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Calliope Mini is an educational microcontroller designed to teach students the basics of programming and electronics. Its user-friendly interface and variety of sensors make it a versatile tool for interactive lessons.

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Here on our website you can easily get started with the Calliope mini, we'll show you how. Discover our different editors or take a look at the Calliope projects: You can build your own robots, musical instruments and much more.
We also have a forum: If you have any questions, our community is there for you(and so are we).
The minicomputer for big ideas!

NEW: Calliope mini REV2!

The new Calliope mini is now available in the version 2.0! Calliope mini 2.0 means: we leave everything familiar and proven unchanged, but extend its range of uses many times over. Up to 25 additional programmes can now be stored individually on the Calliope mini - everything else remains the same. Access to the programmes developed in advance with the pupils can now be used in class without having to go to the computer room first. Calliope mini 2.0 comes preloaded with 25 programmes that can be used directly. Further information and an overview of the programmes is available at calliope.cc/en/start.
You can order the new Calliope mini REV2 directly from us on this page!

Learning at home?!

You have the Calliope mini, but you haven't really put it into operation yet? Now is the right time to reactivate it! Visit our "First Steps" page to learn how to connect your Calliope mini correctly and start your first programs.

Are you ready to start your first projects? Then take a look at the "First Steps" page. There you'll find information about our editors and great flashcards to try out with your children - or just by yourself.

First Steps Start Coding

The last weeks and months were different in many areas of your daily life - including the lessons. Now there is the necessity (but also the possibility!) to try out other forms of learning and teaching, alone at home, but still together. Classes are networking and developing methods how - despite all circumstances - teaching units and subjects can take place. We would like to help with this and offer different projects for it.

Homeschooling

If you have urgent questions, something doesn't work out and you need some exchange, we can also be reached by telephone between 11.00 and 13.00 hours (GTM+1). Get in touch with us and we will help you live with your projects: 0049 30 47496212!

But you should also use the Calliope forum to get support directly from us and the community to make your home projects really fun!
Remember, you can always send us a mail to info@calliope.cc.

Our family of editors is growing

The Calliope mini is now also programmable in the Swift Playgrounds app. Create code with the Swift programming language for iOS and the Calliope mini will show you the results immediately. Find the Calliope mini Swift Playground in our editor section - there is also a free teacher guide available.
More about Calliope mini Playground
Calliope forum

For questions about the Calliope mini and its use in class, we have now set up a forum where you can get help as well as help others. You can exchange views on various topics: ideas for teaching, help in dealing with Calliope editors, or general questions about the mini.

First steps - getting started

Do you want to know what you can do with your Calliope mini? On this page, we will show you the first steps, from connecting to your computer to starting your first program.
Getting started

With a little practice and the right program, the Calliope mini can become an instrument, a calculator, a weather station, or a disco ball. We are collecting exciting experiments and lessons, and we are looking forward to many new ideas for personal Calliope projects.
More projects

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Here on our website you can easily get started with the Calliope mini, we'll show you how. Discover our different editors or take a look at the Calliope projects: You can build your own robots, musical instruments and much more. We also have a forum: If you have any questions, our community is there for you(and so are we).

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Lego Mindstorms provide hands-on and playful learning experiences. Students can build and program robots to perform various tasks, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.

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Kids learn best when education is made interactive - and even better when it's creative and fun! You can take playtime to the next level with programmable toys that fulfil exciting different functions. Kids aged 6 to 9 years old and young adults will love learning the basics of coding languages as they assemble, then programme robots to dance, fight and play sport. With a Scratch-based LEGO® MINDSTORMS® app supporting the toys, builders can interact with the toys from their phones, build their own models and share them online on LEGO® Life. These sets are a great next step from the LEGO® BOOST range as girls and boys develop their skills and gain an understanding of how technology and coding work together.

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LEGO® MINDSTORMS® | Invent a Robot | Official LEGO® Shop DE

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Upgrade playtime with cool, programmable robotics that challenge adults and kids alike to use their coding skills to take playtime to the next level

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Ozobot is a miniature robot that can be programmed with color codes and a visual programming language, making it accessible for younger students to explore the basics of coding.

