Before the project begins I would like to talk about how I feel the project will go over the next few months……
I feel that the pupils may run into a few difficulties whilst the project is running;
- Technological Difficulties – You can never rely on technology!!! Im sure at some point throughout this project a computer will crash, a software update will be required, pupils will forget his login/password and I am 100% sure there will be a lot of ‘Have you tried turning it on and off again?’.
- External factors – The pupils at my school will run into an infinite number of factors throughout a normal day, and each incident/factor/moment can change the way a pupil will learn/act/behave. These could be bullying, pressures from other lessons, changes in a routine, going to bed at 1:00am, not having breakfast, issues with transport, falling out with siblings or parents, lack of support, equipment not working. As you can see, these all have to be dealt with at the classroom door before any teaching can take place.
- Time/Timetable – Pupils will only be given 50 minutes of ICT a week and with quite a small timescale in place, there is a possibility that there could not be enough time.
- Absences – Pupils could also miss lessons due to illness, doctor/dentist/specialist appointments, transport being late, or annual reviews. Pupils will have to be given time to catch up, this could possibly be done during the school GOAL timetable lesson or during lunch.I know I am away for a few days between now and the summer term, so the consistency and regularity of having the same staff teacher, teach the same course material.
- Pupils needs/levels of access – Pupils may find the work hard and have to be taught the course material in a differentiated way from others in their class therefore reducing the amount of time the pupil will have to plan, design and create their game.
What I think will happen…………….
- Teamwork – I believe that our school core value will definitely shine through during this project. Pupils who are able to access the work and find it easier than others will feel good helping others, who may be struggling accessing the work.
- More pupils will choose Kodu – More pupils will choose Kodu over Scratch and I feel this is because Kodu is a visual based platform that allows pupils with lower reading ages and literacy issues to easily design and create their won game. Their is no complex language used and all choices are clear, bright and easy to read. I also believe that more pupils will choose Kodu as it is 3D and a world like platform which will make it more interactive.
- Wide variety of games – Pupils will be a creating a wide variety of games and stories. Pupils will be given the option of creating their own world, characters, terrain, enemies and objects through the aid of their school project booklets.
- SEN needs and their choices will differ – We will be given a fascinating insight into what features/aspects of the games will be liked by children with different SEN needs. For example, we have 3 classes completing this project; 1 is a high functioning ASD class (Class 1), 1 is a motor difficulties/processing/physical impairment class (Class 2) and 1 is ADHD/moderate learning difficulties/sensory difficulties class (Class 3).
Week 1:
(Class 1/2/3) – Pupils were given a word search as they entered the room which reinforced the language and keywords that they had learnt before the easter holiday. Pupils were then given their learning objective and the success criteria of the lesson.
Pupils were introduced to their work booklets and how to navigate around them. They were introduced to their checklists and steps to success. Pupils then read out as a class the project they are partaking in and together we concluded that we were taking part in something that was ‘quite a big deal’.
We then went on to the starter tasks which involved screenshots of both Kodu and Scratch. Pupils were given a screenshot of each software and boxes for them to place the icon names into.
This seemed to go down very well with all classes as it was a lesson which reinforced work from previous lessons. Pupils who finished, happily obliged and volunteered to help other pupils who were working at a slower pace.
Week 2:
This was a week that truly highlights the needs of our pupils and how different they all are.
Class 1: All pupils were able to work at a fairly quick speed and progressed through the screenshot tasks with ease. They seemed to appreciate and work well with the visual screenshots and were able to correctly place the correct terminology into the correct boxes. Some of the pupils were reluctant to help others once they were finished, but a few did help others.
Class 2: This lesson was a slower paced lesson. It involved less of giving them a task and letting them get on with it. Instead tasks were broken into small achievable tasks and class discussions to reinforce learning. Pupils became stuck with the screenshot tasks and were especially confused about what the path tool was. We asked a pupil to stand at the front of the class and be a computer controlled character. The class then placed paper on the ground and gave the pupil a path to follow. After this we are asked a pupil to be a human controlled character and race against the computer controlled character. The PORIC approach really worked and helped their understanding.
Class 3: What can I say about this lesson? They were mega quick. We managed to get through 4 tasks with ease. I think this is to do with the fact that a large proportion of pupils have ADHD and need to be kept busy, especially with a lesson straight after lunch. Once pupils had finished with their task they were asked to check with a partner, and this allowed the more able pupils to interact and communicate with the less able pupils.
