What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
Optional: Students can work on their game levels in between class times.Assessment
The learner's progress and comprehension skills are observed through informal assessment, in observation of their game designing.Class Experience
Class Experience ✓ This club is for kids who have used Atmosphir before and are at least somewhat familiar with the program. If you haven't used Atmosphir before and would prefer group classes, I do teach group classes for beginners as well. ITINERARY: What the students would be doing during each club meeting... Week 1 to ∞: ✓ Each week will start with about 5 minutes of introductions for any new students in the class. ✓ For new students starting a game - Game Objectives Discussion (5 minutes) Students will discuss the first things a game designer can ask themselves when designing a game. What is the object of the game? What are the game players trying to do? Some common objectives (again, this is not a complete list): * Capture/destroy. Eliminate all of your enemies from the game. * Collection. Many video games include levels where you had to collect a certain number of objects scattered in the level. * Solve. Games where the objective is to solve a puzzle. * Chase/race/escape. Generally, anything where you are running towards or away from something. The playground game Tag and the video game Super Mario Bros. are examples. * Build. The opposite of “destroy” — your goal is to advance your character(s) or build your resources to a certain point. The Sims has strong elements of this; the board game Settlers of Catan is an example also. ✓ Discussions on how to achieve certain things in Atmosphir, such as... * How do I make other characters or villains speak to the main character? * Can I create some kind of switch that causes treasure to appear in the room? Or a trap that creates monsters? * How do I create forests and water? * Can I make buildings or castles? * Can I trigger a boss when a character enters a room? * How do I make make my character climb walls? ✓ PlayTesting: Students send over their games for other students to playtest (10-15 minutes per student). Or if Student has already Playtested their game... * Student Spotlight (10-15 minutes per student) - The whole class runs a student's game. They race to the end to see who can get the highest score. The class then shares the positive things that they like about the student's game. This is a LIVE class and is NOT pre-recorded. This class will be presented via camera from the instructor. He will have one camera at his face and another will be a shared screen where the students can see what he is dong on the computer, so that the student can see the instructor as speaks, and be able to observe step-by-step what the instructor is doing. Students can interact with the instructor, as well ask ask questions during instruction. No writing or independent reading is necessary. Students are expected to communicate with the teacher. Communication, visuals, and hands-on instruction are all the things that I are important in helping the students get a better understanding of the subject.
Learning Goals
Students will learn to use critical thinking skills to plan out their video game and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.
Students will learn to identify and solve authentic problems with their game and figure out a way (investigation) on how to fix them.
Other Details
Supply List
Materials Required for Class: ✓ Computer (Windows Preferred, but Macintosh would also work. Atmosphir doesn't work on Chromebook.) ✓ Atmosphir (The App is free and can be downloaded from following sites: http://onemoreblock.com/landing/ or http://atmosphir.com/download/) ✓ Windows Users: If you can't get the Atmosphir working from the above links, you can also download this portable version: https://www.dropbox.com/s/mgaagk2jo65mecd/Atmosphir.zip?dl=0 Please make sure Atmosphir is installed prior to class. If you have any difficulties with the installation, feel free to message me.
2 files available upon enrollment
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
California Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
2 Degrees
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of La Verne
Associate's Degree in Education from Cuesta College
Hi, my name is Raymond Mullikin. 👋
I am a professional cartoonist and credentialed teacher from San Luis Obispo, California.
I teach classes in Cartooning, Comic Book Printing and Publishing, 2D Cartoon Animation, Claymation/Stop Motion, Toy Figure Design, Video Game and App Coding, Creative Writing, etc.
I am also a professional illustrator/writer and Creative Director for Raytoons Comics. The Raytoons website is at Raytoons.Net. I have published cartoons in books, magazines, newspapers, and e-cards. I am an app designer who have designed my own games and software for schools and Appstores. I have also done past work in animation, creating animated film shorts for film festivals around the world.
I graduated from the University of Laverne with a Teaching Credential (2012) and a BA in Liberal Studies (2009). I also have certifications in Early Childhood Education, Technology and 2D Design. I've worked in education for 20+ years (including a few years in Special Ed) and have been doing contract teaching since 2009. I teach art and technology to children and adults of all ages.
How students approach a learning task can strongly influence the quality of their learning outcomes. For me, my approach is often very hands on (kinesthetic) with a lot of visual examples... That's how I've learned things, with a more creative approach. I have a lot of this in my instruction, with a mix of direct and interactive instruction with lots of Experiential Learning hands on!
It is also important to me to get feedback from both children and parents... Some kids have some very clever ideas! And, in teaching, there is always room for expansion of ideas and improving oneself.
I love drawing, comics, writing, creating my own games, and reading. Pretty much everything that I teach I enjoy and do professionally. I also enjoy teaching and thank all the parents and students willing to give me a try! 😃
Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
weekly1x per week
50 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 5-10
2-10 learners per class