Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question, you might find the answer in our frequently asked questions below.
If not, get in touch, we are happy to help!
What is The Code Lab?
TheCodeLab.ie is an online coding school for children, teaching computer science and coding using fun coding languages designed for children. Check out our About/Our Story page to find out all about us.
Who is Joan McCann?
Joan is the founder of The Code Lab and the main coding instructor. Check out our About/Our Story page to find out more about Joan’s experience in computer science and children’s coding.
What is Coding?
When you want to describe something in English, you use words, grammar, punctuation and rules. Similarly, with computer coding we use a programming language to describe how something should look, and interact. We use this programming language to communicate with the compuer or smart device, to get it to do something for us. There are lots of different types of programming languages out there. Our focus is to teach coding languages designed especially for children to understand and use. Checkout our About/About Us page to find out more.
How do I register my child for a Coding Event?
How does my child do an Online Coding Course with The Code Lab?
- Enroll your child on the course of your choice. They will get an account on thecodelab.ie, where they can access their course.
- Each course contains 5 lessons. These lessons are pre-recorded video’s, which your child can watch and code-along with.
- Each video is approx. 40 to 45 minutes long. There are lots of “Pause Here” points in the videos for children to do the coding section themselves.
- Your child can rewind or rewatch the videos as many times as they wish during the allocated course timeframe.
- Your child can earn badges as they progress through a course, giving them an incentive to keep creating!
- All participants receive a certificate of achievement when they complete the course.
How much does it cost?
Our courses are designed with you in mind. They are a very cost-effective way for your child or your class to learn coding. Courses vary in price, see course descrption for details.
When can I signup for an Online Course?
Some courses are time-specific, so they only run during a certain time period, and others are available at any time. Checkout our Coding At Home page for a list of courses available now, or get in touch and we will be happy to help.
Why Video Lessons?
Through our extensive experience teaching coding to children in-class, in workshops, in live lessons and through video’s, we have found that pre-recorded video lessons work really well for coding at home. Every step is explained verbally and shown on-screen, so they will suit all types of learners.
What device will I need to run The Code Lab Online Coding Courses?
Your child will need the following technology to participate in one of The Code Lab’s online coding courses:
- A Computer, Tablet or Smartphone to watch the course video’s on.
- A Laptop, Desktop computer or Tablet to do their own coding. Check your specific course to see which suits your coding language best.
- Headphones are recommended, as this course contains video lessons with audio.
- Internet Connection – you will need an internet connection so you child can watch the video lessons and code online in Scratch online.
- You may need to Register your Child with the specific coding platform they are learning to code with. For example, if your child’s course is using Scratch, they will need a Scratch Account. Check your specific course to see if you need to register or create an account prior to starting the course.
Is there a limit to how many times I can view each lesson?
Your child will have unlimited access to the lessons in their selected course for 90 Days from the date of purchase.
How long does my child have access to the course?
You have access to the course for 90 days from the day you purchase, unless otherwise stated in the course description. Some of our courses are time-specific, for example there may be a mid-term coding course, available over the school midterm break.
Can my child keep the games or animations they create after the course has ended?
Yes, any games or animations your child creates in their online Scratch account or MakeCode account will be theirs to keep and improve on in the future.
Can I receive a refund after I have enrolled?
Partial refund of fee’s will be considered by TheCodeLab.ie management only in exceptional circumstances. To apply for a refund, please email info@thecodelab.ie with your account details and a detailed description as to why you are requesting a refund.
Is my child a Beginner?
If your child has never done coding before, or has tinkered around with coding but hasn’t spent much time taking lessons, then the Beginners courses would best suit them. Beginners lessons start with an introduction to the coding platform of choice, followed by step-by-step lessons in that language.
Is my child an Improver?
An Improver is a child who has done some coding lessons before, either with The Code Lab or someone else, is familiar with the basics in their coding language of choice. The improver’s coding lessons assume your child can navigate around their coding application of choice, so they move at a slightly faster pace than beginners and cover more complex concepts.
Why Should Children Learn to Code?
Our children are growing up in a digital world where technology is part of their everyday lives. They watch TV on-demand, they search for things online rather than use a dictionary, they communicate through technology using Apps, they play games online with friends. So they are interacting with new technologies every day.
Teaching children how to code opens a whole world of fun and creativity for them, so rather than being users of technology, they can create something themselves! Checkout our About Us page to find out more.
What is Scratch?
Scratch is a coding language and online community where children can program and share interactive media such as stories, games and animations with people from all over the world. Check out our About Us page to find out more.
What is a BBC micro:bit?
The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that introduces you to how software and hardware work together. It has an LED light display, buttons, sensors and many input/output features that, when programmed, let it interact with you and your world. Checkout our About Us Page to find out more.
What is MakeCode Arcade?
MakeCode Arcade is a child-friendly code editor for building Retro Arcade games. These games can be played in a browser and downloaded onto handheld consoles. Checkout our About Us page to find out more.
