Frequently Asked Questions

Talitech is a place where kids learn how to build, invent, and direct technology to make their own ideas real. We combine research-backed instructional design with hands-on project-based learning. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention as kids build real projects using educational software, plus industry-standard tools like Git, Python, and AI. We emphasize computational thinking, creativity, and confidence-building in a supportive environment where struggle is celebrated as part of learning. The curriculum is designed by industry professionals in computer science, data science, and AI that use effective instructional design strategies in every class.

AI increases the value of skills like critical thinking, problem-framing, and directing/reviewing what AI produces. AI can write code quickly, but can get a lot wrong. That's why our students are taught to ask questions like: "How do I approach bias in AI?", "What happens if more users try to access my website?", "How do I define the requirements for my project?", and "How do I ensure security?". Just like calculators didn't eliminate the need for math understanding, AI won't replace the need for computational thinking.

1. AI is a tool, not a replacement for thinking

Think of AI like a powerful assistant who needs clear instructions. Students who understand how code and AI work can:
• Write better prompts that get useful results
• Know how to manage AI spending and avoid wasting AI tokens
• Ensure best practices, scalable solutions, and secure code
• Recognize when AI makes mistakes (and it does pretty often!)
• Debug and modify AI-generated code instead of being stuck when it doesn't work

A student who learns coding can use AI to build things 10x faster. A student who never learns coding is limited by what they can describe to AI (and can't fix it when it breaks).

2. Understanding beats blind trust

In a world where AI touches everything from medical diagnoses to loan applications, we need critical thinkers who understand how algorithms work. Our students learn to ask:
• How was this AI trained? What biases might it have?
• Why did it make this decision?
• When should I trust AI vs. think for myself?

This literacy is becoming as essential as reading and math. Kids and teens need to be informed technology users, not just passive consumers.

3. The best opportunities go to AI-augmented humans

The professionals who'll thrive aren't pure coders OR pure AI users, they're people who combine both.

4. Coding teaches irreplaceable thinking skills

The process of learning to code develops computational thinking skills that apply to ALL aspects of life and careers.

These include:
• Decomposition: Breaking complex problems into steps
• Pattern recognition: Seeing connections and structures
• Debugging: Systematic problem-solving
• Abstraction: Identifying what matters and what doesn't
• Algorithm design: Creating efficient solutions

We don't ban AI or pretend it doesn't exist. Instead, we teach students to use it as a learning amplifier.

Our classes and camps are carefully designed around how kids actually learn at different ages:

Tali Explorers (Ages ~6-8): At this age, kids learn best with visual, hands-on activities and shorter focused tasks. We use block-based coding where they can see their code come to life immediately - a fun and educational way for beginners to explore code and technology.

Tali Builders (Ages ~8-12): This age group is ready for more complex sequences, patterns, and planning. We bridge block-based and text-based coding through game development, giving them confidence before building with traditional programming languages.

Tali Launchers (Ages 12+): Older students can handle abstract thinking, hypotheticals, and longer projects. They're ready for Python programming, AI tools, and launching their ideas. We design challenges that match their ability to think ahead and reason through complex problems.

Not sure which is right for your child? Let us know and we'll help you find the perfect fit!

Technology literacy is as fundamental as reading and math. We teach kids and teens computer science and AI, from their first line of code to building projects they are proud of! Most of our work is personalized one-on-one tutoring, paced to each student, with small group classes alongside it.

Kids who learn to code:
• Think computationally: breaking complex problems into manageable steps (useful for math, science, and life!)
• Create confidently: they become technology creators, not just consumers
• Prepare for any career: nearly every industry values people who can think algorithmically
• Build resilience: debugging teaches that mistakes are opportunities to learn

Whether your child becomes a software engineer or pursues something completely different, these skills give them an advantage.

Think of Scratch as learning piano before composing symphonies. The fundamental skills learned here will transfer over to more advanced coding.

