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Project Overview
In a world where traditional education often struggles to engage, this project allows you to harness the power of play. You'll create a LEGO-based educational game that addresses real challenges in learning, integrating key course skills and industry best practices to foster interactive and fun learning environments.
Project Sections
Understanding Educational Theories
Dive deep into various educational theories that inform game design, such as constructivism and experiential learning. This section will help you understand how to create games that are not only fun but also educationally effective.
You’ll explore how these theories can be applied to LEGO-based games, ensuring your design is grounded in solid educational principles.
Tasks:
- ▸Research key educational theories relevant to game design and summarize your findings.
- ▸Analyze existing educational games to identify how they incorporate educational theories.
- ▸Create a mind map linking educational theories to potential game mechanics using LEGO.
- ▸Draft a brief proposal outlining how your game will integrate these theories.
- ▸Discuss your proposal with peers for feedback and insights.
- ▸Revise your proposal based on peer feedback to strengthen your educational foundation.
Resources:
- 📚"The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses" by Jesse Schell
- 📚"Games and Learning Alliance (GALA)" - Research on educational games
- 📚Educational Psychology textbooks focusing on game-based learning
Reflection
Reflect on how understanding educational theories has shaped your approach to game design and how it might impact your final prototype.
Checkpoint
Submit a comprehensive proposal that outlines the educational theories guiding your game design.
Game Mechanics and Design Principles
This section focuses on the core principles of game design, including game mechanics, player engagement, and balance. You will learn how to apply these principles specifically to LEGO-based games.
By the end of this section, you will have a clear understanding of how to create engaging gameplay that meets educational objectives.
Tasks:
- ▸Identify and define key game mechanics that will be used in your LEGO game.
- ▸Create a flowchart of your game's mechanics and how they interact.
- ▸Develop player personas to understand your target audience better.
- ▸Sketch initial game designs using LEGO bricks to visualize your ideas.
- ▸Test your mechanics through simple paper prototypes to gather initial feedback.
- ▸Iterate on your designs based on feedback from peers and mentors.
Resources:
- 📚"Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals" by Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman
- 📚Online platforms for game design mechanics
- 📚LEGO Serious Play methodology resources
Reflection
Consider how the game mechanics you’ve designed will enhance learning and engagement for your target audience.
Checkpoint
Present a detailed game design document that outlines mechanics and player engagement strategies.
Prototyping with LEGO
Learn the practical skills of prototyping using LEGO as your medium. This section emphasizes hands-on building techniques and iterative design processes.
You’ll create a functional prototype of your educational game, allowing you to test and refine your ideas in a tangible way.
Tasks:
- ▸Gather LEGO materials and tools needed for your prototype.
- ▸Build a basic prototype of your game using LEGO bricks.
- ▸Document your building process, noting challenges and solutions.
- ▸Conduct initial playtests with peers to observe interactions and gather feedback.
- ▸Refine your prototype based on playtest observations.
- ▸Create a presentation showcasing your prototype and the iteration process.
Resources:
- 📚LEGO building techniques guides
- 📚"Prototyping for Designers" by Todd Zaki Warfel
- 📚Online LEGO building communities
Reflection
Reflect on the prototyping process and how it has influenced your design decisions and understanding of gameplay.
Checkpoint
Submit your LEGO prototype along with documentation of your building and testing process.
Testing and Iteration
In this section, you will focus on the importance of testing your game with real users. Gathering feedback is crucial for refining your prototype and ensuring it meets educational objectives.
You will learn how to conduct effective playtesting sessions and iterate based on the feedback received.
Tasks:
- ▸Plan and conduct playtesting sessions with your target audience.
- ▸Create feedback forms to gather structured responses from players.
- ▸Analyze feedback to identify common themes and areas for improvement.
- ▸Iterate on your game design based on player feedback and testing results.
- ▸Document the changes made and the rationale behind them.
- ▸Prepare a report summarizing the testing process and outcomes.
Resources:
- 📚"Game Testing: All in One" by Charles P. Schultz
- 📚Guidelines for conducting effective playtests
- 📚Online forums for game testing feedback
Reflection
Think about how the feedback you received will shape the final version of your game and its educational impact.
Checkpoint
Present a comprehensive report on your testing process, including feedback analysis and design iterations.
Finalizing Your Game Design
This section is dedicated to finalizing your educational game design, ensuring it meets all learning objectives and is ready for presentation.
You will compile all elements of your project into a cohesive final product that showcases your learning journey and design skills.
Tasks:
- ▸Review all components of your game design and identify any final adjustments needed.
- ▸Create a marketing strategy for your game, including target audience and unique selling points.
- ▸Design a user manual or guide for educators on how to implement your game in the classroom.
- ▸Prepare a presentation to showcase your final game design to peers and stakeholders.
- ▸Practice your presentation skills to effectively communicate your design process and game features.
- ▸Gather final feedback from peers on your presentation and make necessary adjustments.
Resources:
- 📚"The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries
- 📚Presentation design resources
- 📚Marketing strategies for educational products
Reflection
Reflect on the entire design process and how each phase contributed to your final product and personal growth.
Checkpoint
Deliver a polished presentation of your game design, including a demo if possible.
Showcasing and Networking
In the final section, you will focus on showcasing your completed educational game and networking with peers and industry professionals.
This is an opportunity to share your work, receive feedback, and make valuable connections in the field of educational game design.
Tasks:
- ▸Prepare a portfolio piece highlighting your educational game and design journey.
- ▸Create a digital showcase of your game prototype for sharing online.
- ▸Engage with peers for feedback on your final product and presentation.
- ▸Attend industry events or webinars to network with professionals.
- ▸Join online communities focused on educational game design to share your work.
- ▸Reflect on the feedback received and plan for future iterations or projects.
Resources:
- 📚Networking platforms like LinkedIn
- 📚Online forums for educational game designers
- 📚Webinars on educational technology
Reflection
Consider how showcasing your work has impacted your confidence and future opportunities in educational game design.
Checkpoint
Submit your final portfolio piece and engage in networking discussions with industry professionals.
Timeline
8 weeks, with flexible check-ins and iterative feedback loops to adapt to individual pacing and needs.
Final Deliverable
Your final product will be a comprehensive portfolio piece that includes your LEGO-based educational game prototype, documentation of your design process, and a presentation showcasing your skills and insights gained throughout the course.
Evaluation Criteria
- ✓Demonstrated understanding of educational theories in game design.
- ✓Quality and creativity of the LEGO prototype created.
- ✓Effectiveness of playtesting and iteration processes.
- ✓Clarity and professionalism of the final presentation.
- ✓Engagement and feedback received during networking opportunities.
- ✓Overall alignment with course objectives and industry standards.
Community Engagement
Engage with peers through online forums or local meetups to share your progress, gather feedback, and collaborate on ideas. Consider presenting your work at educational technology conferences.