Why I'm writing about Flock XR

After writing about technology for kids for many years, I used that experience plus my industry and education experience to develop Flock XR, a 3D creation tool for young people aged 7-14+. That’s why things have been quiet around here. I’ve been busy building a tool and everything that goes with that, along with my co-founders at Flip Computing. 

Animation of the three creators of Flock XR created in Flock XR!

What is Flock XR?

Flock XR is a next-gen 3D creative coding app that provides a combination of visual tools and block-based coding. It runs in a web browser on computers, chromebooks, tablets and even mobile phones. It has been designed to appeal to everyone but particularly creatives and girls who often get put off computing even though they would love creating with technology. It’s free. You can try it out at flockxr.com. 

Flock XR is based on Blockly like Scratch and MakeCode which means it's really familiar to young people and educators. In the past I've tried really hard to make Python engaging for young people, but professional games engines offer graphical tools and amazing effects, why shouldn't kids have access to that kind of creativity?

The UK Games Fund, NLnet and MITIH helped us to get to a first release. Flock XR was a Bett EdTech Finalist in 2025 which is a huge deal for such a small team. 

Why do we need Flock XR?

I know everyone is talking about AI, and so am I to be fair! But it’s not the only technology of the future. I’ve been increasingly interested in spatial computing &emdash; linking the physical and digital world &emdash; and how it will affect the way we interact with technology in everyday life and work. 

Much of the technology used in spatial computing comes out of the games industry including 3D games engines. Many young people have a lot of experience in 3D worlds which readily translates to the classroom or home school environment. If we build on that knowledge throughout primary and secondary school then young people will have a solid foundation to move to professional tools when they are ready or just have a deeper understanding of the tech world around them. 

What is the XR? eXtended Reality

The XR stands for eXtended Reality which is a broad term covering a range of ways to connect the physical and digital worlds. It includes VR headsets (you can view Flock XR worlds on a VR headset, more features coming soon!). You can connect a BBC micro:bit or a games controller. You can use the camera on your computer or phone to create augmented reality experiences. You can create 3D models and export them for 3D printing. And you can use spatial audio which is dependent on the position of objects in a 3D worlds. And there's more planned for the future.

You don't need any special tech to get started with Flock XR though. Much of the metaverse has moved to regular computers and phones with VR still thriving in some domains, including training in industry. I think VR is pretty awesome, but it's also pretty need to create an object in Flock XR and then overlay it on the current world and take a photo or video on a phone.

Who is Flock XR for? (Everyone!)

I’m passionate about removing barriers to creating with tech, whether it’s for careers or just for fun. I believe that the world will be a better place if we have more diversity in tech leaders who have so much influence over society and the way we live our lives. 

Flock XR 3D Festival Tent with Block-Based Coding

I’m from a very working class background and made my way into tech through University outreach programs (thanks to the University of Warwick and Queen Mary and Westfield) so I try to give back when I can, including running children’s computer science master class workshops for the Royal Institution. I’m also an advocate for women in tech and was delighted to receive a special ambassador award from Women in Games for my work on Flock XR. 

I’ve been doing a lot of work around accessibility including having a key role in the Google Blockly Accessibility project through consultancy for the micro:bit Educational Foundation. Flock XR has funding from NLnet to add keyboard controls support and we’re looking for funding to fully add screen reader support building on Blockly support and a 3D canvas prototype from University of Sheffield final year student Esther Mbugua.

How does this affect Tech Age Kids?

Flock XR is well aligned with the original mission of Tech Age Kids: to make sure that young people have a positive experience with technology. I don’t currently have time to write on a wide range of topics so I hope readers won’t mind if Flock XR is the focus of the content here when I do get a chance to write. 

I’ve written a blog post introducing Flock XR where you can find out more. 

Dr Tracy Gardner, Co-founder of Tech Age Kids and Flip Computing

You can also find me on LinkedIn