October 2023 Release

In the October 2023 update, we included educator feedback around opportunities for shorter length activities and added curriculum support for codding activities in October. Spooky Manor is the first of these activities that offers a lesson that fits within a classroom session and is accessible for educators and learners. In this text-based Python adventure game, learners explore a haunted manor using Python and a step-by-step tutorial to create their own game, remixing an existing game, or creating a game from scratch.

Be sure to check out our Visual Studio Code livestream where we showcased how Spooky Manor can be used to teach coding skills and concepts in a fun and engaging way. We also demonstrated how Spooky Manor integrates with Visual Studio Code for Education, including our Introduction to Python course.

We also made several accessibility improvements, including updates to the contrast of images and text, and enhancements to keyboard navigation. Additionally, we’ve added new courses and made domains available for educators to use.

But wait, there’s more! We’ve squashed over 70 bugs to ensure a smoother experience. This round of updates includes bug resolutions, enriched educational content, and further enhancements to accessibility, profile management, and assessment tools. We’re eager to hear from you, so don’t hesitate to send us your thoughts via our Give Feedback form!

We extend our deepest gratitude to the extraordinary educators and learners who have contributed to our progress. Your astute feedback and eagle-eyed bug detection have been critical in advancing the experience. Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated!