Transition+to+Kodu

=Kodu= 2010-11 toc

This past year I had nearly a full class of programmers Grade 10 and older. I did not use scratch with them.

I started them programming simple tasks in PHP using EasyPHP. About a third of the class struggled with the latter assignments.

Fortunately, mid-year a colleague sent me a link to Kodu, a programming language specifically designed to make games for the x-box 360.

It is a natural progression from Scratch as it is also a drag & drop type of programming.

All students were given the option to continue with a major project using PHP or explore Kodu.

Those who chose Kodu were [|warned that I had little time to research and prepare lessons] for them so they were given the task of writing their learning contract and helping each other.

I gave them general projects to complete. Students were required to set goals for themselves.

I cannot say that my follow-up was complete, but I'm working on it.

Here is what I required at the End of Term.

Now Due

 * Assignments 1 to 6 including posts.
 * at least 2 games put in the hand in folder for Term 2 and the remaining for Term 3
 * the usual stuff updated
 * reflection of the quality of the games you made so far
 * informal response by other gamers to your games
 * reflection of Kodu in general for learning a programming language, compared to PHP
 * Your completed [|journal]. (Sample comments)

A1 Features of Kodu
Briefly describe the gaming features available in Kudo.

All students must post at least once per assignment.

A2 Programming features
Choose one feature and find a video that illustrates it. Post your findings.

A3 Installation notes
Post installation notes for newbies

A4 Learning Contracts
Now that you have explored the features each of you must complete a learning contract.


 * Instructions**
 * 1) Make a new page and name it Kodu - //your first name//
 * 2) Model your learning contract using the content found in Learning contract.
 * 3) Complete your learning contract by ...

Your learning contract should indicate:


 * your commitment to**
 * learn about Kodu and its features
 * attend classes
 * work with collaboratively with other students
 * share your knowledge with other students
 * post what you have learned so others may "build on the shoulder of giants"


 * Overview of each project**
 * 1) RPG where the player must battle nature/avoid hazards/negotiate a maze ...
 * 2) 2-person game using keyboard
 * 3) 2-person game using controllers (This turned out to be not do-able in our lab.)
 * 4) FPS game where the player must battle a computer controlled enemy
 * 5) 1- or 2-person game where there is an invisible portal that transports the player or players to another place, time, world, ...
 * 6) multiplayer game over the network (No one managed this one.)
 * 7) Kodu tutorial and upload it to YouTube (or this)


 * goals**
 * finish dates for each project
 * the number of posts you will make for each discussion
 * helping
 * sharing


 * how you wish to be assessed**

A5 Hole in the wall
Post your response to the TED video (17:14) [|Sugata Mitra: The child-driven education].

How similar is your desire to learn similar to these students?

A6 Educational Games
Read [|How one student] developed his own game company.

In your Daily Log - mull over some possibilities that Kodu might provide

Make sure you skim through and look at what types of games are popular, especially for groups other than teenage boys!

=Kodu Journal= should be a reflection of your work
 * How well you met your goals
 * why you were able to meet/not meet your goals
 * what difficulties you experienced and how you overcame them
 * critique of your game

Instructions
 * 1) Make a new page and name it Journal - //your first name//
 * 2) Make a new post titled "//your first name's// Daily log
 * 3) make sure you complete what you did/learned each day

=Kodu Group= ... an independent study course for students want to create games for the XBox

You will be working with each other to
 * download & save the install files onto your memory sticks
 * install files on the C drive
 * explore the editing features

Student commitment & willingness to learn
is necessary because
 * this is a guided independent study course where the instructors will be busy working with other students as well as you
 * you will be interacting with the community at large as well as with the school community where punctuality, attendance, and excellence is expected
 * students will be representing our school

Proof of commitment
... will be determined by
 * submission of a variety of games
 * your log containing
 * evidence of research
 * links to discussion where you contribute to shared knowledge
 * statement of intent that includes
 * personal goals for the year and how this course will help meet them
 * commitment to attend classes, field trips, and related DJ activities
 * explanations of circumstances leading to past issues & how the student will deal with these issues to ensure that they will **not** affect the performance in this course
 * interview with the instructors
 * referrals by counsellors regarding the ability to meet the commitments