OUR MISSION
Our History
Playful Digital Learning started in the summer of 2017 when Yoonhee Lee, having studied for years the self-driven learning carried out by young video-game players, came up with the idea of starting a learning program that connects literacy education with young learners’ engagement with digital technologies and game play.
She reached out to Jinjing Zhao and Samantha Kirby, two Arizona-based writing teachers and scholars specialized in game-based learning, who volunteered for almost a year to support a program they truly believe in. And so formed Playful Digital Learning, LLC., an education startup specialized in making learning exciting and relevant to children through digital technologies. They strive to inspire creativity, model reflection, and empower students to learn through play.
Check out our virtual camps through Outschool as well! Our online classes provide the same educational value and fun as the in-person classes with the convenience of taking place in your home! From writing and movie-making to coding and history-based classes, students can learn a variety of skills and information to help them excel in their studies. Classes have students working on more intricate projects over the course of a week, allowing them to take home a digital creation. Classes take place at convenient times, making it easy for you to find the best class for your student.
These summer camps teach students to be researchers, builders, creators, and world citizens.
In our PDL coding and programming classes, students can learn to use the computer to make programs and code games with Scratch Jr. or Minecraft. Students will learn PDL Code, a language created by our company to work seamlessly with Minecraft and introduce the basics of coding. Using core elements from other popular languages such as Java or C++, PDL Code has its own console where students program outside of Minecraft to make things happen on our very own secure server. They can affect the game world or make their character move just by using code.
In our Escape Room class, students can learn how to engineer their own escape room using blocks and redstone in Minecraft.
And to be world citizens, students can learn a new language through our Spanish or Chinese lessons.
(Locations: Ahwatukee and Gilbert School District. Class availability varies based on location.)
After-School Programs
The after-school programs condense the camp learning into shorter weekly sessions. The students have plenty of time to become familiar with a single topic over the course of a semester.
In our PDL coding classes, students will learn PDL Code, a language created by our company to work seamlessly with Minecraft and introduce the basics of coding. Using core elements from other popular languages such as Java or C++, PDL Code has its own console where students program outside of Minecraft to make things happen on our very own secure server. They can affect the game world or make their character move just by using code.
In our Escape Room class, students can learn how to engineer their own escape room using blocks and redstone in Minecraft.
In our Design and Building class, take on unique challenges to test your Minecraft building and design skills! You will work either in groups or on your own to create a structure.
(Class availability varies based on location)
Online Classes
Our online classes provide the same educational value and fun as the in-person classes with the convenience of taking place in your home!
We provide various programs on Outschool, including building classes, redstone classes, programming classes, and more. Some classes are a single day, allowing a few hours of fun for students. Other classes have students working on more intricate projects over the course of a week, allowing them to take home a digital creation. Classes take placeat convenient times, making it easy for you to find the best class for your student.
Meet our Staff
Click below to learn a little more about our dedicated teaching staff!