When students transition to text-based languages like Python, they already understand:
• Core logic: Sequences, conditionals (if/then), loops, variables, and functions
• Debugging mindset: How to systematically test and fix problems
• Project planning: Breaking big ideas into smaller, achievable steps
• Computational thinking: Pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithm design

Many professional developers credit early block-based coding in their childhood with making text-based programming feel much less intimidating later. Building games with Scratch helps build confidence because kids create impressive, shareable projects quickly, which motivates them to tackle harder challenges!

In-person: All camps maintain appropriate supervision ratios with instructors who prioritize student wellbeing. Parents are always welcome to stay nearby for any class!

Digital citizenship: We teach responsible online behavior:
• Never share personal information in public project descriptions or comments
• Understand that everything shared online is public and permanent
• Report any uncomfortable interactions to instructors immediately
• Respect others' creative work
• Artificial Intelligence use should not replace thinking for yourself and ethical reasoning

Supervised activities: All computer work happens under instructor supervision. We use age-appropriate tools and stay engaged with what students are building.

Parent partnership: We encourage you to ask your child about their daily projects! Open communication between our team and families helps us address any concerns quickly.

Frustration isn't just expected: it's actually essential to real learning! Our entire approach is designed to help kids develop a healthy relationship with challenge.

Here's how we handle it:
• "Pause, Think, Try Again": We normalize debugging as detective work, not failure
• Productive struggle time: Students get space to problem-solve before we jump in, building resilience
• Peer collaboration: Kids discover that everyone hits roadblocks, and helping each other is powerful
• Celebrating mistakes: We literally celebrate bugs that lead to learning breakthroughs

When a student says "This is impossible!", we respond with "This is hard right now - let's break it into smaller steps." Our small class size means we catch frustration early and provide support before it becomes overwhelming.

Every child finishes camp with working projects they're proud of - proof that they CAN do hard things. That confidence often becomes a child's most valuable takeaway.

Our classes are held in a classroom at one of these locations, always in Bountiful:
• KeyBank Building, 562 S Main Street #110, Bountiful, UT 84010 Enter through the back door of the KeyBank building. We'll be to the left downstairs.
• Builder Studios, 450 S 400 E, Bountiful, UT 84010

Each class will send its location before it starts. Call or text us at (385) 243-0277 if you'd like to confirm before registering. You can also email us at natalia@talitechtutoring.com.

We want TaliTech to be accessible to you and your child. Let us know if you need a payment plan or scholarship options. We accept:
• Secure online payment via Stripe
• Utah Fits All Scholarship funds (we are an approved service provider on the Odyssey Marketplace)
• Children First Education Fund (we are an approved service provider; CFEF administers the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship)
• Elevated Charter School (we are an approved partner and vendor)
• Homeschool Hub of Utah (in partnership with)
• In-person payment (cash or check)

For anything about billing, a receipt, or a payment already made, email billing@talitech.org.

Great! We will meet students exactly where they are, providing scaffolding and encouragement as they develop new skills.

Students work at their own pace with teacher support and can optionally take supplemental work home. Many of our students start with zero coding experience and leave camp excited to keep learning!

Classes are typically grouped by age and skill level to ensure the best learning experience. Students with a season pass are welcome to stay in the Makerspace while their sibling is in class. We also offer sibling discounts.

Passes are one-time prepaid purchases (not subscriptions) that cover a full season of activities. A Season Pass covers 4 class runs plus 4 hours of 1:1 tutoring (which can be scheduled at any time during the season). A Summer Pass covers a full-day camp week and a half-day camp week. A child's age on the roster automatically determines if they participate in the Explorers or Builders track.

Yes. When purchasing multiple seasonal passes (Season Pass or Summer Pass) in a single transaction, the most expensive pass is full price and every subsequent pass gets a 10% discount. A la carte class and camp registrations do not qualify for the sibling discount.

No. Passes are one-time prepaid purchases and do not renew. When a new season or summer approaches, you can purchase a new pass if you wish to continue.

We understand plans change! Here's our policy:
2+ weeks before camp: Full refund
Within 2 weeks: 50% refund or full credit toward future TaliTech programs

If something unexpected comes up, please reach out and we'll work with you. For refunds and anything about a payment, email billing@talitech.org.