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Ozobot makes desk-friendly coding robots that come with infinite ways to create, learn, and share. Learn more about Ozobot for grades K-12.

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Micro:bit is a tiny programmable computer designed to make learning and teaching easy and fun. It’s perfect for students learning to code and create with technology.

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Lesson resources for teachers

Planning and teaching with the micro:bit

Primary ages 7-11

Complete, editable computing units of work and resources with cross-curricular links for art, science, geography and more, curriculum-linked to England KS2 and Code.org elementary CS Fundamentals.
Search primary lessons
Secondary ages 11-14

Units of work with downloadable, editable resources covering computing fundamentals through to cyber security, cryptography and creative design projects, curriculum-linked to England KS3.
Search secondary lessons

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The BBC micro:bit: the pocket-sized computer transforming digital skills learning.

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Raspberry Pi is a small, affordable computer that students can use to learn programming and electronics. It supports various programming languages and a wide range of projects.

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From industries large and small, to the kitchen table tinkerer, to the classroom coder, we make computing accessible and affordable for everybody.

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Scratch is a free programming language and online community where students can create their own interactive stories, games, and animations. It’s suitable for beginners and helps develop computational thinking.

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Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations.

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Code.org provides a variety of coding resources for all ages, including interactive lessons and professional development courses. Its mission is to expand access to computer science in schools.

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Learn computer science. Change the world.

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Every student in every school deserves the opportunity to study computer science.

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Tynker is a creative computing platform for children. It offers courses and activities in game design, programming, and more, making coding engaging and accessible.

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Over 5,000 Award-Winning Lessons

Tynker empowers over 100 million students and serves over 150,000 schools worldwide.

Mod Minecraft

Make your own skins and experience basic Minecraft modding with Tynker.

Learn Python

Learn to code browser-based games using Python, pen drawing and Turtle graphics.

Explore AI

In this exciting elective course, you'll explore artificial intelligence and machine learning - with JavaScript.

Empower the Next Generation with Tynker -
Unleash Creativity and Innovation in Kids Everywhere

Approved by Educators.
Loved by Kids

Story Based Lessons

Kids learn with block-based coding before transitioning to text-based languages like JavaScript and Python.

Built-in Tutorials

Tynker's interactive lessons break down coding fundamentals as they solve fun puzzles.

Interactive Assessments

Quick practice quizzes and assessment tests evaluate's a child's comprehension of subjects taught.

Explore Curriculum

Why Should Kids
Learn to Code with Tynker?

Because technology is so integrated into virtually every aspect of our lives, learning about it is more important than ever. Our coding platform makes it convenient and fun for kids and teens to gain knowledge that will serve them well throughout their lives. You can count on our trusted methods to help them develop and grow their capabilities with computers.

Tynker isn't just for schools and coding camps, though. Parents who value STEM education and want their children to know how to code should know that our kids programming platform can be used at home, too. Tynker offers a range of coding for kids solutions with icon-coding for pre-readers, block-based coding, and advanced courses in Python, JavaScript, data science, art, and image processing. There are quarterly, yearly and lifetime plans which include access for up to 3 children, and our online classes for all ages are an excellent way for them to gain the supplemental STEM skills needed for their future.

Trusted by Leading Brands

Our methods for learning to code all are provided within a safe, moderated community that is built around encouraging students to gain confidence in their abilities and do so without fear of failure.

Frequently asked questions

Is coding good for kids?

We're living during a high-tech revolution, witnessing life-changing advancements in medicine, environmental conservation, and much more. At the core of all these amazing projects and discoveries is CODE. Code can be the thing that differentiates your child from peers and allows them to stand out as an asset for companies when they are looking for employment. The children who learn to code today will become the creators of the technology tomorrow. Learning how to code can help children make a major contribution to the world that they live in and make a lasting impact.

