1. Tales of Adventure Author: Learning Through Making Games Judy Robertson, Tessa Collins, Andrew Kelly

2. Outline Judy – Introduction to the project Tessa – a teacher’s point of view Andrew – a pupil’s point of view Judy – A note about our research

3. 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 and Dundee to design and refine game making software Have also holiday workshops since 2003

4. Adventure Author and ACE We have designed AA to fit in with A Curriculum for Excellence: – Successful learners (see Computers in Education paper at www.adventureauthor.org/publications.html) – Technology curriculum now includes making games (see www.adventureauthor.org/2008/04/scottish- curric.html) – Literacy and English guidelines (see www.adventureauthor.org/2008/03/nwn-as-a- curric.html#more)

5. 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 www.adventureauthor.org

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

7. Game making toolset Comes free with Neverwinter Nights 2 game

8. Fridge Magnets: creative ideas Free standalone version at www.adventureauthor.org/fridge-magnets.html

9. Conversation Writer

10. Comments Cards: peer review Free standalone version at www.adventureauthor.org/ comment-cards.html

11. Experiences at Campie Primary School Tessa Collins

13. My Experiences of Adventure Author Andrew Kelly

14. Before I started What did I know about game development? What did I know about NeverWinterNights and Adventure Author? Was I looking forward to it?

15. During the project What did I enjoy? What did I learn? How did I make my game tie in with my story? Did I encounter any difficulties making the game?

16. After the project What did I do with my game? Did I continue to work on my game? What was my feedback from a wider audience? What was my favourite part of the project?

17. Notes on research We’re analysing date to find out: How the pupils told their stories visually Did the pupils successfully tell stories in their games? Were the fridge magnets helpful in supporting creative ideas? Were the Comments Cards useful for peer review? Read our blog to find out!

18. Questions? **We’re looking for partners for a new funding application! ** www.adventureauthor.org adventure.author@googlemail.com