PowerPoint Games - Day One

A few quick tips about knowing what's due and how to turn it in:
Because this is a short session class, there are many days where we are unable to communicate every minute detail of an assignment to you before class ends. That is why there are 3 places you should look before beginning an assignment:

1. The blog posting for that particular assignment (including the section at the bottom of each blog posting that tells you what is due for the next day).
2. The project description -- this gives you all of the details of the assignment and how to submit it. You can access this description on the blog postings for the assignment as well as by clicking the link "EDIT 2000 projects" that is always in the upper right corner of the blog.
3. Student samples from Maymester -- this will help you with layout, what to include on the page, etc. These samples can be accessed by clicking on the "Sample Projects" link that is always in the upper right corner of the blog.

After viewing these three resources, if you still have questions about a project - ask before, during, or after class or via email before 10:00 pm. It is important to us that you are successful in this course and that you understand clearly the assignments and the course expectations.

The iMovie assignment is due today. Please make sure you have published your page.

PowerPoint Games

Addressing learning styles is important when designing activities to teach content standards. Inspiration and Kidspiration software allow an educator to do just that -- by addressing needs of visual learners. Technology also allows educators to respond to various learning theories - from behaviorism to constructionism.

Today we'll talk about PowerPoint games: what they are and how they help students construct their own knowledge.

So, what were your favorite games while you were growing up? What made them fun?

It's important to know a little bit of background on the PowerPoint games project before we begin. Dr. Lloyd Rieber - a professor in my department - wrote a paper on this very topic that is an interesting read. Many EDIT 2000 students have created their own games and more and more K-12 classrooms are using PowerPoint games as a way to address content standards through constructionism. I'll share some stories from these projects in class.

You'll want to view some sample games from the Homemade PowerPoint Games website and from student portfolios from previous semesters. After viewing several, you'll want to get started on your game.

You'll need to look over the project assignment and download the template. I'll walk you through how to get started with action buttons and give you some time in class to get started. Most of the technical skill you need was acquired when we created seating charts during the Productivity Tools Assignment. Using the drawing toolbar in PowerPoint will allow you to customize your game template. Action buttons are easier than they seem. Being slow and methodical makes it easier to create action buttons that direct the user to the correct feedback.

Here are some links that will review what we learned in class today:
Creating question slides
Creating the headquarters to access your question slides

There are two parts of your game that ensure students will want to use it for learning: the story and the level of questions. You want to make sure that you have an engaging story - and you also want to make sure that your game is the right level of challenge. Factual level questions are too easy (and boring) regardless of the grade level you are targeting. We'll spend time in class on Friday working on your game design and learning how to write good questions.

FOR FRIDAY:
1. Begin customizing the game template : write your game directions and your game story, finish the basic slides: objectives, game pieces, copyright notice, credits, title page, etc.
2. If you are planning on drawing your game board by hand - you will want to bring it to class by Monday at the latest if you do not have access to a scanner at home.
3. Write 3 sample questions that you plan to use in your game (you can just write them out on scratch paper). We'll work on question development in class on Friday.