As kids and teens learn to code, they also build essential skills like critical thinking, logic, and problem-solving. They learn to logically sequence events, create playable games, tell good stories, and model real situations. They also learn computational thinking by developing algorithmic and design thinking abilities. Coding for kids has become an essential element of a child's education and an excellent way to express their creativity and imagination.

How do I start my child coding?

Coding, otherwise known as programming, is a creative activity for all children. Your child might not care about writing data processing algorithms, but they might enjoy creating games, programming music, designing websites, or just playing with code. Learning to code is for everyone; you don't have to be good at math or a "techie" to learn how to code. Kids as young as five can learn to code and pick it up faster than most adults.

When your kids are starting, pick a program like MIT's Scratch or Tynker Junior app. The visual style of these programs makes it easy for young children to learn to code. Scratch and Tynker have a graphical interface that works. Drag-and-drop code blocks snap together. Pieces of code that don\'t make computational sense won't fit together, making syntax errors impossible.

Older children can learn to code with Python by building games, art, music, and more. Some programs like Tynker offer a placement test to set your child on the right track for their age and experience level.

What age is best to introduce coding to kids?

Every child learns at their own pace. They can learn different subjects at varying rates and ways. Experts believe that children should learn coding at an early age. According to MIT, the best age for kids to start learning coding languages such as Scratch Jr or Tynker Jr is from 5 to 7. Many programs allow your children to progress at their own pace or hire an instructor to help them move along.

With Tynker, a placement test will place your child on the correct path based on age and skill level, and Tynker supports children up to age 18 with real-world text languages like Python and JavaScript. Children progress to more difficult coding courses with the support of interactive tutorials and video instructions at their own pace.

Which is the best coding for kids program?

With so many great services available, learning to code has never been easier! For example, Scratch and Tynker provide innovative visual coding languages that make coding fun. Coding is a great way to broaden your child's worldview and develop their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Here are a few coding for kids options to review:

Game-based learning -Game-based platforms such as Tynker and the challenges on Code.org motivate kids to use code to complete game levels.

Independent learning with Scratch -Scratch from MIT is a great way of getting started with code. Although they don't have courses, there's a vibrant community to learn from.

Online courses-Enroll in a Python or JavaScript course on Codecademy or Tynker or learn to code with Processing on Khan Academy. Tynker offers advanced courses like Processing 1, using p5.js to introduce the foundational concepts of art and computer science.

Build an app-Learn to build your own iOS app using Swift. Install the Swift Playgrounds app by Apple.

Use a book-Learn by following along with books like Mission Python, Super Scratch Programming Adventure, or Coding with Minecraft. Tynker has a series of super-informative coding activity books, including Code These Games, Code These Minecraft Mods, and Code This Art.

Why is coding needed?

Coding is the method of giving a computer instructions to perform a specific task. You may also hear coding referred to as software programming or computer programming. These instructions are communicated using a language that computers can understand, like visual blocks, JavaScript and Python.

Coding for kids lays the groundwork for our world's technology, from microprocessors in everyday items like refrigerators and water heaters to sophisticated programs that run our cars and buildings. Learning to code is a great opportunity for children of all ages to develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills, while building the necessary focus and organization to see projects through to completion.

Coding usually begins with drag-and-drop visual programming in which children connect blocks together to make programs. Visual programming teaches the fundamental concepts without typing or syntax by placing the focus on the logic behind the code. Once they've learned the basics, children can transition to real-world programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and C.

From online coding courses and games to offline learning, from in-person coding instruction to live online tutoring, there are endless coding resources available. The best coding platforms and programs like Scratch, Code.org and Tynker give children of all ages and experience levels the ability to code while making the process fun and engaging.

Why should we use Tynker coding for kids?

Tynker is the world's number one coding platform for children ages 5 to 18 for a reason-it works! Tynker powers the creativity of over 100 million students and serves thousands of schools and educators worldwide.

