Game demo presentations in our fourth block class took place last Friday. It was an exciting time. Yes, we had some technical difficulties. The speaker phone didn't work and we had to use Mrs. Stalnaker's cell phone, and it wasn't very loud. The internet was slow, but that can be expected at our school (at least it was working). And, I had some problems getting the Elluminate session connected, but Mrs. Stalnaker also took care of that problem. It really was a good thing she was there, or we might not have had the presentations!
The teams had practiced, but were they were clearly still nervous. The material was mostly read from the demo instead of just talked about. And the biggest concern was that the games were "quiz" games and they should not be. Games should be interactive and something that you want to play. There should be scoring and a storyline. Can these be incorporated into the games? Sure, the teams can add additional levels and add drag and drop or shooting animation or a variety of things to make them more interesting to the player while still being educational. This is the task at hand and hopefully the teams will meet the challenge by the end of the semester. It's a lot of work in a short amount of time.
Finally, the animation for most of the games was excellent as was commented on by the listeners. Overall, the students did very well on their presentations and this will help them to prepare for the final presentation that will occur in about a month. Good luck fourth block and also to third period students who are in the process of finishing up their game demos, and they will present them within the next month as well.
Game Design and BCA
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Blog this Snow Away
Again, I say, blog when you are home. Blog when you are bored. Blog when you are listening to music, or watching tv, or talking to friends. It's not that hard to do. You might even get some inspiring thoughts from others.
Your wiki lessons can even be completed when you have snow days. Have you downloaded your trial version of Flash? Now is the time. Make use of this time at home. Many of your progress report grades have fallen from earlier in the year. There is no reason why they can't go back up to what they really should be. Everything you need, your course schedule, the tutorials, your team pages....all of this is on the wiki. What more do you need? Your computer, a cup of hot chocolate maybe and a warm blanket and you are set to go. See you online.
Your wiki lessons can even be completed when you have snow days. Have you downloaded your trial version of Flash? Now is the time. Make use of this time at home. Many of your progress report grades have fallen from earlier in the year. There is no reason why they can't go back up to what they really should be. Everything you need, your course schedule, the tutorials, your team pages....all of this is on the wiki. What more do you need? Your computer, a cup of hot chocolate maybe and a warm blanket and you are set to go. See you online.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Snow Day Blues
Today was our fourth snow day this semester. A snow day may be nice occasionally, but we are really getting behind in our classes. Fourth block managed to get their game demos presented last Friday after over a week of attempting to get them completed. First we had a flood; then we had a winter storm. I'm glad we did get them finished.
It will be difficult to finish the coursework at this rate. I hope that some of the teams are working at home on their games because in finishing the course schedule today, it leaves no room to complete all of the days of work that need to be put in place to complete everything. Third period students are getting behind as well. They are just in a different place in the curriculum. Their demos are scheduled for the second week of January, and there is much to do in all of the teams before they get to that point.
We did have very good presentations overall from fourth block last week. Suggestions were made to the teams, and, if heeded, they will produce some very creative games I think. The animations and game ideas are all very good. There is no doubt about the immense amount of work that is required to complete a game and even a game demo in the game design class. And, I applaud the students who accomplish this task.
Please make good use of the snow days that we have so that you do not find yourself too far behind once we get back to school.
It will be difficult to finish the coursework at this rate. I hope that some of the teams are working at home on their games because in finishing the course schedule today, it leaves no room to complete all of the days of work that need to be put in place to complete everything. Third period students are getting behind as well. They are just in a different place in the curriculum. Their demos are scheduled for the second week of January, and there is much to do in all of the teams before they get to that point.
We did have very good presentations overall from fourth block last week. Suggestions were made to the teams, and, if heeded, they will produce some very creative games I think. The animations and game ideas are all very good. There is no doubt about the immense amount of work that is required to complete a game and even a game demo in the game design class. And, I applaud the students who accomplish this task.
Please make good use of the snow days that we have so that you do not find yourself too far behind once we get back to school.
Monday, December 6, 2010
4th Block Game Demo Presentation Delay
Mother Nature has again forced a delay in our game demo presentations. Last week it was flooding. This week it is a winter storm. It's not hurricane season and we're not on the coast, so maybe we can get back to work soon. Hopefully we will have the presentations scheduled the day we go back to school during fourth block.
As far as the positive aspects of the delay, you may have more time to polish up the game and prepare for the presentation although you probably won't see each other in order to actually practice the presentation itself. Still, you could individually prepare for the presentation. Look over the rubric used for evaluation and the guideline sheet that I gave you.