Week 3:
Class 1: All pupils completed the tasks 5-6. These tasks were screenshots of icons form both Scratch and Kodu. All pupils were able to to recall what the icons were and were able to describe them efficiently. It was surprising to see more of the pupils willing to help each other out, especially two of the more able pupils who willingly went out of their way to help a number of pupils who were stuck.
7 out of 9 pupils decided that they were going to be using Kodu over Scratch. This was not a surprise to me! I had an inkling that this class would be predominantly more connected to Kodu, as it is more visual and requires pupils to use images/icons than text. It was also noted that pupils form this class were happy to be using a 3d based game as it was more interactive and gave them more of a chance to create/design their world. 2 of the pupils, however did decide on scratch as their choice of software and their reasoning was that they could create a simpler game and did not involve as much designing.
Class 2: All pupils completed tasks 1-5. Pupils spent a while on the scratch screenshot task, but a number of pupils who had finished agreed to help others and this sped things up. This class is working at a slower pace compared to the other classes, but I think this is a normal and comfortable speed for them to access their work. There was no suggestions as to what piece of software they are going to use as of yet, but we will find out next week.
Class 3: This was a tricky situation today. Class 3’s form tutor/Head of Year was absent, so this meant chaos. A little bit of a change to their routine can seriously affect their effort and behaviour for the rest of the day. Class 3 are a classic example this.
After a brief word and motivational talk, the red faced, over excited and confused pupils were allowed to enter the ICT suite and were given a new word search to complete as a way of calming them down and focusing them on the lesson in hand.
We did not manage to get as much done today as last week, Class 3 managed to complete tasks 6,7, and 8, which felt like a gold medal in the olympics after the start to the day. Class 3 and I discussed what they would prefer to use and discussed the aspects of Kodu and Scratch and it was a 100% record win for Kodu. Reason for this as their choice was the 3D aspect and that they could use images rather than text to help create their game. Next week will start their designing of their game.
Week 4:
Class 1: Did not have an ICT lesson this week as it was May Bank holiday Monday.
Class 2: Pupils had Tasks 5,6 and 7 to catch up on today.This class are motivated and excited to design and create their game. I was late for a lesson as I has had to deal with an incident involving two pupils in my year. So after a delayed start to the lesson, pupils were willing to help each other and showed fantastic teamwork and communication skills by politely asking each other if they needed any help.
Pupils were able to make their mind up as to what features of software that they would like to use and why? There was a 100% success rate for using software that uses 3D components and another all out win for the use of images and the main reason that was given was because it is easier to understand.
Class 3: This lesson went fantastically well. First of all the pupils had their regular tutor and head of year in today, so pupils were focused and no changes or new faces to their routine.
Pupils entered the classroom calmly and were told how there was only one staff member for all 9 them, so they had to be patient and wait their turn. Full credit to them as they were exceptionally patient and because I was busy they automatically were helping each other out. Pupils were asked to design/draw their computer game into an A4 box. Some of the ideas included; shooting games, racing games, collecting games and even a football game. Some of the pupils managed to even get a name for their game, some interesting choices; “Lava Mayhem”, “Mayhem War” “Air Strike” and “The Shooters”.
Pupils worked exceptionally hard today and some key teambuilding and communication life skills were present throughout the lesson. They really are beginning to gel and work together to achieve their overall objective.
Week 5:
Class 1: Pupils were really engaged and focused for this lesson, after having a couple of weeks off due to a May bank holiday last week. Pupils had a quick recap of what we had done so far over the last few weeks/lessons.
Pupils were asked to confirm what piece of software that they would like to use with 2/9 opting for Scratch and 7/9 opting for Kodu. Pupils spent this lesson sharing ideas and collaborating with each other over which game they would like to use and then began to design their world/game in their booklet. It took around 20 minutes for pupils to design their world, with detailed annotations or keys. Pupils spent the last 10 minutes of the lesson actually getting onto their chosen software and began creating their game.
Pupils were in high spirits and their enthusiasm and passion showed through their designs.
Class 2: Pupils were attentive, focused and full of energy for today’s lesson. Class 2 have been behind in lessons/project (this is due to their needs and the slower pace of lessons). They managed to get a lot done in lesson today and they managed to design their game and the concepts behind it. Next week they will begin designing characters and what they will do.
