An after-school technology program is giving kids an opportunity to learn more about coding languages and artificial intelligence (AI) while opening doors to future careers. Code Ninjas is a coding academy where kids between five and 14 can learn the ins and outs about developing their ideas in a technological space. It emphasizes soft skills including problem solving and creativity while building video games. • The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App Edwin Pau, the owner of Code Ninjas North Edmonton, said the program explores STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) topics and sheds light on the emerging technologies which kids are seeing everyday. “(AI is) all around us today – I think it’s increasingly more important that kids start learning it at a younger age to understand what artificial intelligence is, what it can and can’t do, and also how to use it safely and incorporate it into their learning journey,” Pau told CTV News Edmonton on Tuesday. “Aside from just learning how to code, we also focus on robotics. We also have a focus on 3D modeling and printing. So mostly everything that is technology related – and it’s perfect for tech loving kids … our main thing is learning how to code by building the video games,” Pau added. As the name suggests, Code Ninjas uses similar systems that a martial arts dojo would use, including a belt system, having senseis teach student ninjas, and even calling the classroom a “dojo” as well. Pau said using the belt system helps students build their skills even further. “By the time a ninja finishes black belt, they should have the confidence, as well as the technical skills to build a video from scratch, and even to the point of putting it up on an app store for people to purchase and enjoy,” he said. “Coding is simply about learning logic and critical thinking and solving problems step by step … When kids come in here with just an idea of making a game, they can turn it into something that family and friends can enjoy.” Amna Ihsan, one of the Code Ninja senseis, said coding wasn’t readily available to her growing up. Now, she’s in her last year of computer science at the University of Alberta. “I didn’t know a lot about computer science or engineering. I think that’s something I only thought about when I was in high school when I was figuring out my career,” Ihsan said. “I think it’s important that kids know (about) different career paths and different hobbies besides the normal ones, like soccer and art. A lot of the time, a lot of kids have interest in games and like things like that, and that can translate into hobbies and coding as well,” she added. She said one of the more rewarding parts of her job as a sensei is testing out the games’ complexities and being humbled by not beating a student’s game. Code Ninjas has eight locations in Edmonton. For more information, or to sign up for a class, visit the Code Ninjas website. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Miriam Valdes-Carletti
