Basic Computer Skills
Familiarity with using computers is essential for navigating game development tools and online resources, ensuring a smooth learning experience.
Interest in Game Design
A genuine curiosity about game design will motivate you to explore creative solutions and innovative ideas throughout the course.
Familiarity with Educational Concepts
Understanding basic educational theories will help you design games that effectively enhance learning experiences for diverse students.
Game Design Principles
Why This Matters:
Refreshing your knowledge of game design principles will help you create engaging mechanics and dynamics in your educational games, ensuring they are both fun and educational.
Recommended Resource:
"The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses" by Jesse Schell - This book offers insights into game design fundamentals and is accessible for beginners.
Educational Psychology Basics
Why This Matters:
Reviewing key concepts in educational psychology will enhance your understanding of motivation and engagement strategies, crucial for effective game design.
Recommended Resource:
"Understanding by Design" by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe - This book covers essential educational theories and their application.
Scratch or Unity Basics
Why This Matters:
Familiarity with Scratch or Unity will streamline your learning process, allowing you to focus on creating your educational game prototype rather than learning the software from scratch.
Recommended Resource:
Scratch's official website and Unity's Learn platform - Both offer beginner-friendly tutorials to get you started.
Preparation Tips
- ⭐Set up your computer with Scratch or Unity installed to ensure you're ready to dive into the hands-on modules right away.
- ⭐Create a study schedule to allocate time each week for course materials, practical assignments, and peer feedback, helping you stay organized and on track.
- ⭐Join online forums or communities related to educational game design to connect with like-minded learners and gain insights from their experiences.
What to Expect
This course will span 4-8 weeks, combining self-study, practical assignments, and peer feedback. You'll engage in project-based learning, culminating in a functional prototype of your educational game. Expect a supportive environment with opportunities to collaborate and share ideas with fellow learners.
Words of Encouragement
Get ready to unleash your creativity and passion for education! By the end of this course, you'll have the skills to create engaging educational games that can truly enhance learning experiences for students.