Check the class schedule at Playful Digital Learning. If you have special needs or want a custom group lesson, Please check our class descriptions and contact us to request a class, date, and time. We generally require at least 2 students per class but can make exceptions.

Playful Digital Learning (PDL)

In this class, students will learn even more about the basics of programming in Minecraft! In order to take this class, students must have taken PDL Coding Level 1.

Students will learn PDL Code, a language created by our company to work seamlessly with Minecraft and introduce the basics of coding. Using core elements from other popular languages such as Java or C++, PDL Code has its own console where students program outside of Minecraft to make things happen on our very own secure server. They can affect the game world or make their character move just by using code.

For example, when students place a block, they can spawn 5 cows. Or, when they begin sneaking, their character will do a dance. Students can even create a code that will build a house for them completely hands-free!

Students are expected to understand the basics of using a computer, including switching between windows and using a mouse. It is also intended for intermediate Minecraft players; they should at least know the basic controls and concepts. However, the only programming knowledge required is that from level 1! We will go more in-depth in this level, including randomness, vectors, and more complicated loops and variables. Each topic has special challenges where the student can create their own programs, such as making a diamond finder.

Only Minecraft Java Edition (not the Bedrock edition) for PC or Mac is supported. It is not compatible with iPads, tablets, phones, or game consoles. For this class, students must purchase the Java Edition of Minecraft for their personal computers; tablets or consoles will not suffice.

In addition to the basics of programming, students in this course will:

 - Use technology to accomplish goals

 - Learn to work in group settings

 - Accomplish goals using programming concepts

 - Problem-solve when bugs arise and learn to handle challenges graciously

 - Practice their math and logic skills

 - Develop an engineering mindset

Learning Goals

 Day 1. Review Level 1 / Locating blocks

 Day 2. Switch Statements / Randomness 

 Day 3. Game Variables / Vectors & Positions 

 Day 4. Boolean Variables / While Loops 

 Day 5. Review Game - Show what you know! Work together to practice all the previous concepts to make various units of code!

PDL is an AZ ESA vendor, and you can pay through ClassWallet.