Virtual AcadeCoders Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I register for the virtual AcadeCoders?

To register for our virtual camps, please download the registration form and enter your information. The form can be electronically filled using Microsoft Word (docx) or through Adobe Acrobat Reader (pdf). The filled form can be submitted to info@acadecap.org. You will then receive a confirmation email reserving your child’s spot. Due to the current situation, all payments need to be done via Interac e-Transfer.

Interac e-Transfers must be addressed to finance@acadecap.org. A password for the e-Transfer will be provided by administration.

Is there a registration deadline?

We encourage parents to register by June 12, however, we accept campers throughout the summer, space permitting.

What are the virtual camp hours? Is there a weekly schedule?

Virtual camp hours are from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, with snack/lunch and body breaks in between. Here is an example of a tentative schedule. Please note that the activities may vary from week to week, but the hours will remain the same.

 Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9:00 – 9:30 Login, Attendance, Camper & Counsellor Introductions

9:30 – 10:30

Introduction to week, checking if everyone can run their coding environment Review previous day code and implement something new Review previous day code and implement something new Review previous day code and implement something new Review previous day code and finalize weekly project
10:30- 11:00 Snack, break 
11:00 – 12:00  Coding block Coding block Coding block Coding block Finish coding & debugging the weekly project
12:00- 1:00 Lunch, break 
1:00 – 2:00  Wrap up and finish coding for the day,
guided group activity
Wrap up and finish coding for the day,
guided group activity
(1:00 – 1:15) Wrap up and finish coding for the day
(1:15 – 2:00) Jiu-jitsu for Campers & Coders
Wrap up and finish coding for the day,
guided group activity
Project Showcase

 

Once registered, how do we access your virtual camp?

All virtual camp participants will receive an acadecap.org account that will be valid during the summer. The Acadecap.org accounts are powered by Google Education. This Acadecap.org account is needed to securely access the daily Google Meets that will be used to conduct the virtual camps, as well as access resources that will be shared via Acadecap’s Google Drive. Please note that a waiver will be provided to ensure respectful and appropriate use of the platforms and the Acadecap.org account.

How is the virtual AcadeCoders different from your in-person camps? How is it the same?

Virtual AcadeCoders offers your child engaging learning experiences, the same as if we’d be in-person. AcadeCoders offers camper-to-counsellor interaction, live, as if they were in the same classroom. Coders (campers) will receive lessons and instructions from the counsellors and will complete learning activities at home that support their learning. Coders will work synchronously with their peers and counselors. Additional activities will be offered for campers to work asynchronously, and return the next day to share their learning. Coders and counsellors will also engage in virtual activities, such as online chess, to mimic fun, group activities they would otherwise do in an in-person camp.

If the activities are virtual, does this mean my child will be on his/her device all day following rerecorded videos and playing games?

No! Unlike other online programs, our virtual camps benefit from real-time counsellor supervision,mentoring and direction. Counsellors and campers interact in real-time, as though they were all in the same classroom. There are body breaks in between periods, along with a virtual jiu-jitsu class every Wednesday afternoon

What platforms will you be using?

For telelearning (online camp delivery), AcadeCoders will be using Google Education Suite:

  • Gmail
  • Google Meet
  • Google Classroom
  • Google Drive

For the various activities, the following will be used:

  • Processing
  • Python
  • GoDot
  • TinkerCAD
  • NOOBS (Raspberry Pi)
  • Raspbian (Raspberry Pi)

Can I switch programming languages, i.e. do one week of Processing and switch to Python for the next week?

Yes, you can definitely switch, however, it may not be recommended for first-time Coders. It is recommended to stick to one programming language rather than switch around while still a beginner. The main concepts of programming are the same in each language, but like speaking languages, some may have more difficulty than others learning 2 at a time. It is all up to the individual. Everyone though is welcome to try. Switching back to the previous week’s coding language is an option.

What are the device and system requirements for virtual AcadeCoders? Will we need to purchase special equipment or additional components? Will we need to download/purchase programs in advance?

