Citizen Code Python is a free and educational game designed to introduce young people aged 9 to 17 to computer coding. An original and fun initiative that is part of the Amazon Future Engineer program.
The digital world is exploding and yet companies are finding it increasingly difficult to find the talent they need in web development and programming. The reason: a very stereotypical vision of the profession, and a lack of self-confidence to embark on a seemingly opaque discipline. It is on the basis of this observation that Amazon decided to launch the Amazon Future Engineer program in order to raise awareness among young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and young girls – the environment is far from being equal – to digital opportunities. “Our goal is to manage to initiate as many young people as possible, because many of the challenges we have to face today, whether in the field of health, transport or education, call for digital solutions. “explains Olivia Hayot, program manager Amazon Future Engineer in France in a press release. “Digital technology occupies a growing place in many areas of daily life and mastering the language is becoming both a necessity and an asset for the younger generations. Our objective is to contribute to equal opportunities by enabling them to discover new new perspectives and giving them access to jobs of the future.”
In order to achieve this and reach as many young people as possible, Amazon called on Tralalere – a company that creates digital educational resources that works in partnership with National Education – and the association for teaching programming France IOI to develop the program Citizen Code Python, a free web browser game to learn to code Python, one of the most used and recognized computer languages. The goal is to “enable all young people to position themselves as creators, and not just as consumers, of digital technology”, explains Deborah Elalouf, president and founder of Tralalere. And this is all the more important since the notions of computer programming covered in this game are those of the school program, and will therefore be very useful.
Amazon Future Engineer: raising young people’s awareness of digital professions
To set up the Amazon Future Engineer program, the e-commerce giant relied on a dozen partners recognized for their educational expertise. With their help, he organizes meetings and robotics, coding or artificial intelligence workshops in schools for 6-25 year olds. For example, in elementary school, initiative takes the form of programming the path of a small robot using instructions in order to learn the logic required for coding. From middle school and high school, activities gradually become more complex, ranging from video game coding to Python language, including block programming. The goal is to meet the needs of the students, but also of the teachers. In total, 290,000 students were able to take advantage of this program in France.
Amazon Future Engineer pays particular attention to young girls and helps them project themselves into a sometimes opaque sector by showing them that they are capable of it, that they are legitimate and by giving them more self-confidence. The digital world suffers from a real problem of representation. Many of them imagine a programmer or developer as a geek, alone behind his computer and wearing a hoodie. But it is nothing! Finally, there is a form of self-censorship and, in 2021, only 24 female graduates out of 1,000 were following studies leading to digital professions in Europe. But one of the weak points of Amazon Future Engineer is its limitation in terms of intervention capabilities. Indeed, it is not offered in all regions of France, because the program requires to be done face-to-face, and only those near areas where Amazon and its partners are present can benefit from it. This is why the e-commerce giant sought to develop a solution that would be accessible to everyone, from a permanent contract, a library or even directly at home. This is how it was born the Citizen Code Python project.
Citizen Code Python: learning to code while having fun
Citizen Code Python is a completely free educational game, aimed at 9-17 year olds – but in reality, absolutely anyone can play it –, which only requires the creation of an account to enjoy it. The player/student must develop his own city – by unlocking and improving different districts – by coding the elements that make it up – waterfalls, aquarium… The game is presented in the form of a series divided into several seasons – only the first is available for the moment – themselves divided into several episodes/levels – there are six for season 1. To progress, you must complete the objective in order to move on to the next, and so on. The design is strongly reminiscent of those of Sims 1of the Sims 2 and of Simcity. By accomplishing his objectives, the player earns virtual currency, which he can then spend to improve his city, but also to buy skins in order to personalize his avatar.
For those who find it difficult or afraid to tackle Python directly, Citizen Code Python also offers to learn Blockly first – a block-based coding – in order to acquire the algorithmic logic. Many aids are available so that the player does not get stuck while getting there on his own, to prevent him from becoming discouraged and frustrated at not having found it on his own. The first exercises are quite easy but necessary, because the level thickens quite quickly and can give a hard time even to those who think they know it! In total, there are about 15 hours of training per language to get through Season 1.
At the end, the player receives two non-falsifiable digital Open Badges which attest to the skills acquired and are certified – but not certifying. An Open Badge has the value that companies and schools want to give it. It shows the interest and rigor that the pupil or student has shown, while taking advantage of the aura and legitimacy of Amazon. And afterwards, it is always possible to obtain a certification recognized by the National Education and the State by going through another platform, as the knowledge will already be acquired. In any case, Citizen Code Python always allows you to have a first stone to start building your CV. Note that there is also a version for teachers – where the levels are all directly unlocked, with educational sheets – to help them carry out workshops and initiate their class.