Game making: working towards the technology objectives in a Curriculum for Excellence Judy Robertson Cathrin Howells Heriot-Watt University

What well cover Relevant Curriculum for Excellence objectives: why gaming is CfE in a box! Software packages you could use Hands-on playing with software: Adventure Author Info about further training opportunities (Well put copies of these slides on

Your experience with making games?

C f E in general: four capacities

Technologies objectives Computing science contexts for developing technological skills and knowledge (continued) EarlyFirstSecondThirdFourth I am developing problem solving strategies, navigation and co-ordination skills, as I play and learn with electronic games, remote control or programmable toys. TCH 0-09a / TCH 1-09a Using appropriate software, I can work collaboratively to design an interesting and entertaining game which incorporates a form of control technology or interactive multimedia. TCH 2-09a P7 Using appropriate software, I can work individually or collaboratively to design and implement a game, animation or other application. TCH 3-09a S1-S3 By learning the basic principles of a programming language or control technology, I can design a solution to a scenario, implement it and evaluate its success. TCH 4-09a I can create graphics and animations using appropriate software which utilise my skills and knowledge of the application. TCH 4-09b I can use features of software to create my own animation which can then be used to create an animated sequence. TCH 4-09c C F E: Technologies objectives

Integrated projects with other subjects C f E English Language principles: a text is the medium through which ideas, experiences, opinions and information can be communicated Including …films, games and TV programmes.

List of possible game making tools Scratch Gamemaker Adventure Author Phun Crayon physics Second Life Are there others? Of course! (Alice, Toon talk, Mission Maker, Thinking Worlds...)

Scratch Free PC or Mac Dont need high spec machines Fab visual programming language – based on years of research Good teaching resources Can be used for animation Used in loads of schools already

Gamemaker Free download for PC or Mac Excellent text book and tutorials: Slightly more complex – for older kids?

Crayon Physics and Phun Like a cross between sketch pads and physics simulations. Phun: free, mac or PC com/wiki/Home com/wiki/Home Crayon Physics: $20 ysics.com/ ysics.com/ PC (or iPhone!)

Second Life Free download For older kids Need to use Teen Grid Need PCs with graphics cards Why? 3D – good for teaching scripting We use it in first year at HW Ask Kate for more info!

About Adventure Author Based at Heriot-Watt University Funded by EPSRC until Dec 08 Aims to study the creative process learners go through when making their own computer games Have worked with schools in Edinburgh, Dundee, and East Lothian to design and refine game making software Have also holiday workshops since 2003 Worked with ~450 kids to date

More about Adventure Author The software is a plug-in for a commercial game making package called Neverwinter Nights 2. We have taken out the trickier aspects of the software and added educational aspects The plug-ins are free at

Neverwinter Nights 2 You can buy it on Amazon for ~£8

Game making toolset Comes free with Neverwinter Nights 2 game

Fridge Magnets: brain storming Free standalone version at

Conversation Writer: dialogue

Conditions, choices, actions in dialogue

Comments Cards: self and peer review Free standalone version at comment-cards.html

My Tasks – monitoring progress

Classroom experiences with Adventure Author See Campie Primary School teachers blog: 8/08/11/nile-2008-talk/ Susan and Judith at St Augustines have used it with their first years

Now you try it!

Plenary What did you think of the software? What was it like to be a learner again?

Making Games in Schools: Free teacher training We have an 18 month project to provide teacher training about making computer games in the classroom. Teachers who join in will get free 2.5 days of CPD training and a university student helper to help out in class. This is available to schools within ~100 miles of Heriot- Watt who have the necessary hardware. We have a small budget to upgrade computers. Get an application form here

Further details Over to Cathrin – see handouts

Any questions?