Kano kits teach kids the basics of programming and electronics with camera, speaker, and light board kits. All the kits work with one another
(via Kano)
With endless campaigns, programs, and websites dedicated to teaching kids the basics of programming, the concept doesn't seem as wild as it did a few years ago. Every month there seems to be a new program or device hoping to get kids interested in programming. And this month is no different. Kano, a computer company based out of East London, is currently funding its latest kit, which uses different devices to teach the younger generation the basics of programming.
Kano's new project features three different kits that allows kids to learn how to make their own camera, light board, and speakers. Each kit is sold separately and comes with a step by step instruction booklet along with the necessary parts to complete the project. Once the camera or speaker is put together, you can then code it via a series of online challenges and handy guides. Using Kano Code, you can program the camera to flash, change the timer, and build various apps to make it unique.
What is Kano coding? It's the company's own coding that breaks down complex programming concepts and makes them simple to learn. It's a series of challenges, games, and lessons to learn about the basics. Once you get the hang of it, you can move onto to actual coding languages, like Javascript. The more better you get at it, the more challenges, games, and badges you unlock. You can then take what you've learned and create your own apps. Or you can check out the apps made by others in the Kano community.
The speaker is a similar kit, but perhaps the most intriguing is the light board aka the pixel kit. This kit introduces the basic of electronics to kids. With this, you can add features to the board, like buttons, joy sticks, a case, and battery. You can even add a tilt sensor and play community created motion based games. As the name suggests, the lights embedded in the board also lets you make innovative and cool pixel art to share with the Kano community.
Though Kano offers these different kits, they didn't want to limit kid's imagination. To encourage you to think outside box, all the kits work together. Mix different parts from the various devices to create a unique device. The process is made simple since everything snaps together like Lego bricks. Each of the kits starts out at $99 and it's not just for kids. Whether you want to teach your little ones or have fun creating your own camera, Kano wants to make programming accessible.
Kano takes concepts that are complex and tries to simplify them. It's a cool, innovative idea but these are kids we're talking about. They're known to be notoriously fickle when it comes to toys like these. Kano's high priced kits run the risk of being entertaining for a while and then collecting dust on the shelves. If you're looking to get one for your kid, just make sure it's something they actually want to do instead of hopping on this programming trend.