Tynker's award-winning, gamified courses and coding for kids activities encourage kids to complete projects as they have fun, allowing them to progress from novices to experts using languages like Python. Tynker's interactive lessons have built-in tutorials for all ages and skill levels. Our highly-rated mobile app (4.7 stars) lets students take Tynker on the go. Learning how to code with Tynker unlocks and empowers children's creativity, teaching them life-long skills they can use today and into the future.

How do I teach my 7 year old code?

Learning to code is for everyone; you don't have to be good at math or a "techie" to learn how to code. Kids as young as five can learn to code and pick it up faster than most adults. Tynker Junior is a fun, interactive way to spark your kid's interest in coding. Kids (ages 5-7) learn coding basics by connecting picture blocks to move their characters. Tynker's immersive game-like coding courses and interactive lessons with built-in tutorials are perfect for beginners 5+ through experts 18+.

What options are there for coding for teens?

Code.org has a year-long course in Computer Science Principles that introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world.

Tynker has coding for kids courses that align with subject standards like CCSS-ELA, CCSS-Math, NGSS and CS standards such as CSTA, ISTE, CA CS, UK National Curriculum, and several state-level standards like TEKS.

Tynker is recognized by College Board as an endorsed curriculum provider for AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A.

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Coding For Kids, Kids Online Coding Classes & Games | Tynker

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Tynker makes it fun and easy to learn computer programming. Get started today with Tynker's easy-to-learn, visual programming course designed for young learners in 4th through 8th grades.

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Alice is a free, innovative environment that makes it easy to create animations for telling stories, playing interactive games, or sharing videos on the web. It uses a drag-and-drop interface for coding.

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Alice – Tell Stories. Build Games. Learn to Program.

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Alice is used to teach students how to code.

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Blockly is a visual programming language that allows users to create programs by dragging and connecting code blocks. It’s designed to be easy to learn and fun to use.

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Blockly Basics

The Blockly library adds an editor to your app that represents coding concepts as interlocking blocks. Blockly generates simple, syntactically-correct code from the blocks in the editor, which your app can use to run games, control robots, or do anything else your imagination can concieve.

The Blockly library adds an editor to your app that represents coding concepts as interlocking blocks. It outputs syntactically correct code in the programming language of your choice. Custom blocks may be created to connect to your own application.

Blockly is being used by hundreds of projects, most of them educational:

Blockly for Web

Blockly allows web pages to include a visual code editor for any of Blockly's five supported programming languages, or your own. In Blockly Games, pictured here, users can solve a maze using Blockly's editor on the right.

Blockly is...

Pure JavaScript library.

100% client side. No server side dependencies.

Compatible with all major browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, and Edge.

Highly customizable and extensible.

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A JavaScript library for building visual programming editors.

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Visual Studio Code is a powerful, free code editor with built-in support for various programming languages. It offers extensions, debugging tools, and an integrated terminal.

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Visual Studio Code - Code Editing. Redefined

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Visual Studio Code is a code editor redefined and optimized for building and debugging modern web and cloud applications. Visual Studio Code is free and available on your favorite platform - Linux, macOS, and Windows.

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Eclipse is an integrated development environment (IDE) used in computer programming, widely known for Java development. It provides different plugins for various programming languages.

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The Eclipse IDE Working Group is formed to ensure the continued sustainability, integrity, evolution and adoption of the Eclipse IDE suite of products and …

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PyCharm is an IDE specifically designed for Python programming. It provides smart code completion, code inspections, and integrated tools for testing and debugging.

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PyCharm: the Python IDE for Professional Developers by JetBrains

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The Python & Django IDE with intelligent code completion, on-the-fly error checking, quick-fixes, and much more…

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Repl.it is an online IDE that supports over 50 programming languages. It’s excellent for teaching and learning as it allows for easy sharing and collaboration on code projects.

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Skip to content

Build software collaboratively with the power of AI, on any device, without spending a second on setup

Join 20 million software creators building on Replit

Generate, edit, and explain code with Replit AI. Collaborate in our real-time multiplayer editor. Build, test, and deploy directly from the browser.

