New Year-New Class-New Challenges

This year has started with all of the fuss and challenges that accompanies a new school year and Game Design class has been no different. We have had a challenging week getting started in the class, but things are looking up. Wiki names have been provided and profiles are being created, blogs have been created, and posts have been made. We have problems commenting because of Internet Explorer and the computers in my lab, but hopefully that won't be a problem long. The students are being patient as they attempt to learn the new curriculum. I look forward to a productive year with a good group of students. Who knows what we can accomplish together!

Game Design I

The newly designed Game Design I curriculum looks great. I like the improvements to the wiki and to the curriculum. The biggest improvement in my opinion is the action game that has been added to the Game Design I course. This replaces and expands on the mini game that was originally taught as the first coding that the students were able to experience in the class. There wasn't much variety in the game and it really didn't allow for too much creativity either. The action game introduces the same concepts as well as adds additional coding concepts for the students to select from as they complete their games. It is introduced after the completion and presentation of the hidden object game so that the student has some background in action script and Flash. This makes it more beneficial to the student and allows the student to attack it with a little more self confidence than he/she would if it was the first game of the semester. I am looking forward to teaching Game Design I and completing the action game on my own before my students have a chance to complete their games. It looks to be an exciting year in Globaloria!

Globaloria Training

New and returning educator training is in full swing in Elkins this week at the Randolph Technical Center. Educators are seeing the changes to the Globaloria platform and are learning new things as they prepare to begin their new classes for the 2013-2014 classes. It is an exciting time of the year for everyone as we reflect on this past year's classes and look forward to the new year. It is nice to welcome the new educators to the ranks of Globaloria as well. We hope that they have a successful year, and we are trying to trying to do everything possible make sure that they do succeed. Good luck everyone!

The New School Year Approaches! Are you ready?

It's been a busy summer and time has flown by it seems, but it's that time again when we look forward to a new school year with all of the changes that it brings. Excitement is in the air as well as the dread of early morning rising for some and I must say that I am one of those who do not enjoy rising at 5:00 a.m. However, once we settle back into the routine it's bearable. It's a matter of getting to bed a little earlier and having a more structured day. I am excited to see all of the changes in the Globaloria platform that have taken place over the past year and we are going to be able to take advantage of a great many of them at Tygarts Valley. You will be so excited to be able to make use of the new innovations that have been put into place. In the spring semester we will be trying out the new 3-D game curriculum and some of the other new features that we delve into more deeply later including making games for mobile devices! Technology is changing so rapidly it is mind-boggling and we struggle to keep up with it, but in Game Design you can be on the cutting edge learning the latest technology and gaining skills that will last you a lifetime. I look forward to seeing you in the classroom where we will learn together and have fun while doing it. Games, prizes, local, state, and national recognition awaits you. Are you up to the challenge? What are you waiting for? Globaloria awaits you! I'll see you in Room 207.