I would encourage you to move ahead with your game though. We are getting down to the wire and will be at the end of the semester before you know it. You will need to have the game completely finished and be ready for the final presentation of the entire game before the semester ends. Right now you are presenting the first level of game play in the game demo. If you do make changes, make sure you upload the latest copy to your team page so that you are ready for the presentation when we get back to school. That should be tomorrow.
I am proud of the effort and time that you have put into your game demo. Let your presentation show how much you have actually accomplished over the course of the class. You each have strengths that need to be highlighted in the presentation. You know what they are. Be confident and tell the world about it. You've come a long way since August and you're not finished yet!
As far as the positive aspects of the delay, you may have more time to polish up the game and prepare for the presentation although you probably won't see each other in order to actually practice the presentation itself. Still, you could individually prepare for the presentation. Look over the rubric used for evaluation and the guideline sheet that I gave you.
I would encourage you to move ahead with your game though. We are getting down to the wire and will be at the end of the semester before you know it. You will need to have the game completely finished and be ready for the final presentation of the entire game before the semester ends. Right now you are presenting the first level of game play in the game demo. If you do make changes, make sure you upload the latest copy to your team page so that you are ready for the presentation when we get back to school. That should be tomorrow.
I am proud of the effort and time that you have put into your game demo. Let your presentation show how much you have actually accomplished over the course of the class. You each have strengths that need to be highlighted in the presentation. You know what they are. Be confident and tell the world about it. You've come a long way since August and you're not finished yet!
Learning Log
If you got paid or received your grade based only on your learning log, what grade would you receive? That's a scary thought, isn't it?
Learning logs should be updated daily (as you well know). Some learning logs have not been updated (no names mentioned) since 10-27 or early Nov. Is that incredible or what? How can that be you ask? I would like to know as well. How can a person even remember what he/she did in class that long ago? Is there any excuse for this? I think not.
As far as detail in the comments/notes section of the learning log, you should detail what you accomplished or worked on in class that particular day. A direct copy and paste from the course schedule is not really appropriate either for the comments/detail section because you should have more/less to put in the day's work at times. The topic for the day should be what is listed in the course schedule unless for some reason you deviated from it. You can always add to it too.
Now, let's say you were being paid for your learning log this progress report period. How would you rate? Some of you would not make any money because you haven't completed any of the log. Some of you have little detail or you've completed very little of the log.
So, what am I to think about your work in the class if I just visit your site and haven't been in the class every day? Do I think that you are not doing anything? Yes, that is exactly what I would think. Am I far from wrong? Let's see some learning log updates. Let me see some comments.
Learning logs should be updated daily (as you well know). Some learning logs have not been updated (no names mentioned) since 10-27 or early Nov. Is that incredible or what? How can that be you ask? I would like to know as well. How can a person even remember what he/she did in class that long ago? Is there any excuse for this? I think not.
As far as detail in the comments/notes section of the learning log, you should detail what you accomplished or worked on in class that particular day. A direct copy and paste from the course schedule is not really appropriate either for the comments/detail section because you should have more/less to put in the day's work at times. The topic for the day should be what is listed in the course schedule unless for some reason you deviated from it. You can always add to it too.
Now, let's say you were being paid for your learning log this progress report period. How would you rate? Some of you would not make any money because you haven't completed any of the log. Some of you have little detail or you've completed very little of the log.
So, what am I to think about your work in the class if I just visit your site and haven't been in the class every day? Do I think that you are not doing anything? Yes, that is exactly what I would think. Am I far from wrong? Let's see some learning log updates. Let me see some comments.
Blog? Let me Count the Ways-1, 2, 3, and 4!
Blogging is not difficult. Just follow the four steps to blogging success.
Step one: Blog about the assigned material. You have prompts that tell you exactly what to include in your blogs. It's like an English assignment. Just do it. If it is an extra blog, (and these are NOT against the law in case you were wondering about that and had hesitated in doing some because of it) talk about anything you like. Of course it is better if it is related to your class. For example, it could be about the problems you are having with the code or the triumph you've experienced when you worked on something for a couple of days and finally got it to work. It could also be about your group work and how well, or not so well, that is going.
Step two: Keep current with your blog posts. You should be blogging at least once a week; twice is even better. If you want to blog more than that, that's wonderful. Class time is limited, and some of you don't have access to the internet at home or have limited access, so I know that can be a problem. Use your time wisely.
Step three: Comment on other people's blogs. Read other students' blog posts. Make a comment. This is not an option of the course; it is a part of the curriculum.It will give you insight into what other students' are going through. You may find that you are not alone in your trials, and you may even find out a solution to a problem or a new idea to incorporate into your game. Read blogs in your knowlege area but outside of your school so that you can find out what is going on in other schools with other students. Broaden your horizons. You could even meet someone new in a game design class in another state who has similar interests to yours.