Aside from having a device that can access Google Chrome to use Google Education Suite applications, the minimum system requirements** are the following:

  • Computer with Windows 7 or above or Mac OS
  • 4 GB of RAM
  • Video Card that supports OpenGL 3.3(cross-platform application to render graphics). Note that most graphics cards and some integrated graphics do. You can check if you do here: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000005524/graphics-drivers.html
  • Processing or Python (depending on what program you chose) for weeks 1, 2, 3, 6 and 8. A guide will be sent out on how to install them.
  • Paper and writing tools

**If you are planning to purchase a Raspberry Pi for Week 7, you can certainly use your Pi for the other weeks, except for Weeks 4 & 5.

For Week 7, which involves the Raspberry Pi, Coders will need the following:

Raspberry Pi 4 Model B with a Micro SD Card Pre-loaded with NOOBS, along with additional components. We specifically sourced out this particular kit for purchase: https://www.buyapi.ca/product/raspberry-pi-4b-ultimate-kit/. This unit is currently discounted at BuyaPi. BuyaPi is located in Ottawa, and orders currently take 2-4 days to process due to demand and COVID-19 restrictions. They are currently only shipping orders, so please be aware that there will be delays with Canada Post at this time. Please note BuyaPi will be installing NOOBS on all Ultimate Units (at no additional charge). This will be available on the website starting Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Many thanks again to BuyaPi for accommodating our request!

The Raspberry Pi 4B Ultimate Kit comes with the following:

  • The latest model of Raspberry Pi, the 4B with 1GB RAM
  • Our very own HighPi case for Raspberry Pi 4
  • USB-C Power Supply, 5.1V 3.0A, Black, UL Listed
  • 32 GB Class 10 SanDisk MicroSD Card, blank
  • MicroHDMI to HDMI cable, 1m length
  • USB card reader for microSD cards
  • Aluminum Heatsink for Raspberry Pi 4B (3-Pack)
  • GPIO Interface Board with Ribbon Cable (T-Cobbler Plus)
  • Full-Size Breadboard (830 points)
  • 2 x RGB LED
  • 2 x Red LEDs
  • 2 x Green LEDs
  • 2 x Yellow LEDs
  • 2 x Blue LEDs
  • 2 x Push Button Switches
  • 10 x 220 Ohm Resistors
  • 10 x 10K Ohm Resistors
  • 20 x Male to Male Jumper Wires
  • 20 x Male to Female Jumper Wires

Along with the Raspberry Pi kit, you will also need the following:

  • A monitor that is compatible with an HDMI cable*
  • Keyboard & Mouse*
  • Separate device for the virtual class (via Google Education Suite) *ideally the monitor, keyboard and mouse are separate from the device used to access the virtual class

If we buy a Raspberry Pi, does this mean it will (and can) only be used during the Raspberry Pi Week?

No! That’s the beauty of the Raspberry Pi. It is essentially a tiny computer. You can use the Raspberry Pi to participate in the activities for all the other weeks EXCEPT for Weeks 4 & 5, as more RAM is required to run the 3D modelling program.

How much parental involvement is necessary for the activities?

Parental involvement will only be required if the child requires help in setting up his or her device, including the installation of the required programs/platforms. It would be helpful to have a parent around to aid in troubleshooting hardware issues that may arise. Because Coder and counsellor interaction are real-time during the scheduled activities, counsellors will be available to guide Coders through their activities and will assist in troubleshooting remotely.

What is your instructor to camper ratio for the virtual camps? Doesn’t it get too chaotic if there are many participants?

Our instructor to Coder (camper) ratio for AcadeCamp is 1 to 8. Each group will be separated by the campers choice of coding language during the programming weeks.

Who are your counsellors?

Hello, my name is Ezio, and I am one of the Acadecoders counsellors for the summer. I was an Acadecoders counsellor last summer, and I am currently teaching the ICS2O grade 10 intro to computer science course at Acadecap. I studied Software Engineering at Carleton University for 2 years before changing programs to a Bachelors in Robotics and Automation at Algonquin. I’ve done many hours of volunteering for CodeMyRobot which is a non profit organization that helps bring robotics platforms to teachers and schools.

Hi, I’m Matt and I am one of the Acadecoders counsellors this summer. I was a counsellor last year as well and had such a great time. I couldn’t wait for the summer to roll around again. Last year, I taught a grade 7/8 computer science class at Acadecap. I’m currently going into my 4th year of my Computer Science Degree at Acadia University. Along with programming, I like to make small animations in my free time.