Jennifer Lam’s Creative Approach to Teaching Technology Sparks Passion, Play, and Possibility for the Next Generation
The Edmonton Research Park (ERP) is a bustling hub of innovation, home to agriculture technology companies, nanotech pioneers, and renewable energy innovators, among many others. However, the park is more than just a centre for technological advancement—it’s also a place where educators and forward-thinkers are shaping the future for younger generations. Among these inspiring figures is Jennifer Lam, a passionate educator and the founder and CEO of Discover Coding, located in the Advanced Technology Centre (ATC).
Jennifer Lam is on a mission to empower kids with the skills they need to thrive in a technology-driven world. She believes that coding is not only a technical skill but also a creative tool that allows children to transform from passive consumers of technology into active creators. Her approach starts with meeting kids where they are—by exploring the games they already know and love, like Minecraft and Roblox. By breaking down the computer science frameworks behind these popular games, Lam inspires young minds to see coding as a gateway to limitless creativity. “Once you demystify these games, you spark that interest in creation,” says Lam. “And that’s one of our primary goals at Discover Coding.”
“We focus on creativity, a willingness to try and fail, and teamwork.”
“We see ourselves as a small but vital cog in Alberta’s technology ecosystem,” Lam explains. “Our aim is to spark a passion for technology and coding in kids and show them how it can be used to improve the world.” This vision is backed by a solid educational philosophy rooted in the principles of Mitchel Resnick’s “Four P’s of Creative Learning”: Projects, Peers, Passion, and Play. Lam emphasizes that Play is an integral part of the learning process. “Being playful and tinkering with technology is part of how we teach and how kids learn best.”
Discover Coding brings this philosophy to life through hackathons, coding competitions, and interactive projects that are as fun as they are educational. The team fosters a growth mindset, encouraging students to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and collaborate with their peers. “We focus on creativity, a willingness to try and fail, and teamwork,” says Lam. Students also learn the history of computer science, grounding their skills in a deeper understanding of the field.
The curriculum at Discover Coding is as diverse as it is dynamic. Kids learn how to code websites, design apps, create 3D models, and experiment with graphic design. They even delve into the hardware side of things, taking apart and examining computer components to understand how technology works from the ground up. Minecraft, with its versatile in-game mechanics, becomes a powerful tool for teaching complex coding concepts in a way that feels intuitive and engaging. With over sixty classrooms and learning spaces actively participating, Discover Coding extends its impact by equipping schools and teachers with valuable resources and support.
For Jennifer Lam, the journey into computer science started with a love for problem-solving, and that’s exactly what she aims to instill in her students. “I fell in love with the problem-solving skills of computer sciences,” she says, “and I want my students to fall in love with it too.” Looking ahead, Lam is excited about expanding Discover Coding’s offerings. “We hope to introduce more advanced classes at the Advanced Technology Centre,” she shares enthusiastically. “It’s the perfect setting to host more hackathons, teach advanced text-based programming languages, and build a thriving community.”
With its strong foundation in creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology, Discover Coding is paving the way for a new generation of tech-savvy problem solvers ready to shape the future.