Every once in awhile a technology comes along that has the potential to cause a profound change in an existing system. Kodu might be that disruptive when it sees widespread use. Video games have become one of the most powerful entertainment systems around, and the intellectual capital invested in solving problems via these games is incredible. What if children started putting all of that intellectual capital to use by creating their own games, instead of passively playing them? They would make the leap from being consumers, to being producers.
Kodu is a new system created by Microsoft Research that can teach programming and logic skills to kids as young as 8 (3rd grade) with a simple visual interface. XBox 360 controllers are used for input, enabling kids to edit and create their own games (it also works on a PC).
Blue Sphere is sponsoring a Kodu project at Explorer Elementary in Kentwood, Michigan. I am volunteering to help with implementing the technology with students and teachers.
There is still a bit of secrecy surrounding Kodu, which is similar to the Sony’s Little Big Planet. Apparently there are only two schools in the US who are getting a first taste of this technology.
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