Email: [email protected]
SHS web page: http://skyview.vansd.org
School phone: 360-313-4200
Follow me on Twitter: @MrsHansenSOLV4X
Room: 611
C
OURSE
D
ESCRIPTION
In the Video Game Programming course students will learn how today's digital games and interactive experiences are created. Students will develop a series of games that will teach them how to use Digipen’s ProjectFUN Editor while learning the basics of programming in C++. The ProjectFUN Editor is a proprietary Software Development Kit (SDK) that facilitates game making for beginning programmers. Students will program 5 basic games (The Cage, Pong, Brix, Side Scroller and Platformer) as well as their own original game. Students will also explore the game production process and pathways to video game careers.
Visit http://projectfun.digipen.edu for information on ProjectFUN.
I
NSTRUCTIONAL
P
HILOSOPHY
What is important to me is not what I teach, but rather what the student knows and is able to do as a result of the learning environment that I create. I believe that students learn through active
participation in class discussions and activities. Learning takes place when students struggle with a concept and then overcome the struggle. It is through this process that they own the learning. Students will come to my class with a variety of experiences and knowledge. It is my goal to challenge students at every level to improve their learning of the course goals and objectives.
C
OURSE
G
OALS AND
O
BJECTIVES
Student in this course are expected to:
• Demonstrate ethical behavior with technology
• Learn the video game production process • Research careers in the video game
industry
• Program in C++
• Debug programs and solve problems
• Animate player characters (sprites)
• Use collision detection
• Create state machines and object functions
• Modify game, level and sprite properties
• Program for user input (mouse/keyboard) • Apply sound effects and music
• Create a game design document • Have fun while learning!
S
TUDENT
R
ESOURCES
• Notebook• Pen and/or pencil and a highlighter
• Dropbox account (you will create one)
• Email account (you will be given one) • Digipen Video Game Programming book
• Laptop at school with FUN Editor.
• A home PC with internet is recommended. • A home PC to install FUN Editor (optional)
• You can bring your own mouse (optional)
E
XTRA
H
ELP AND
L
AB
T
IME
You may find that you may need to put in extra time outside of class to complete projects and assignments on time.
I am usually available before school, from 7:00 to 7:25am, and during tutorial. I am available after school by appointment as my schedule varies week to week.
Sometimes I have “open lab” time after school 2:30 to 4:30pm. Dates will be announced.
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M
AJOR
C
OURSE
P
ROJECTS
The curriculum for this course was developed by Digipen Institute of Technology in Redmond, WA. The content is what they teach in their summer workshop.
Project #1: The Cage
This will be your first game. It’s not actually a game, but will give you an idea of how the games are created. You will create ball sprites, modify sprite properties and create collision lines on a map.
Project #2: Pong
Yes, the classic “Pong” game. In this game we extend our learning to include keyboard input to control the paddles and add text to the screen to update the scores.
Project #3: Brix
The ball bounces around and collides with bricks causing them to disappear. When you get all of the bricks then you win! This game adds the additional challenge of a splash screen, a menu, win/lose screens and mouse input.
Project #4: Side Scroller
Finally we get to shoot at alien enemies and blow stuff up! This game uses a scrolling map, adds dynamic sprite creation and deletion. We don’t want tons of bullet sprites slowing down game so we delete them after they go past the end of the screen.
Project #5: Platformer
This is a game you will create with several levels. It’s somewhat like the classic Mario Bros arcade game in that you have a guy that moves around picking up things like a key that unlocks the door to another level.
Project #6: Create your own game
Once you have learned how to make games with several features, you will create your own game. You will work in groups of 3-4 students. You will begin work on the Game Design Document prior to completing the 5 games so that when we are done with them you will be ready to start coding your game. This game will be a large part of your grade so pay attention to deadlines given in class.
Game Modifications
You will be given an opportunity to create “mods” to each of the games to earn additional points. Each game is worth 85 out of 100 points and you can earn up to an additional 15 points for your game mod.
Career Development Project
Students will be asked to research careers in the video game industry and report findings through PowerPoint or other method.
A
SSESSMENT AND
G
RADING
80% ProjectsThe focus of this course is learning about computer programming and this is demonstrated through completion of the game projects.
20% Daily Work
Your notebook is your record of work and it will be graded at random intervals. You will be asked to complete some written assignments, quizzes and a Career Development Project. Daily work also includes class participation.
Academic dishonesty. Avoid the temptation to
simply copy someone else’s work - you won’t learn anything by doing that. And it’s plagiarism. Serious or repeat offenses may result in a failing grade for the assignment/project/quarter/semester. If you are behind and need help, ask for it rather than copying someone else’s work.
G
RADING
S
CALE
Percent LetterGrade Description 93-100 A Work clearly stands out as
“excellent”, demonstrates superior mastery of concepts and skills. 90-92.99 A-
87-89.99 B+ Goes beyond basic requirements and demonstrates above average comprehension and mastery of concepts and skills.
83-86.99 B 80-82.99 B-
77-79.99 C+ Demonstrates a basic
comprehension and mastery of concepts and skills.
