CodeCombat was launched in 2013 with a mission to make computer science education accessible and engaging through a multiplayer programming game. Founded by Nick Winter, who also founded Skritter, CodeCombat aims to simplify coding logic and syntax to make it enjoyable, particularly for students in K-12 education. Nick Winter's background in educational game development, demonstrated by his previous venture and his book, "The Motivation Hacker," provides a solid foundation for CodeCombat's educational approach. The platform has notably reached thousands of schools and millions of students worldwide, making significant strides in democratizing coding education for all, regardless of gender, race, or background​ (Y Combinator)​​ (CodeCombat Discourse)​​ (CodeCombat)​.

Differentiation: What Makes CodeCombat Special

CodeCombat sets itself apart by integrating learning with gameplay, an approach that not only makes coding less daunting for beginners but also deeply engaging. Unlike traditional coding courses, CodeCombat users learn Python, JavaScript, and other programming languages through interactive problem-solving within the game. This gamification of learning helps to cultivate a native fluency in coding languages, as students apply coding to navigate through challenges and missions, fostering both logical thinking and creativity​ (Y Combinator)​.

How to Get Started

Getting started with CodeCombat is straightforward. New users can sign up on their website and begin playing the coding game almost immediately. The platform is designed to be intuitive, allowing learners to jump right into coding with minimal setup, making it an ideal resource for homeschoolers looking for an engaging, self-paced educational tool.

How It Works

CodeCombat is designed as an open-and-go, largely independent learning tool that requires minimal preparation from parents. The curriculum recommends regular engagement, with sessions ideally spread throughout the week to reinforce learning. Each coding level in the game is structured to progressively introduce new programming concepts and reinforce them through repeated application in various game scenarios. This structure helps students to build a robust understanding of programming fundamentals at their own pace​ (Y Combinator)​.

What Educational Content It Includes

  • Basic to advanced Python and JavaScript

  • HTML and web development basics

  • Logical thinking and problem-solving through code

  • Application of coding skills in game development and web design

  • Interactive challenges that reinforce coding concepts

What’s Good About It

Users particularly appreciate CodeCombat for its interactive and fun approach to learning code. The game-like environment keeps students engaged and motivates them to progress through levels as they would in any other video game. The platform's ability to cater to different skill levels also makes it an excellent tool for personalized learning, where students can advance at their own pace without feeling pressured​ (CodeCombat)​.

What Could Be Improved

While CodeCombat offers a robust platform for learning coding through gaming, some users feel that the transition from game-based coding to real-world programming can be challenging. The platform could benefit from more resources that bridge this gap, providing more direct applications of the skills learned on the platform to real coding projects​ (CodeCombat)​.

Advice from Parents

Parents recommend setting a consistent schedule for CodeCombat activities to maintain engagement and maximize learning. They also suggest supplementing the game-based learning with additional coding projects or external resources to help students apply what they learn in a broader context, thereby enhancing their understanding and retention of coding principles​ (CodeCombat)​.

Who It’s an Ideal Fit For

CodeCombat is ideally suited for students who thrive in interactive, game-based learning environments. It is particularly beneficial for those new to coding, as it reduces the intimidation factor associated with learning a new skill. Students who enjoy video games and problem-solving will find CodeCombat engaging and educational​ (CodeCombat)​.

Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For

It may not be the best fit for students who prefer traditional learning approaches or those who do not find game-based learning appealing. Additionally, learners who are looking for in-depth programming knowledge that includes extensive real-world application might find the game-based approach too limited​ (CodeCombat)​.

Grades

CodeCombat is designed for students age 9 and up (Upper Elementary through High School)

Cost

CodeCombat offers various subscription plans ranging from basic access to premium features, with prices typically ranging from $9.99 to $99 per month.

Ways to Get It

CodeCombat can be accessed directly through their website, where users can sign up for different subscription levels depending on their learning needs and goals.

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Explore More Coding Programs We Recommend

Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.

Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.

I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.

I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.


During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.

I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.

In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.

My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.

My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.

I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.

In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.

And I love to learn!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manisha-snoyer-5042298/
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