1. Caryn Swark
swarkc@holyspirit.ab.ca
www.gamifymyclass.blogspot.co All images used with permission

2. WHY GAME DESIGN?
• Connects with an area students already enjoy
• Good way to engage male students in reading
and the humanities
• Demands a higher level of thinking than simple
memorization
• Develops critical and creative thinking skills
and encourages problem solving

3. WHY GAME DESIGN?
• Works well with story telling and narration
• Cross curricular and interdisciplinary, with
added lessons on planning and implementing
projects
• Uses a wide variety of intelligences and subject
matters
• Easy – comes complete with lesson plans and
is designed to work with teachers who are not
game designers (or even gamers!)

4. TWO SIMPLE FREE WAYS TO BRING GAME
DESIGN INTO THE CLASSROOM
G A M E S TA R
MECHANIC KODU GAME LAB
• Quick, easy, and self- • Requires some time &
directed teacher direction
• Allows for simple, two • Allows for complex
dimensional gameplay gameplay in two or three
dimensions
• Free online program • Free downloadable program
(accessible from any (accessible from individual
computer) computers AND Xbox
(currently USA only)

5. The Basics:
 Free lesson plans
 Free program
download
 In program tutorials
 Online video tutorials
 Online community
and support

6.  Windows 7, Vista, or
XP
 Some graphics
requirements
(specifics available
online, but most
modern computers
will be able to handle

8. KODU IS BEST FOR…
• Class and group projects
• Long term exploration
• Developing rich narratives and linking
to storytelling
• Whole class activities

9. The Basics:
 Free lesson plans
 Free program
download
 In program tutorials
 Online video tutorials
 Online community
and support

10.  Internet access
 Flash player 10
 NO downloads!
 Free (but with
optional add-ons that
cost various amounts)

12. Sample Assignment
Grade six social studies
Learn about a NGO (non government organization) of your
choice. Find out about the issues they deal with. Create a
game on Gamestar Mechanic that tells a bit about the
organization and draws attention to the issue.
One student response…

13. GAMESTAR MECHANIC IS BEST FOR…
• Individual and group projects
• Quick activities designed to express
understanding of a topic
• Individual enrichment (most students
will be able to complete the quest
without teacher assistance)
• Optional or choice assignments
Using Gamestar

14. WHAT NEXT?
Kodu Game Lab
• Download the program or check out educator
www.fuse.microsoft.com/projects/kodu
resources
• Visit the community
www.kodugamelab.com
Gamestar Mechanic
• Sign up for a free account and explore the site
www.gamestarmechanic.com
• Check out teacher resources
www.gamestarmechanic.com/teachers
Questions? Need Help? Want More?
Caryn Swark
swarkc@holyspirit.ab.ca
www.gamifymyclass.blogspot.ca
Twitter: missrithenay