Sylvan, Tynker Partner on After-School Coding Classes

Sylvan Learning and Tynker have partnered to offer after-school coding classes at more than 600 sylvan locations.

The Sylvan Edge Coding classes are designed to help students learn to use Tynker's tools and tutorials to build video games, apps, animations and other projects.

"Computer programming empowers children to develop the technical and creative skill set that connects existing ideas with new solutions, approaches and concepts, enhancing their STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) skills in the process," according to a news release. "Tynker's fun and engaging approach has introduced more than 23 million kids to computer programming, giving them 21st Century skills that they can carry into adulthood and enabling them to thrive in an ever-growing digital world."

"Kids easily learned how to use Tynker and enjoyed an exciting sense of accomplishment as they created games that reflected their imagination," said Jason Balli, assistant center director at a Sylvan facility that piloted the courses, in a prepared statement. "The energy and eagerness of the kids increased each day they attended."

"Our partnership with Sylvan means that more students will master the programming skills needed to successfully navigate a technology-filled world and become tomorrow's 'makers', which is at the core of our mission," said Krishna Vedati, Tynker cofounder and CEO, in a prepared statement. "Sylvan's teachers and camp directors across the country are now able to roll out coding after-school programs and camps in a turnkey way, enabling their students in grades 3-8 to learn video game design, app development and more in as little as 6 weeks."

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • AI toolbox containing a wrench, document icon, gears, and a network symbol

    Common Sense Media Releases Free AI Toolkit, AI Readiness & Implementation Guides

    Common Sense Media has developed an AI Toolkit for School Districts, available to educators free of charge, that provides guidelines and resources for implementing AI in education.

  • elementary school building with children outside, overlaid by a glowing data network and transparent graphs

    Toward a Holistic Approach to Data-Informed Decision-Making in Education

    With increasing access to data and powerful analytic tools, the temptation to reduce educational outcomes to mere numbers is strong. However, educational leadership demands a more holistic and thoughtful approach.

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.