Using Scirra’s Construct 2 as a

Teaching Tool at Birmingham City

University

Andrew Wilson

School of Computing, Telecommunications and Networks, Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment

Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment

Computing, Telecommunications and Networks.

Digital Media Technology.

Engineering, Design and Manufacturing Systems.

Birmingham School of the Built Environment.

BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology

Course four years old.

Approximately 20 students each year totalling 60+ Students.

Course focuses on programming C# / C++.

Developed and evolved due to industry input.

Strong links with large and small scale studios (Birmingham Science Park and Leamington Spa).

Emphasis on encouraging extra-curricular activities and engagement with industry.

Issues faced

First year students adapting to University life.

Little programming experience.

Poor alignment between what they thought the course should be and the reality the skills industry wants.

Teaching and learning style is very different in Higher Education.

Adjusting to University life, making friends, coping with work loads and avoiding failing assessments are often higher priority.

The Learning Pyramid: Level of retention of information

Reading

Lecture5%

10%

20%

30%

50%

75%

90%

Audio visual

Is any body there?

Demonstration

Group discussion

Teach others

Practice

Adapted from NTL Institute for Applied behavioral Science

Group learning

Designing.

Implementing.

Testing.

Working across disciplines (art and audio).

Presentations.

Scirra’s Construct 2

Complements programming modules – not a substitute.

Students chose the tool themselves based upon team decision - negotiation.

Easy to learn and students can teach themselves in teams.

Can get productive more quickly compared to programming.

Less frustration in their game making.

Learn importance of play testing and feedback.

Learn to take constructive criticism from this.

The development environment

The walkthrough

Video: Construct 2 demonstration

Microsoft’s Imagine Cup

Students compete internationally with their peers.

Incorporated into 1st and 2nd year assignments - incentive to get involved.

“This scheme is a unique partnership involving the Students' Union and Birmingham City University. The scheme topped the 2010 Times Higher Education (THE) Awards in the ‘Outstanding Support for Students’ category.”

Outreach and master class programme for potential students to experience game development and University.

Tutorials (Usman Mohammad) published on Microsoft Faculty Connection resource centre.

Windows Gaming Ambassador

Engagement through peers.

Monetary incentives.

Rewards.

Catalyst for the interest in games competitions.

Windows 8 and mobile development

Student interviews – working in teams with Construct2

Video: Student Interviews

Recognition

LAUNCH Presents: Microsoft, The Cloud + Apps Gaming

Le the games begin……

Scirra Construct2 a tool for students to rapidly develop games for Windows 8

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/uk_faculty_connection/archive/2013/02/15/scirra-construct2-a-tool-for-students-to-rapidly-develop-games-for-windows-8.aspx