What's included
Meets on Demand
schedule meetings as needed55 mins
per sessionTeacher support
Class Experience
Every wanted to learn about designing your own Video Game? Now you can! This course will teach you how to design your own games using the free online program Scratch! In Game Building in Scratch, students learn to build several different types of games. Starting with a simple cannon game, they go on to create a game like “Breakout.” Next, they’ll move up to build a two player “Pong” style game, then create a maze adventure game, and, finally, they’ll cap the course with a “Mario” style platformer. Through the medium of game creation, they’ll also learn about aspects of computer science such as the hexadecimal system, loops, if/then statements, and sprite sheets. Class is structured informally. Students receive a link to the “key” file showing an example of a completed project, and then I guide them through the step-by-step process of how that game is built. While building their games, students learn about the conceptual ideas behind making games and basic computer science. Students may finish a game by the end of some classes, but pacing will be flexible and the number of projects completed at the end of the course will be based on the group. No previous experience is required!
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Scratch is an approved third party tool and is the software we will be using to learn in this class. It's specifically designed to educate kids. An account is preferred but not required.
Pre-Requisites
Working knowledge of how to use a computer
Supply List
A computer capable of running a modern web browser. Please be logged in from the same device as the student will be working on so I can assist them via screen-share.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Conor MacFinn is an American/ Canadian filmmaker / animator / UX designer whose animated shorts have been distributed by Tribal TV on Hulu, AOL On, Roku and Amazon and have won awards, been nominated, and screened at over 40 festivals internationally. His animated storytelling mobile media was twice selected for SIGGRAPH’s Appy Hour showcase of creativity and innovation and distributed through iTunes. Other 3D character animation credits include The Museum of the Dog in New York City, Pearson, and Behrman House. Conor was honored that his trilogy of shorts inspired by his Native heritage was invited to show at Mní Wičhóni Nakíčižiŋ Owáyawa (Defenders of the Sacred Water School) at The Water Protector's Camp in Standing Rock, North Dakota. He is a 2019 New York State Council on the Arts Arts Alive grantee and received a 2020 Artist’s Support Fund grant.
Conor’s credits as a teaching artist include seven years as a college instructor, and over 10 years teaching Storyboarding and Storytelling, Scratch and basic programming and animation in person and online to kids in grades 3 – 12. Additionally, he has worked remotely with teenagers teaching animation and storytelling for film and animation. As an Art School Portfolio coach, he’s successfully mentored students in crafting their submissions, resulting in his students’ admissions to Pratt (scholarship), Parsons, FIT and other competitive schools. He enjoys meeting students where they are and guiding their unique expression through art and programming.
When Conor isn't working on his animation or teaching you can see him playing guitar or playing with his dog!
Reviews
Live 1-on-1 Lessons
$55
per sessionMeets on demand
55 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-18