Step four: Your blogging grade for the class is amazing because you've completed everything that you're supposed to do! Now, was that hard? Of course it wasn't. Just count to 4 and you've got it. Way to go!
Step one: Blog about the assigned material. You have prompts that tell you exactly what to include in your blogs. It's like an English assignment. Just do it. If it is an extra blog, (and these are NOT against the law in case you were wondering about that and had hesitated in doing some because of it) talk about anything you like. Of course it is better if it is related to your class. For example, it could be about the problems you are having with the code or the triumph you've experienced when you worked on something for a couple of days and finally got it to work. It could also be about your group work and how well, or not so well, that is going.
Step two: Keep current with your blog posts. You should be blogging at least once a week; twice is even better. If you want to blog more than that, that's wonderful. Class time is limited, and some of you don't have access to the internet at home or have limited access, so I know that can be a problem. Use your time wisely.
Step three: Comment on other people's blogs. Read other students' blog posts. Make a comment. This is not an option of the course; it is a part of the curriculum.It will give you insight into what other students' are going through. You may find that you are not alone in your trials, and you may even find out a solution to a problem or a new idea to incorporate into your game. Read blogs in your knowlege area but outside of your school so that you can find out what is going on in other schools with other students. Broaden your horizons. You could even meet someone new in a game design class in another state who has similar interests to yours.
Step four: Your blogging grade for the class is amazing because you've completed everything that you're supposed to do! Now, was that hard? Of course it wasn't. Just count to 4 and you've got it. Way to go!
Blogs? Learning Log Updates? Project Page Updates? What?
I realize that in West Virginia hunting is a sport that many people enjoy, and it is that time of year that deer have to fear for their lives for hunters are in the woods looking for them. But, I have been "hunting" for my students' blogs and they are missing--no where to be found in some cases. I don't understand.
It is common knowledge in our game design classes that we blog once a week or more if we so choose, and we have a blog assigned at the end of every lesson on the wiki. It is listed on the course schedule, and that is displayed on the wiki for each class, the first thing that you should look for each day in class. Plus, we discuss what needs to be completed often--if not on a daily basis.
Could it be that you are not following through with the lessons on the wiki and completing the blogs? Could it be that you are not completing the lessons on the wiki? How are you completing the demos and writing the action script? I know that we had this discussion at the beginning of last week, and at other times prior to this, but you cannot successfully complete the course in this manner.
There is a sequence to the course. There is a reason for it. It is not to make your life miserable or to make the class more difficult for you. It will make things easier and your game development will go much more smoothly. All of the course components have value and have a reason for being. You can't pick and choose for your own taste. This is not a buffet style class. After you complete the demo and you continue with your game, there are lessons that you will need to complete your game that someone else may not need to complete and vice versa. But, this is after you complete the coursework that is assigned.
As a student you must take the responsibility of completing the work and doing the follow-up activities. You are high school students. You are responsible. I am here to help and support you as much as I can. I will lead and direct you to resources whenever I am unable to help you myself. But, I am not your mom--enough said.
Let's do this right. When can you start?
It is common knowledge in our game design classes that we blog once a week or more if we so choose, and we have a blog assigned at the end of every lesson on the wiki. It is listed on the course schedule, and that is displayed on the wiki for each class, the first thing that you should look for each day in class. Plus, we discuss what needs to be completed often--if not on a daily basis.
Could it be that you are not following through with the lessons on the wiki and completing the blogs? Could it be that you are not completing the lessons on the wiki? How are you completing the demos and writing the action script? I know that we had this discussion at the beginning of last week, and at other times prior to this, but you cannot successfully complete the course in this manner.
There is a sequence to the course. There is a reason for it. It is not to make your life miserable or to make the class more difficult for you. It will make things easier and your game development will go much more smoothly. All of the course components have value and have a reason for being. You can't pick and choose for your own taste. This is not a buffet style class. After you complete the demo and you continue with your game, there are lessons that you will need to complete your game that someone else may not need to complete and vice versa. But, this is after you complete the coursework that is assigned.
As a student you must take the responsibility of completing the work and doing the follow-up activities. You are high school students. You are responsible. I am here to help and support you as much as I can. I will lead and direct you to resources whenever I am unable to help you myself. But, I am not your mom--enough said.
Let's do this right. When can you start?
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
CS5-Flash Trial Downloads
It's time to download a trial version of Adobe Flash. Students in the fourth block class should do this now because you have less than a month left in the class so if you haven't done so, download the trial version of Flash.
