Kodu is an interactive, game-making tool that is used to create visual resources! It is free and available to download meaning that it is easily accessible to schools!
The programme allows children to program their very own Kodu and the 3D environment that it is placed within. It also offers numerous aspects of programming as it is object orientated (has a clear focus on the coding of a particular object); children can change the direction of their Kodu’s movement as well as it’s speed for example.
Kodu has many controls, which I personally found difficult to use when first introduced to the software. I would recommend spending some time introducing the children to the programme and allowing them to ‘play around’ with the tools to familiarise themselves before creating their own Kodu world. I would also advise teachers to ensure all children have a clear focus and starting point before creating with Kodu; the tools themselves are complicated enough without being brought down by not have the initial knowledge and inspiration of what to create.
There is an extremely apparent opportunity for cross-curricular teaching and learning when using Kodu; there are hardly any restrictions within the software once the children are imaginative and creative. The diverse spectrum of cross-curricular links is incredible and Kodu will allow ICT to be integrated into many other subjects, for example, having a clear focus on the building of the terrain and linking it to Geography.
Although Kodu may be difficult to use initially, once I had ‘clued-up’ on the tools available I found it a very enjoyable activity. The children will gain an enormous bank of programming terminology and will learn great amounts subconsciously as they have fun creating a game. Kodu also has a big link to the game ‘Minecraft’ which primary school aged children seem to be very familiar with recently; this should be looked at as an advantage as it allows a child’s education to relate to something they enjoy out of school.
Here is an example of a Kodu world:
Take a look at my RE and Computing Blog for more ideas and resources.