most important skills to have both now and in the future. Creative problem solvers are needed in nearly every industry. By teaching your child to code, you lay the foundation to more advanced technical fields, thereby opening countless doors that otherwise would not be accessible.
Code Ninjas® is the world’s largest and fastest-growing kids coding franchise and it is opening its first location on the Gulf Coast in Pensacola, FL. Code Ninjas® offers a unique educational program geared toward teaching children computer programming through its engaging, game-based curriculum. Working with students ages 5-14, Code Ninjas® capitalizes on kids’ love of technology and play by introducing complex concepts through hands-on learning! Kids are naturally interested in video games and technology. Code Ninjas® provides a place where kids with similar interests can come together and learn to think programmatically. Consequently, developing the tools kids can use no matter what field they go into.
Owner Jo Dawn and Stephen Brown found the Code Ninjas® franchise while living in San Antonio. Their son was extremely interested in electricity, tinkering, and coding from an early age. He immediately fell in love with all that he was learning, the collaboration with peers that had similar interests, and loved working with the Code Senseis® that inspired and motivated him. As parents they loved that he was being exposed to areas of technology in all fields of study and had a place to belong and thrive. The family had such a wonderful experience with Code Ninjas® that they decided to bring this Code Ninjas® mission to the Emerald Coast where they were raised.
We offer STEM programs for kids after school and on the weekends. The JR program for kids aged 5-7 focuses on learning to code through storytelling and game building, hands-on projects, and play. It is completely visual and tactile learning- no reading is required. The Create program which is designed for age 8+ is an exciting learning adventure for tech loving kids. Kids learn to code and have a blast while building awesome video games. They create, learn, and play at their own pace as they gain ninjas skills in coding, robotics, and problem solving in our 9-belt system, starting at white belt and progressing to black belt. Each belt level is designed to teach different technical and programming concepts.
Alongside the exciting JR and Create program, Code Ninjas® offers a full line up of Summer Camps. Some of the camp topics include LEGO® Robotics, Minecraft®, Stop Motion Animation, Microcontrollers, Game Design, and STEM Discoveries. Some of their other programs include a monthly Parents Night Out, a variety of clubs and FIRST® LEGO® League competition teams. Code Ninjas® is also available to partner with local schools for field trips and STEM events. The center is scheduled to open this spring with special Founding Family discounts and Summer Camp 2023 registration begins soon.