"Tightly integrated code generation, editing and output - well executed. Sets a high bar for computing education."

"The team at Replit are on fire as always - constantly seeing initiatives like this coming out that make me so excited to get coding and bring new ideas into my workshops and lessons 🔥"

"What Replit is doing in the DevEx space is a truly revolution and it will change how we develop apps."

"Lately, every time I open Replit, something new is added. I can really appreciate Replit when I think of the tremendous development costs I would have incurred if I had to make something like this myself."

"Replit has fulfilled my dreams of making tinkering with my code from my phone both viable and fun."

Code faster with AI

Built right into the editor, Replit AI enables you to debug, autocomplete, and turn natural language into code with one-click.

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Replit: The software creation platform. IDE, AI, and Deployments

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Run code live in your browser. Write and run code in 50+ languages online with Replit, a powerful IDE, compiler, & interpreter.

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NetBeans is an open-source IDE for developing with Java, PHP, and other programming languages. It provides robust project management and debugging tools.

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GitHub is a web-based platform used for version control and collaboration, allowing multiple people to work on projects simultaneously. It’s helpful for learning open-source software development.

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GitHub is where over 100 million developers shape the future of software, together. Contribute to the open source community, manage your Git repositories, review code like a pro, track bugs and features, power your CI/CD and DevOps workflows, and secure code before you commit it.

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Slack is a messaging app for teams that facilitates communication and collaboration. It integrates with various tools and services, making it a central hub for project management.

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Slack is a new way to communicate with your team. It's faster, better organized, and more secure than email.

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Trello is a project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to organize tasks. It’s flexible and easy to use, making it ideal for educators to manage their teaching activities.

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Capture, organize, and tackle your to-dos from anywhere | Trello

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Make the impossible, possible with Trello. The ultimate tool to boost your productivity. Escape the clutter and chaos—stay efficient with Inbox, Boards, and Planner from anywhere, even on mobile.

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Microsoft Teams is a collaboration app that helps teams stay organized and have conversations all in one place. It’s especially useful for remote learning and teaching.

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Video Conferencing, Meetings, Calling | Microsoft Teams

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Working together is easier with Microsoft Teams. Tools and files are always available in one place that's designed to help you connect naturally, stay organized and bring ideas to life.*

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Google Classroom is an online platform that connects teachers and students. It makes creating, distributing, and grading assignments easier while streamlining communication.

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Enrich and personalize learning

Drive student agency with tools that meet students where they are - and build skills for their future.

all editions

Make learning more personal and foster student agency

Amplify instruction with tools that simplify everyday tasks

Boost instructional time with tools purpose-built for teaching, productivity, and collaboration

all editions

Tools designed for seamless teaching

Get creative with hundreds of apps

Hundreds of EdTech apps integrate with Classroom to spark creativity and enable more opportunities for learning.

Operate with solutions designed to gain visibility, insights, and control

Create learning environments that are easier to manage and support educators and students with connected, safer tools.

all editions

A secure, reliable, and extensible platform for school communities of all sizes

Level up your Classroom with apps

Discover a world of apps that seamlessly integrate with Chromebooks and Google Workspace for Education.

How Classroom can make a difference for you

Classroom can be learned in minutes and serves all types of learners and educators, regardless of their tech savviness. Empower educators, and encourage adoption and proficiency with new tools and techniques, with a broad range of resources.

Teachers can immediately set up classes, easily create coursework, distribute it to the whole class, and grade it efficiently and transparently.

Admins have as much control as they need while they access and analyze their data for insights and choose from a range of upgrade options for additional capabilities to fit their specific needs.

Need more information about Classroom?

Bring all of your tools together with Google Workspace for Education

Google Workspace for Education empowers your school community with easy-to-use tools that elevate teaching, learning, collaboration, and productivity - all on one secure platform.

Ready to transform your school?

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Classroom Management Tools & Resources - Google for Education

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Get started with Google Classroom, a central hub for tools and resources designed to help educators manage classrooms and enrich learning experiences.