Question 1

What is TechKnowHow's teaching philosophy?

Answer

TechKnowHow classes are designed so that students can learn technology skills while engaged in interesting hands-on projects. Our goal is to have students learn how to do some amazing things with technology—all in a supportive and fun atmosphere.

Question 2

What is the camper-teacher ratio?

Answer

The camper-teacher ratio for our camps is 10:1.

Question 3

What types of students are the classes designed for?

Answer

If a student has a strong interest in the class content, there is a very strong likelihood that he/she will enjoy the class, regardless of his/her experience with specific technology (computers, LEGO® elements, etc.). We have found that interest, and not prior experience, is the key ingredient in ensuring a meaningful experience in our classes.

Question 4

Will there be adult supervision throughout the day?

Answer

Yes! Our staff supervise the students throughout the day, both in class, as well as during the recess and lunch breaks.

Question 5

Does each student have their own Computer/LEGO® components/building kit to work with?

Answer

For all camps, students receive their own building kits and computers to work on their projects. In two camps, there is an element in the camp where students may team up. In Robot Adventure, students work to program movemnents for robot mouse®. In Radical Robots, with EV3 elements and Sphero® SPRK, there is a portion of the class where students work as a team to program.

Question 6

Do students have any time for outdoor recreation?

Answer

Yes, we have a 20 minute recess break in the morning and another in the afternoon. During these times, students and staff go outside to eat snacks and participate in different recreation activities. In addition, if the student is staying full day, there is a half-hour lunch recess between classes.

Question 7

Do you serve lunch or a snack?

Answer

No, please have each camper bring his/her own lunch, snacks and beverages.

Question 8

Is there extended care supervision available?

Answer

Yes, the majority of our locations offer morning and afternoon extended care. Please visit the locations pages or check the daily schedule of each camp to determine if extended day hours are available.

Question 9

What types of computers do students work with?

Answer

The students work with Windows-PC laptops, except in select classes where we also use Apple iPad®s.

Question 10

Do students get to take home their computer work?

Answer

Yes, students take home the majority of their computer projects on a USB drive.

Question 11

Do students get to take home their building projects?

Answer

Since we use our LEGO® & K'NEX® elements and electronics supplies in classes throughout the year, students do not take home the projects that they build in class. We can provide a list of affordable suppliers for parts, though, if your son/daughter wants to get pieces/kits used in our classes. Also, students in the camps for ages 5-9 do take home a camp t-shirt and some classes get a mini LEGO® building kit as well!

Question 12

Who are the instructors?

Answer

All of our instructors are individuals who have a great interest and ability in teaching technology to students in an exciting way. Some are current school teachers or are involved in university programs, pursuing teaching credentials or secondary degrees in education or educational technology. Others are college students pursuing degrees in computer science. Many instructors have taught classes with us in previous summers and/or assist in developing curriculum during the school year. Each instructor is trained in teaching specific lessons involving the software and technology products in the courses. In addition, all instructors go through a criminal history background check through the California Department of Justice. To view a sample of instructors, click here.

Question 13

What about the age ranges...will my child be too young or old compared to the rest of the class?

Answer

Our camper age ranges are determined based on our many years of experience as well as project testing with students. If your child falls in the suggested age or grade range and has interest in the topic, there is a strong likelihood that he/she will enjoy the camp. If your child is turning the correct age for a specific camp by September just following the summer, you may register your camper without requesting an age exemption request. Anyone who is too young for the camp and whose birthday is after September would not be a good fit for the camp due to the class content and age of other students. It is best to wait a year and/or enroll in a camp which fits the students' age. Furthermore, since most classes have multiple instructors, we may arrange the seating of students so that the students are grouped by age. In this way, one or more instructors will work with the younger students, while another works with the older ones in the class. The base projects, lessons and software used in a class are the same for all students; the older students' work, on average, may have more details, enhancements, and extras. You can call us to get the current mix of students by age in a specific class.

Question 14

Are TechKnowHow® camps suitable for girls?

Answer

Yes, our camps are designed to be fun and educational for both boys and girls! The number of girls attending our camps has been growing each year, and we find that those enrolled have a great time and enjoy working on the featured projects. If you wish to find out the current mix of students by gender in a specific class, please give us a call. Also, we offer two ALL girl camps called Tech Camp for Girls, one for ages 7-9 and another for 10-14.

Question 15

Can I switch my child from one class to another?

Answer

Yes, please contact us at (650) 638-0500.

Question 16

Will friends be together if they both sign up for the same class?

Answer

Yes, when registering online, please let us know if you wish students to be together, and we will ensure that they are in the same class and room.

Question 17

Will I receive any confirmation after registering for camp?

Answer

Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email of your child’s enrollment. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please check your junk mail folder and add us to your "Safe List." You will also receive a reminder email 2-3 weeks before the camp start date with all camp details. Please feel free to contact us at any time if you do not receive these emails, or if you have any questions about camp.

Question 18

What does it mean to be waitlisted?

Answer

Being waitlisted means your child is on a list to possibly get a spot in the desired camp. In order to get from the waitlist into the camp, an enrolled student must transfer out or cancel their registration. If a spot becomes available, we will contact you via phone. We do not increase the number of spots in a class due to a waitlist, since we want to maintain a camper-teacher ratio that is best for learning.

Question 19

What is the transfer and cancellation policy?

Answer

Due to the Covid-19 situation and uncertainties related to it, here is our transfer and cancellation policy for Summer 2020: YOU CAN MAKE UNLIMITED CHANGES—with no fees. Please request the transfer at least 3 days before your online session, and at least 7 days before the start of your on-campus session. CANCELLATION OPTIONS: If you cancel your enrollment, you can choose to receive a credit voucher for your full amount paid to date (fully transferable to family or friends, never expires). Please let us know as much in advance as possible, to allow others to enroll. CAMPUS CANCELLATION: As of now, we hope to run the majority of our on-campus summer programs. However, we are aware that some locations may need to be cancelled or delayed. If there is a campus postponement, you will be automatically rescheduled for an online camp to make sure your child’s online seat is secured. Given the lower cost of our online programs, you will receive a credit voucher for any remaining balance (fully transferable to family or friends, never expires). If you need different arrangements, you’ll have the option to choose other dates or request a credit voucher for your full amount paid to date.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions