Microsoft and KidZania encourage creative learning at the ‘Microsoft Innovation Weekend’

To encourage the use of technological tools for creative learning, problem solving and critical thinking, KidZania and Microsoft organized an event at KidZania, Avenues Mall here in Kuwait. Titled as ‘Microsoft Innovation Weekend’, the three-day affair promoted creativity, logic and different skills for children while igniting their interest in future careers in Computer Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Open to children from different age groups, the event comprised of two experience zones; Surface Art Wall, designed to spring digital creativity in young minds through the Surface Pro 4 Devices, and Kodu Cup Zone, for children to use their programming skills and learn how to code.

“The future of technology is heavily reliant on stirring innovation.” said Charles Nahas, General Manager, Microsoft Kuwait. “Through our initiatives like Kodu Cup and versatile devices such as the Surface Pro 4; Microsoft aims to promote smart education, encouraging the Kuwaiti youth of today to utilize their imagination and creativity for technological advancements and drive prosperity within Kuwait”

Children unleashed their creativity in the Surface Art Wall zone where they made drawings using the Surface Pro 4. Being a pressure sensitive detachable tablet, the Surface Pro 4 mimics the traditional sketchpad that lets users draw with ease using various colours and brush strokes with the Surface Pen.

The Kodu Cup zone invited children to learn the basics of coding using the Kodu Game Lab technology. This software enables children to build video games for PC and XBOX through a simple programming language. Uncomplicated coding methods served to teach kids creativity, problem solving, storytelling as well as programming; honing their real-world skills by encouraging them to develop analytical minds.

The zone enabled children to become familiar with coding techniques through Kodu in a fun yet informative way. With no need for prior design or programming experience, the young ones were challenged to develop their own games from scratch, helping them take their first steps in coding using directional commands, creation of imaginary worlds, conditional loops, modelling and simulation - all with the aim of bringing forth bright minds that exemplify the power of innovation.

With such innovative programs, Microsoft is leading the way in sharing knowledge and devising methods to educate youth of Kuwait about the importance and role of information and communication technology (ICT) in a knowledge-based society, through which the young generation can learn using latest innovative devices, enhancing their core skills with smarter learning experiences.

“Innovation is the key to success, and our focus has always been on enabling people realize their full potential through technology. An important part of that commitment is to encourage young minds to innovate by enhancing their skills with engaging technologies, enabling them develop the necessary talent for the new digital world we live in” added Nahas.