Class 3: I am currently away in Sweden for a trans-national meeting on Thursday and Friday to do with this project. I know their will be behaviour incidents and less work will be completed as it it will be a change to their routine/structure. I will update with how the lesson went, when I get feedback from the cover teacher.
Feedback from Supply Teacher: “The class were exceptionally hyper and were not responsive in the first 10 minutes. I think this was because it was a change to their normal routine and I was not familiar with the structure and routine of the lesson. I had to send 2 of the children to Learning Support as they were not responding very well to my instructions.
Pupils seemed to not want to take part in the designing of the world and instead spent more time focused on wanting to play their game.
Week 6:
Class 1: Pupils finished off designing their game in today’s lesson. They finished off their world/game drawings. Pupils then had time to reflect and design characters/enemies, what objects will be collected and how characters will be controlled. Pupils were very enthusiastic and passionate during todays lesson and their was full commitment from all pupils.
Pupils even took the time to communicate with each other about their designs and how they could improve them or how they could do it differently. Pupils took their peer advice well and in a constructive manner and this led to a large amount of positive conversations
Class 2: This class’ form tutor was absent today as they were not very well. This affected their transition form form time to their ICT lesson as there had been a change to their routine and structure. They were loud and boisterous as they were lining up for the lesson, so after a brief word and a bit of motivation they were able to enter the classroom in a positive manner.
A number of pupils managed to complete their game designs in their booklets and finish off their character designs and how they are controlled.
Three pupils were not here last week, so they spent the lesson catching up and then attempting their designs of their game and characters. Pupils who finished their tasks, then automatically assisted others who were absent the week before or needed help.
Class 3: Pupils were well very well behaved in today’s lesson. They seemed focused and motivated to complete their design work in their booklets. Although there was no support for both the pupils and myself in the lesson, they were very attentive and responsive.
It was fantastic to see pupils voluntarily helping each other out and discussing their design ideas.
Pupils completed their designs ideas and then continued with creating their world and began to insert some of their characters. Pupils then helped each other with each others coding/programming of characters.
Week 7:
Class 1: Pupils were absolutely fantastic lesson.All pupils were able to complete their designs and plans for their game. All pupils are now attempting to create their game on Kodu and Scratch.
Pupils are enjoying spending time designing their world with different terrains and inserting their characters and objects. Pupils were able to independently do this with some help from myself.
Class 2: Pupils were absolutely fantastic lesson.All pupils were able to complete their designs and plans for their game. All pupils are now attempting to create their game on Kodu and Scratch.
However unlike Class 1, this class due to their needs work at a slower pace and struggle if they were given the opportunity to work independently. So from next lesson I am going to be giving them a recap of the tools and features of Kodu, to ensure that they can do some of the game independently. Pupils working well together and are positively interacting with each other.
Class 3: Pupils were brilliant and focused throughout this lesson, considering it is the final day before the half term holidays and the fact they wanted to be in the sunshine, they were brilliant.
One of the pupils had their last lesson today, as his family are relocating to Scotland. This did have a bit of an impact on the other pupils as they wanted to ensure they were saying goodbye and leaving on good terms. They spent the lesson continuing to create their world. Very proud of this class as they are still maintaining their behaviour record and are willing to help each other and work as a team to ensure that they are all achieving their goals.
Week 8:
Class 1; Pupils were back into it after a weeks rest. Pupils needed a brief reintroduction into the project’s aims and kodu and scratch. After this pupils were eager to continue with their game and all are now starting to program their characters/objects/AI’s. All pupils who were using the Kodu platform are racing through it and using it at ease.
It is interesting to see that the two pupils who are using Scratch are finding it difficult to program and in their words “The language is too complicated”, I think this will be bought up in their evaluation
Class 2: This was the first lesson back for this class after having a week off for the May half term. It was a slow start to the lesson as we spent some recapping the objectives of the project, the software choices and their tasks.
Three pupils were finding it exceptionally hard to access the start of the lesson due to Ramadan beginning the night before. The three pupils were told to go for a brief walk around the school grounds to freshen up and be able to reengage in the lesson.
After the brief walk the three pupils entered back into the class and seemed more attentive and focused. All pupils were fantastic and able to independently continue to create their game. A major surprise was a shy, low achieving student, offering his advice and help to more able students.
