ACTC Offers Summer Youth Computer Camps

Whats in a game? Ashland Community and Technical College is offering video design and programming classes this summer to help youth develop problem solving skills in activities they enjoy.

According to research reported in U.S. News amp; World Report, video games can build brain power. The process of creating video games helps builds problem solving skills through the process of overcoming obstacles and developing strategies to succeed. Many games are like puzzles, and players must develop critical thinking skills that can be utilized later in a science or logic class.

The fun and games have a purpose. ACTC hands-on camp classes encourage development of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills. These classes can lead to an interest in the computer related career fields which will grow up to 30% by 2020 with a median salary range of around $75,000.

The classes also encourage creativity in finding alternative ways to accomplish a task and teamwork in working with collaborative games. These skills will be useful in school and later in life.

Classes for ages eight to 14 are offered in LEGO, Minecraft, Video Game Design and Computer Apps. Classes are held at the College Drive Campus in Ashland, and each 15 hour class is $135 including materials.

Advanced registration is required through ACTC Workforce Solutions, email; as_workforce@kctcs.edu or call 606.326.2072 or 606.326.2130. For online registration, go to www. ashland.kctcs.edu/Workforce_Solutions.

LEGO Video Games is June 22 to 26. Students will create their own LEGO universe, characters, and adventures in an interactive 2-D Video Game. At the end of the program, every student will have a finished LEGO Video Game that can be shared at home through a password protected website. Games are only compatible on PC computers; Mac versions can be created after the program for a $15 conversion fee. Classes are 9 a.m.-noon for ages 8-11, and 1:00- 4:00 p.m. for ages 12-14.

LEGO Youniverse -Make Your Own Adventure is July 20 to 24. In this LEGO adventure, you are the star! Pick your favorite LEGO genre or create an alternate universe to create a digital illustrated story. Whether you want to fight alongside Batman, be part of a Ninjago clan, hang with Ninja Turtles, or go into space with Bionicle, the only requirement is to put yourself in the story. All students will end the class with a digital comic book that can be shared at home on a password protected website. Classes are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for ages 12-14 and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for ages 8-11.

Minecraft Designers is June 22 to 26. If you love the game Minecraft, but always wanted to design your own characters and buildings for your games this class is for you. Learn the basics of creating 3-D models using new software to design your very own objects, create skins for characters, and import them into your favorite Minecraft games. Parent email address is required to use 3D modeling software. Classes are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for ages 12-14 and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for ages 8-11.

Minecraft Modders is July 6 to 10. Use your favorite game to learn the basics of modding and foundations of programming. Learn scripting and logic statements as you create your first mod. Introductory coding will also be taught through a simulated environment inspired by Minecraft. Classes are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for ages 8-11 and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for ages 12-14.

Note on Minecraft classes: students can access their project at home if they have their own PC/MAC version of Minecraft. Tablet, phone, and game console versions of Minecraft are not compatible.

Make Your First 3D Video Game is held June 29 to July 3. Go beyond the limitations of the traditional 2-D game design classes. In this class, you'll learn the physics behind 3D games, explore beginner event scripting, work on level design, learn to control flow of gameplay, and develop storytelling skills. Student-created games will be available on a password protected website to share at home. Classes are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for ages 8-11 and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for ages 12-14.

Video Game Animation is held July 20 to 24. Take your game design to the next level by creating and animating your own character sprites, objects and backgrounds. Start with a name, develop the characters personality, signature moves, special powers and a story line. Finish with a fully-animated character to be used in future games. No experience in game design, animation, or sketching is needed. Student-created animations will be available on a password protected website to share at home. Games are only compatible on PC computers. MAC versions can be created after the program for a $15 conversion fee. Classes are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for ages 8-11, and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for ages 12-14.

App Adventures: The Next Level is July 6 to 10. Continue your quest to make the next viral app! Whether you want to move past the basic techniques learned in App Attack or want to jump right in, we are ready for you! All students will choose from a selection of different mobile app types and explore more in depth programming concepts. Student created apps will be accessible on a private site and can be played on any mobile device or computer. No prior experience is necessary and students do not need to own a smart phone or tablet to take the class. Classes are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for ages 12-14 and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for ages 8-11.

App Attack is July 13 to 17. Take the first steps into the world of mobile app design and customize your own game app! Using a specialized app and game development tool, students will explore the world of web-based apps. In addition to learning the basics of mobile app design and game development, you will also see firsthand how the world of App publishing functions. Student-created apps will be accessible on a private site and can be played on any mobile device or computer. No prior experience is necessary and students do not need to have a smartphone or tablet. Classes are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for ages12-14 and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for ages 8-11.

Code Breakers is held July 13 to 17. Future coders, programmers, and designers will learn the basics of coding languages like HTML, Javascript, and CSS through a series of web projects and design challenges. Whether you want to be the next Mark Zuckerburg, one of the founders of Facebook, or the high school student who just made $1 million dollars for programming in his bedroom, this course will help you begin your journey. Projects will be available on a website to share at home. Classes are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for ages 8-11 and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for ages 12-14.