The University of Colorado Boulder is currently involved in a study that "is designed to spark an interest in TI through students' natural attraction to game design." (1) Their approach is to use scalable game design as a way to change the way students use computers in the classroom. They are currently conducting research within schools and, in the process, providing training for both teachers and students. They are partnering with Agent Sheets which is a software program (works for both Mac and PC) that helps students learn how to implement coding. AgentSheets & AgentCubes are revolutionary tools that let you create your own games and simulations. Users of all ages can build games, interactive demonstrations, modifiable simulations, and more! Discover a new relationship to technology as you quickly CREATE games and computational science applications with all sorts of multi-media, and SHARE your creations online. Pilot schools will use Agent Sheets to implement computational thinking in the classroom. I took the online class through eMints so I can implement the program in my class. I learned how to make a maze, create Frogger game, etc. IMPLEMENTATION IN MY CLASSROOM (5th & 6th Grade) The program is provided free for my classroom use for a set amount of time while my students learn how to use Agent Sheets. We ask the students to sign a parent permission slip allowing them to be part of a "Human Research Study" in which they may videotape student progress and have them participate in surveys about the program. I have also been provided with a website for my classroom that will allow students to post their games online for other people to play. I was provided with a temporary license to use Agent Sheets in my classroom and loaded it on the computers. You have to load software (provided through online download) and add registration code. LESSONS: FROGGER-It all starts with Frogger. I started out with a small Intervention group session and began the introduction in my Digital Learning classes this past Thursday and Friday. Students are creating a Frogger game using Agent Sheets software program loaded on the computer. There are tutorials for students to use that is designed to encourage computational thinking. (It is estimated the lesson will take about 3 weeks of 30-45 minutes of classtime). For my lessons I began with an introduction (it is all a work in progress and constant changes as I go as I learn how to work efficiently and maximize student time) Day 1:
(1) Scalable Game Design University of Colorado Boulder Outreach and Engagement Contact person: Professor Alexander Repenning, [email protected]n 303-492-1349 (2) Agent Sheets, Computational Thinking Foundation, Dr. Alex Repenning, inventor of AgentSheets and AgentCubes. (3) Atari Frogger video. Youtube 4:19, TOOLS and TUTORIALS Getting Started with Agent Sheets: Walks you through the basics of Agent Sheets, installation, Virus code activity, etc. Agent Sheets Tutorial Videos: Vocabulary Agent 3D Video tutorial and more: Activity Teacher Guide Frogger Tutorial Frogger Tutorial 2 Frogger Pictorial Tutorial Grading Sheet Agent Sheets Teacher Lesson Plans Frogger, Subokan, PacMan, 3D Frogger, Skater Game, Maze Craze, Bouncing Balls, Forest Fire Simulation, Contagion Simulation, Increment Numbers are included. Guided Discovery Lessons (pdf) Frogger Tutorial Wyoming Online Tutorial Frogger Teacher Directed Lesson Plans Online Version Frogger Programming Help Sheets Frogger Supports with Handouts (pdf) Frogger Tutorial Extra (16 pages) Frogger Video Tutorial Links Speed Designing Frogger 1 Speed Designing Frogger Part 2 Video promoting Scalable Game Design Middle School See games created by students listed by their schools Scalable Game Design Arcade II Scalable Game Design Eagle Glen (games haven't been posted yet) |
Debbie RaukarI have been teaching computers for the past 19 years. I used in my classroom prior to that and have seen some huge changes in the use of technology of the classroom and I like where it is going. ArchivesCategories |