Class 3: Two pupils were absent in today’s lesson, so this only left 5 pupils in the class. This is allowed more work to be done as they were not distracted and in a weird way the class seemed a lot calmer and a lot more focused.
Pupils have all finished their game worlds and are now beginning to program their characters/objects/enemies and AI. As always all pupils were willing to help each other and discuss ideas that wee good or could need improving.
Week 9:
Class 1: Two pupils were absent from today’s lesson due to illness, so this left only 6 pupils.
Pupils are beginning to wrap things up with their games. Two pupils completed their game today and were working together to work out how best to provide evidence of their game. They decided on providing print screenshots, printing them out, cutting them and then glueing into their booklets.
Two other pupils were in the process of making their finishing touches to their game. The two pupils who chose to use scratch are the last to be completing their games, as they are finding the language aspect very difficult.
Class 2: Pupils were fantastic today and achieved their goal for the lesson. A few pupils have almost completed their games, however a few pupils are still behind as they have spent longer designing their game instead of programming characters and AI’s. I hope for this to be completed by then end of next week, so pupils can begin providing evidence of their games and can begin their evaluation.
Class 3: This lesson was not on today as England are playing Wales in the Euro 2016 football tournament. I think this is the only time it is acceptable to miss a lesson is when cheering your national sports team.
This class were ahead of Class 2 anyway and were on par with Class 1, so this will be a good opportunity for Class 2 to catch up.
Week 10:
Class 1: Three of the pupils completed their work booklets and their project today. They managed to independently acquire print screenshots of their world, the coding that was needed for their characters and their AI characters. Pupils then completed their evaluations. It was interesting to see that pupils, when evaluating their work were putting down teamwork, communication and leadership skills as things they have learnt and improved upon rather than subject specific criteria.
There are five pupils who are finishing their game and now beginning to make their finishing touches.
Class 2: All pupils are nearing completion of their games. Pupils are going to be given one more lesson (next week) to make the finishing touches to their game. I think the pupils are struggling with the pace of lessons and what is being expected of them. With regards to this class and other classes similar to them, they need work heavily scaffolded and broken down. an example of this was in today’s lesson I showed them how to end/restart game with a 5 minute demonstration and then they were asked to go ahead and do it. We then had another demonstration about changing the character settings (speed, health bar etc) for 5 minutes and then they had a go. If I was to teach this class again i would have to continue to break it down evermore into smaller achievable chunks.
Class 3: It has been two weeks since I have taught this class, due to last weeks football match. Pupils were very well behaved, however they lacked a lot of motivation for today. This seemed to be a common picture across school today, I think its because there is a storm brewing and it was hot and muggy.
The overall percentage of the class worked fantastically well and were attempting to motivate their fellow pupils by asking them questions and opinions on their games. Some of the more able pupils even helped the less able pupils to program some of their characters.
Pupils will be given one more lesson (next week) to complete their game and then we will be able to get on with the project screenshots and evaluations.
Class 1: I was absent for this lesson due to personal commitments. I have spoken to the supply teacher that took the lesson and apparently pupils were off task and did not want to complete the tasks that were asked of them.This is not a surprise as it was a change to their routine.
Class 2: Pupils are coming on extremely well and quicker than expected. Pupils will be expected to have completed their games by the end of next lesson and then they will be begin to document their game through screenshots. One of the pupils has really shone through this project and is now a confident team player who is helping others out without asking.
Class 3: A large proportion of pupils have completed their game and are now beginning to document it through screenshots. Pupils are wanting to help each other out and happy to be working as a team. Less able pupils are beginning to challenge the more able pupils about their work.
Class 1: All but three pupils have now completed their project and are helping others with their screenshots and evaluations. It was interesting to see that pupils were stating that they learnt how to work as a team and work on their communication skills aside software specific objectives. Next week I will be filming two of the pupils to obtain their opinions.
Class 2: Pupils were working exceptionally hard in today’s lesson and have to come to the end of them creating and designing their games. Pupils are now onto the screenshots and evaluating their performance throughout the project.
Class 3: Pupils were on fire in today’s lesson. All pupils have managed to complete their screenshots of their work and next week will complete their evaluations. Was fantastic to see pupils helping and assisting each other with the screenshot process. Some pupil even went the extra mile and helped their peers with cutting and glueing.
mrbgamesproject 