Help req: 12 y/o wants to learn AI and Animation

[MadhuIndia]

My D1 is 12 years. She is interested in Math and Science. She wants to learn AI and Animation. Now, she is learning Algebra and Geometry in Khan Academy. 

1. Which part of Math should she focus on?
2. What should be her other area of focus? 
3. Should she start programming now? 

Thanks,
Madhu

[SoCal_Bear]

Are you asking for suggestions for where to learn digital animation and coding?

My favorite for digital animation is https://www.theanimcourse.com/ . My son is only able to find time to do these courses during the summers. The workload is usually about 4 hours per week. It can be more depending on how much time you want to put into refining and improving your weekly project. The grader feedback is individual and excellent.

For coding (my husband is a VP in Silicon Valley tech company - so he is very picky about this), this is the most intentional and thought out class progression/curriculum that we have found. It's not hodge podge or randomly assortment of projects. There are specific goals and a set of skills that students are working towards developing. The parent dashboard is excellent so you can see exactly what is happening. Sessions are recorded as well. The students are given homework. At MS level, that takes maybe 1 hour a week. I love that there are multiple times offered and you can pick up classes seamlessly throughout the year in the progression without missing a beat to fit whatever your schedule and take breaks whenever you need to take breaks. The refund policy is great. 100% up to the 4th week of class. It's online, but the class sizes are small and highly interactive. 

https://www.codewizardshq.com/

[MadhuIndia]

Thanks Calbear. Both your suggestions are interesting. 

We will check out during summer. 

Thanks again

 

[mckittre]

My kid enjoyed the AOPS python programming classes at about that age

[MadhuIndia]

I was thinking programming at early age would make them bored. looks like I am wrong.

So far we used AOPS for Math. I will check AOPS programming classes. 

Thanks mckittre.

[shawthorne44]

I love this group!   Just this morning DD said she'd like to learn Python.   I come here.   That Codewizard thingy looks like just the thing.  

[Sequoia Gifted]

Hi! While a lot of kiddos start with coding, there are also lots of other avenues.  My 14yo is passionate about cyber security but the boy lukewarm on coding. His mentor (a PhD student) assured him he doesn’t need to become a coder to go into cyber security, so instead he has learnt a lot on the free open source Linux boards, then in “studying” via Hack the Box.  Now, he’s spending the summer self-studying for a CompTIA cyber security exam.  
 

We also have several other AL learners who are interested in Ali/machine learning working with a mentor who has his PhD in ML.  They engage in really cool projects that the mentor just facilitates with the kids.  So many options! 

[Malam]

The most basic AI course I could find (https://developers.google.com/machine-learning/crash-course/prereqs-and-prework) requires familiarity with coding in python, algebra (particualrly linear fumctions), and matrix multiplication.  

They could also look at these interactive guides https://pair.withgoogle.com/explorables/ or watch some youtube videos to understand the basics

Edited June 9, 2022 by Malam