Of all the reviews I’ve done, this is the only one that I have procrastinated to the point of having to request an extension from the powers that be. Mercifully, they allowed me a few more weeks, just enough to let my husband sit and work with my son while we were home over Christmas. I’m still writing the review, and I’ve sat with them while they worked. Most of this review, however, is based on my husband's experience, not mine.
Tektoma Tutorials are designed to teach children to make their own computer games using a free version of Gamemaker. The founders of the company also offer live camps in his area in computer programming.
This product has been a hit in our home! Nathanael has created an arcade-style game he’s titled Dragon Death. My husband was very impressed with the tutorials. “They were easy to use, to pause and do the work and then restart. They were also formatted well.” He found them clear and precise. In the past he’s worked informally with database programming. He feels the commands used in these programs are good preparation for Nathanael. He’ll have some familiarity with programming terms which will only help him in the future. He’s already helped his younger sister create a simple game with a hummingbird “capturing” flowers before a bee can get them.
Although I may try to fight it, Nathanael is in love with computers. Knowing how they work and how to program them will only prepare him for whatever God may have for him. He and a friend are already scheming how to save up enough money to buy a year’s subscription and work on games together.
At Tektoma’s site you can sign up for a 14 day free trial and view the range of tutorials available. A month’s subscription is $14.95 and a year is $140.
