CodeWizardsHQ is an online programming course. For this review, my 7th grader attended a one-hour live online class. One of the things that separates CodeWizardsHQ from other programming courses is the live class, with real teacher/student interaction. The class my student attended was an intro to HTML. Although CodeWizardsHQ is not specifically for homeschoolers, they do have special options for homeschoolers.
During the class, students were able to make a comic strip story. They were shown which parts of the code controlled the background, the character, and the dialogue, and they were free to create their own story. Several characters and backgrounds were provided in the interface, but the teacher also showed students how they could pull images for characters from google and add them to the program interface.
Since my student has already been studying HTML for the last 8 months, he did not learn anything new about coding during this intro class, however, he really enjoyed it and said it was a lot of fun. He would like to use a class like this to learn more programming. Since this is only one out of four different levels of coding, there is a lot more he can learn from the program. If your student has already spent some time studying computer programming, CodeWizardsHQ has tests for the different modules. Each test is $25 and is credited towards the cost of the class when you join. I will say my students biggest challenge with programming is the lack of feedback when he gets stuck.
I love how the program integrated teaching the technical side of the code with the students own creative ideas. The fact that the student is immediately able to create with their new understanding is very motivating.
CodeWizardHQ teaches real-life coding language instead of educational languages.
Once your student goes through the first three levels of coding wizardry they will be ready to join level four where they will complete projects for non-profits. I can’t think of a better way for a student to show that they are a coder.
I am really excited to find out about this program. It is very comprehensive, well organized, and engaging. If your student makes a mistake, the interface suggests what the mistake may have been and prompts them to go back and fix their code.
In addition to the live class time, the students will be assigned homework, quizzes, and projects.
To find out what other reviewers thought of the class go to the Homeschool Review Crew Blog.
