Video Game App Designers! Code Games for Computers & Other Devices (Ages 7-12)
What's included
8 live meetings
6 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
Students can finish their projects as homework, if they are not completed in class.Assessment
The learner's progress and comprehension skills are observed through informal assessment, in observation of their game designing.Class Experience
Discover the simplicity of making games and applications for computers, tablets, and smartphones! Or even on the Internet! ๐น๏ธ The Clickteam Multimedia Fusion graphical authoring software provides a coding interface that allows users to experience the full potential of object-oriented programming without having to learn a complex language. No prior coding experience necessary! Be able to use the graphical interface to write the code. Student-created apps can be played directly on any mobile device or computer. (Html5 apps work great online, but are often blocked offline by the firewall. For offline usage, HTML5 Apps run best offline with the Firefox Web Browser.) A version of this class for teens can be found here: https://outschool.com/classes/app-attack-coding-video-game-apps-for-computers-and-mobile-devices-VvUgP4IW?usid=fF9cKM18&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link **NOTE: This class may meet once a week for 8-weeks OR "camp-style" in which it will meet four straight days for 2 weeks.** ๐จ Please download and test Clickteam App prior to starting the class. The Mac's newer updates have been listing the Clickteam Fusion as an "unidentified developer". If you get this message, it may require a few steps to get it running: https://appleinsider.com/articles/16/04/13/how-to-install-and-run-mac-apps-that-dont-come-from-the-mac-app-store ๐ก If Clickteam is installed on the same computer as Zoom, it would be easier for students to show what they are doing, if they need help. They could also be able to show their classmates what they created. ๐พ See 'Supply List' below for link to download the free Clickteam Fusion app and Kids Coding Template. No background experience is required, but helpful. Much of the class is focused on the coding aspect of game development. Pictures/artwork for the game are mostly taken from the Clickteam Library or imported from pictures from the student's computer (or off the internet). And, I very slowly introduce the coding stuff to them a little bit a time. For a class with a more gentler introduction to coding (and students being able to do more in designing their own character art and backgrounds), they can take my Retro Game Coding Class here: https://outschool.com/classes/make-your-first-retro-video-game-lDAQ5bje?usid=fF9cKM18&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link Materials Needed: โ๏ธ Computer (Windows Preferred, but Macintosh would also work. Doesn't work on Chromebook.) โ๏ธ Clickteam Fusion * The Free Version of Clicktream Fusion (which only makes html5 apps), can be found here: https://www.clickteam.com/clickteam-fusion-2-5-free-edition * Or you can get the Paid Version of Clickteam Fusion, which is here: https://shop.clickteam.com/usa/41-game-app-creation * Or you can get "Games Factory" which is just like Clickteam Fusion (and costs less), but only builds Windows apps, which can be found here: https://shop.clickteam.com/usa/41-game-app-creation โ ๏ธ Please make sure Clickteam Fusion is installed prior to class. If you have any difficulties with the installation, feel free to message me. 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 doing 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 questions during instruction. Students are expected to communicate with the teacher. Communication, visuals, and hands-on instruction are all the things that I feel are important in helping the students get a better understanding of the subject.
Learning Goals
1. Students will learn to design their own game applications.
2. Students will learn to select and use appropriate tools and technology (computers) in working with app coding.
Syllabus
8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Introductions and Designing the Breakout Game
โ๏ธ Direct Instruction: Students will first be introduced to Clickteam Fusion by showing where all the properties, settings, and coding sections are.
โ๏ธ Students start their first game project, which is building a "Breakout Game", a simple practice game to start off with.
โ๏ธ Direct Instruction: Students learn the basic part of setting up a frame. They will learn how to create a quick background color in Level Properties, formatted text objects, active buttons, library objects, etc.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Coding the Breakout Game
โ๏ธ Direct Instruction: Students will learn how to code a button.
โ๏ธ Students setup what their game level for the breakout game will look like. They will lay out the bricks, lives, score, etc.
โ๏ธ Direct Instruction: Students will follow along with the instructor as he shows them how to code the Breakout game level.
โ๏ธ Students then design the ending frame for their game.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Building the "Above View" type of Game
โ๏ธ Students will work on their second project, which is building an above view game.
โ๏ธ Direct Instruction: Students will follow along with the teacher as he shows them how to design their own characters in the above view game.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Coding the Above View Game
โ๏ธ Direct Instruction: Students will follow along with the instructor as he shows them how to code the game level for the above view game.
50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
Materials Needed: โ๏ธ Computer (Windows Preferred, but Macintosh would also work. Doesn't work on Chromebook.) Mac System Requirements: OSX 10.9 (Mavericks) to 10.14 (Mojave) MacOS 10.15 (Catalina) is NOT supported as this is a 32-bit application and Apple have removed support for 32-bit. Clickteam recommends macOS Sierra or above - please try the free version first to ensure it runs on your system. An internet connection is required for installation, updates and to download the software. โ๏ธ Clickteam Fusion * The Free Version of Clicktream Fusion (which only makes html5 apps), can be found here: https://www.clickteam.com/clickteam-fusion-2-5-free-edition * Or you can get the Paid Version of Clickteam Fusion, which is here: https://shop.clickteam.com/usa/41-game-app-creation * Or you can get "Games Factory" which is just like Clickteam Fusion (and costs less), but only builds Windows apps, which can be found here: https://shop.clickteam.com/usa/41-game-app-creation Optional Materials: โ๏ธ Filezilla (For uploading HTML5 files onto the internet.) โ ๏ธ Please make sure Clickteam Fusion is installed prior to class. If you have any difficulties with the installation, feel free to message me.
ย 5 files available upon enrollment
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
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
I am a professional app designer who in the past has build apps for schools.
I am also a credentialed teacher. I have taught coding classes for over 10 years. I have taught these classes for both adults and children in colleges, schools, and community centers.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$16
weekly or $127 for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
50 min
Completed by 151 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-12
2-8 learners per class