One thing you need to note is that the trial won't automatically start. You'll need to open the folder that is put on your computer and open the file so that it initializes and then it will go into the install. You won't need a product number. Remember that all you are doing is downloading the trial version for 30 days, and you are not buying anything.
Students in third period can go ahead and download as well, but you need to realize that 30 days is all you're going to get on one computer of the trial. You might want to wait a little while before you try the download. It would be so nice if all of you had Flash to use at home whenever you needed it. You sure could accomplish a lot more of your course requirements.
One thing you need to note is that the trial won't automatically start. You'll need to open the folder that is put on your computer and open the file so that it initializes and then it will go into the install. You won't need a product number. Remember that all you are doing is downloading the trial version for 30 days, and you are not buying anything.
Students in third period can go ahead and download as well, but you need to realize that 30 days is all you're going to get on one computer of the trial. You might want to wait a little while before you try the download. It would be so nice if all of you had Flash to use at home whenever you needed it. You sure could accomplish a lot more of your course requirements.
Working in Teams is Real Work
Relationships have evolved in the classes and in our teams in positive and in negative ways. Some of you have good working relationships and are doing well in your teams. This has contributed to your game design class in a positive way. Others of you are not using the team relationships in a benificial way so that your game design class and your team prosper.
We are on a tight schedule in our classes, and you need to complete your lessons on the wiki in order to be able to complete your games. Some of you depend on one or two of your team members to do the work for you. This is not acceptable. Each of you need to complete all of the lessons sequentially, keep up with the course schedule, and be a good, productive team member.
Class time is not social time. It is to be used for game design objectives and to compete class work and to work in your teams. Wasting time now will only hurt you and your whole team later. We have so many interruptions anyway that it is going to be difficult the way it is for you to stay on schedule. When you make the choice not to be productive you hurt everyone else.
Remember to get credit for the course and to pass, you need to have a fully playable complete game. So, where are you and how are you doing? I'm not talking to your team. I'm talking to you. Be responsible. No one said this was going to be easy, but nothing worth doing is. Think of everything that you've learned and are continuing to learn.
Some of you are doing an amazing job. I'm not directing this to you. It's those of you who are slacking, and you know who you are, that need to kick it into gear. You are limited only by your imagination. Let me see what you can do.
We are on a tight schedule in our classes, and you need to complete your lessons on the wiki in order to be able to complete your games. Some of you depend on one or two of your team members to do the work for you. This is not acceptable. Each of you need to complete all of the lessons sequentially, keep up with the course schedule, and be a good, productive team member.
Class time is not social time. It is to be used for game design objectives and to compete class work and to work in your teams. Wasting time now will only hurt you and your whole team later. We have so many interruptions anyway that it is going to be difficult the way it is for you to stay on schedule. When you make the choice not to be productive you hurt everyone else.
Remember to get credit for the course and to pass, you need to have a fully playable complete game. So, where are you and how are you doing? I'm not talking to your team. I'm talking to you. Be responsible. No one said this was going to be easy, but nothing worth doing is. Think of everything that you've learned and are continuing to learn.
Some of you are doing an amazing job. I'm not directing this to you. It's those of you who are slacking, and you know who you are, that need to kick it into gear. You are limited only by your imagination. Let me see what you can do.
Game Demos
As some of the students prepare to present their demos, it would be a good idea to visit some of the other school sites and view their game demos. This would give you an idea of what to expect and allow you to see some good examples and probably some poor examples of game demos.
There is an evaluation rubric that will be used and you have access to so that you know exactly what is expected of you during the presentation. The demo itself is describe on your team page and on the wiki, so you know what to put on each page. Then the only thing let to do is to practice so that your performance is well done. Every team member needs to contribute to the performance.
As far as your team page, it should be complete and it should also be shown during the game demo. Your team members should show the team page and discuss it and the way that you divided your team's tasks in completing the demo.
The demo has been a large part of the course so far and the presentation is a capstone of this. Please take the time to prepare and do a good job on your game demo.
There is an evaluation rubric that will be used and you have access to so that you know exactly what is expected of you during the presentation. The demo itself is describe on your team page and on the wiki, so you know what to put on each page. Then the only thing let to do is to practice so that your performance is well done. Every team member needs to contribute to the performance.
As far as your team page, it should be complete and it should also be shown during the game demo. Your team members should show the team page and discuss it and the way that you divided your team's tasks in completing the demo.
The demo has been a large part of the course so far and the presentation is a capstone of this. Please take the time to prepare and do a good job on your game demo.
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