**Before enrolling in The Artful Gamer classes, please note that  Usernames/Gamer Handles will be seen by other learners enrolled. At times these gamer handles/usernames will have to be shared with the teacher privately to connect to each private server to participate in this class**

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Learners will need:
- A copy of the game Pokémon Sword and Shield
- Nintendo Switch
- A subscription to Nintendo Online. 
- Strong Wi-Fi Access to Play effectively 

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A Note About Technology and Troubleshooting During This Class

Before enrolling in this session please be aware that this is not a tech class. This is a heavily “kid-powered” Life Skills and Social Class. Out of respect for all learners and families, very little time is allotted to assist in connection/technology issues.  This includes most components of online/group gaming, mics issues, headphone issues, Zoom, Wifi connections, and all components of online/group gaming. Learners and their families:

*Must* have a basic knowledge of the technology and devices used in each individual home. Due to the wide variety of devices and technology, the teacher holds no responsibility for the troubleshooting or tech support of learners who have difficulties connecting to the games/servers used in this class. Families are welcome to do research during class to help their learners troubleshoot when tech issues arise during class. If a learner or family experiences sound, mic, and issues related to Zoom the teacher may be able to assist. If the teacher cannot help efficiently please reach out to Outschool Support.  

*Must* know how to access and effectively use and/or add the private servers and/or online games used in this class. Please do research and work with your learner *before* class on how to connect with the teacher with usernames if needed, connect to/add private servers if necessary, type in-game codes if needed, and all components of online gaming.  Many of these gaming classes are high-energy, social, and move quickly. Out of the respect for all learners who are here to game, practice life skills, and socialize, in-class time cannot be spent on extensive tech support and troubleshooting. That being said, we sometimes have helpful learners in our groups. As part of the life skills component, they may be invited to exercise their leadership skills to assist with tech to the extent of their knowledge. Please note, the teacher or learners are in no way responsible for conducting extensive tech support. 

*Must* understand that at times learners and families will experience server and in-game technical issues which are out of the teacher’s control. Additionally, to the ones listed above, other tech issues include learners disconnecting from games or servers and learners unable to connect/re-connect to servers due to unforeseen circumstances.  

*Must* understand that during a loss in a game and/or disconnection issues some learners may have to wait for one game to end before joining another round. Wait times vary as some games may take longer at times to conclude depending on the number of players and skill levels. 

*Must* be aware that out of respect of learners and their families and in order to preserve the security and safety of all learners class recordings are only shared with the Outschool Trust and Safety Teams. All Class Recording Requests will be denied. 

*Must* be aware that the “mute all” button is used at times when gaming. Please remind your learner that if they are not heard they may be muted or have mic issues. Learners are free to unmute when they are able and when mute is not required for the game. Also, note if a learner does not get a reply from other learners or the teacher there may be tech issues involved where the learner was not heard. Some learners are more soft-spoken and may need to increase their mic volumes when speaking. Another option is to use in-game chat when available. If a learner does not get a response they may also use Zoom Chat to connect with the teacher. 

**Before enrolling in The Artful Gamer classes, please note that  Usernames/Gamer Handles will be seen by other learners enrolled. At times these gamer handles/usernames will have to be shared with the teacher privately to connect to each private server to participate in this class**

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A few things to note about the style and energy of this class: 

1. In this class energies are high. There are several battles going on simultaneously while gamers socialize. The volume of the class is high and energetic which is a natural response to groups while gaming. This format and social style may not be a good fit for those who prefer a quieter and more structured environment. Learners may express themselves excitedly and talk over one another as they game which is a natural reaction and normal response to high-energy gaming. 

2. This is not a "how to play" or "how to socialize" class but rather a safe and moderated space for teens to work on their personal, private, or public goals including sportsmanship, social skills, and strategies through gaming in ways in which they choose while competing with one another. 

3. During tournament days there will be brackets set. At times we will have Double Elimination Brackets which have a "winners bracket" and "losers brackets". Please be aware that these are standard terms for Double Elimination Brackets for tournaments and are not meant to offend. Should your learner be sensitive about these terms, please discuss if this is the right gaming setting for them before enrolling? 

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A Note About COPPA Compliance and taking this class for learners 12 and under:

As Outschool continues to improve its safety standards for learners, starting January 2022, classes are now required to be COPPA compliant for children 12 and under. For this class, since learners are under the age of 12 please review the following information to assure you have assisted your young learners in creating a safe account.

Nintendo Entertainment states in their Privacy Policy:

"Information about children
We do not knowingly collect, use or share personal information from children under the age of 13 without verifiable parental consent or as permitted by law. Where a parent or legal guardian has provided consent, the child may be able to use his or her Nintendo Account to play certain third-party games and applications that are not published by Nintendo. Parents or guardians may review, modify, or delete the child’s personal information, or withdraw consent, by contacting us using the contact information provided at the end of this privacy policy, and may manage which third-party games and applications can access and use the child’s Nintendo Account information through your Nintendo Account profile settings."

Should you need more information on Nintendo's Privacy Policy please visit the following link:
https://www.nintendo.com/privacy-policy/

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A Note About Technology and Troubleshooting During This Class

Before enrolling in this session please be aware that this is not a tech class. This is a heavily “kid-powered” Life Skills and Social Class. Out of respect for all learners and families, very little time is allotted to assist in connection/technology issues.  This includes most components of online/group gaming, mics issues, headphone issues, Zoom, Wifi connections, and all components of online/group gaming. Learners and their families:

*Must* have a basic knowledge of the technology and devices used in each individual home. Due to the wide variety of devices and technology, the teacher holds no responsibility for the troubleshooting or tech support of learners who have difficulties connecting to the games/servers used in this class. Families are welcome to do research during class to help their learners troubleshoot when tech issues arise during class. If a learner or family experiences sound, mic, and issues related to Zoom the teacher may be able to assist. If the teacher cannot help efficiently please reach out to Outschool Support.  

*Must* know how to access and effectively use and/or add the private servers and/or online games used in this class. Please do research and work with your learner *before* class on how to connect with the teacher with usernames if needed, connect to/add private servers if necessary, type in-game codes if needed, and all components of online gaming.  Many of these gaming classes are high-energy, social, and move quickly. Out of the respect for all learners who are here to game, practice life skills, and socialize, in-class time cannot be spent on extensive tech support and troubleshooting. That being said, we sometimes have helpful learners in our groups. As part of the life skills component, they may be invited to exercise their leadership skills to assist with tech to the extent of their knowledge. Please note, the teacher or learners are in no way responsible for conducting extensive tech support. 

*Must* understand that at times learners and families will experience server and in-game technical issues which are out of the teacher’s control. Additionally, to the ones listed above, other tech issues include learners disconnecting from games or servers and learners unable to connect/re-connect to servers due to unforeseen circumstances.  

*Must* understand that during a loss in a game and/or disconnection issues some learners may have to wait for one game to end before joining another round. Wait times vary as some games may take longer at times to conclude depending on the number of players and skill levels. 

*Must* be aware that out of respect of learners and their families and in order to preserve the security and safety of all learners class recordings are only shared with the Outschool Trust and Safety Teams. All Class Recording Requests will be denied. 

*Must* be aware that the “mute all” button is used at times when gaming. Please remind your learner that if they are not heard they may be muted or have mic issues. Learners are free to unmute when they are able and when mute is not required for the game. Also, note if a learner does not get a reply from other learners or the teacher there may be tech issues involved where the learner was not heard. Some learners are more soft-spoken and may need to increase their mic volumes when speaking. Another option is to use in-game chat when available. If a learner does not get a response they may also use Zoom Chat to connect with the teacher.