73-76.99 C 70-72.99 C-
67-69.99 D+ Quality and quantity of work is below average and barely acceptable.
63-66.99 D
-0-62.99 F Quality and quantity of work is unacceptable.
A
TTENDANCE
challenging to get your projects done on schedule if you miss classes.
M
AKE
U
P
W
ORK
When you do miss class it is your responsibility to schedule time with me to go over what you missed. Don’t expect me to put the class on hold while I get you caught up.
Normally you have one day’s extension for each excused absence to make up any missed work, but this is only for daily written work, not projects. Should you choose not to make arrangements with me within two school days of your return you forfeit the missing assignments and will receive a zero. Unexcused absences may also receive a zero.
L
ATE
W
ORK
Arrangements can be made on an individual basis for work turned in after the due date. These arrangements must be made within one week of the due date. Do not put off doing work and then assume that you can come to me to “get all my missing work” and still get credit for it.
E
XTRA
C
REDIT
A grade of B (85%) will be given for projects where you complete only the basic requirements. If you want a higher grade (extra credit) then complete any challenges posed in class or propose your own to me and we will decide together if your work warrants a higher grade.
4
C
LASSROOM
E
XPECTATIONS
Each student deserves the opportunity to learn and succeed. It is my responsibility to provide a
classroom environment that is safe and conducive to learning for all. My expectations include:
• Be punctual! Be ready to learn/work by the time the tardy bell rings.
• Be prepared! Come with the necessary supplies and materials to work.
• Be respectful! To all people and property in the classroom.
• Be honest! Do your own work.
• Be responsible! Not only for your learning, but also your words and actions.
• Be safe!
• Be ethical! Computer use must conform to district computer policies. I expect you to use the highest of ethical standards with the laptops and other school equipment.
• Generally, don’t cause a problem for yourself or anyone else.
• Use the equipment/laptops in class only as instructed. You may have the ability to mess around with them, but you do not have permission and there’s a huge difference between the two!
• Keep gum, food and drink in your backpack and out of sight.
• Cell phones and music devices may be used with my permission only. Even if I let you use it one day, that doesn’t give you permission the next day.
C
ORRECTIVE
A
CTION
Behavior that causes a problem or is disruptive to another student’s learning will have the following consequences:
1. Warning (this may be verbal or non-verbal) 2. Solve the problem with help from the
teacher (private conference).
3. Consequence unique to the situation which may include detention and/or parent contact.
4. Referral to an associate principal. Note: Some actions may require immediate consequences including changing seats or being sent to the administrator’s office.
B
EING
O
N
“W
ATCH
D
UTY
”
Students who do anything that I deem unacceptable regarding the use of the laptops or other equipment in the room, such as vandalism, hacking or messing with other people’s work, will be placed on
“watch duty”. This means that during class you will “watch” other students work and then you can come in after school to make up the time so that I can “watch” you carefully. You will be taken off “watch duty” only when I feel that I can trust you again.
C
ONTACT
M
E
Email is the best way to contact me and for making conference arrangements: [email protected]. Conferences with parents should always include the student.
Parents, please make sure your correct phone numbers and email address(es) are on Family Access (the online gradebook) because this is where I will get the information to call or email you if needed. Please let me know if you need assistance with Family Access.
Y
OUR FIRST ASSIGNMENT
Review the syllabus and class expectations with your parents and have them sign below. Keep the first two pages for future reference and complete and turn in this page and the one on the back within one week.
I have read the guidelines in the Video Game Programming Syllabus and understand the expectations.
Student Name: ____________________________________________________
Student Signature: _______________________________________________ Date _____/_____/_______
Parent Name: ______________________________________________________
Parent Signature: _________________________________________________ Date _____/_____/_______
N
OTES TO THE
T
EACHER
Please write any notes below that will be helpful to me in working with you (the student) this year. If you have an IEP or 504 Plan, please indicate that as well so I don’t miss any paperwork. If you’d prefer, you can send me an email with this information.
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G
ROUP
W
ISE
A
CCOUNT
F
ORM
–
S
TUDENT
Name of student: (print clearly) ___________________________________________Grade: ____ ID# _____________ I have read, understand and agree to comply with the District’s Technology Ethics Regulations as outlined in my Student’s Handbook. I also understand that my violation of the regulations is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked and disciplinary action may be taken against me.
Student’s Signature ________________________________________________________ Date ________________________
Parent or Guardian: (A parent or guardian must read and sign this agreement unless the student is
emancipated) As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the District’s Technology Ethics Regulations as outlined in the Student’s Handbook. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes and correspondence. The Vancouver School District has taken precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I also recognize it is impossible for Vancouver School District to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold the Vancouver School District responsible for materials or correspondence acquired in GroupWise. I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child’s use is not in a school setting. I accept full
responsibility, to the full extent of the law, for any intentional destruction of the hardware or software of the VanNet or GroupWise.
I hereby give permission to the Vancouver School District to issue a GroupWise account for my child. Parent or Guardian’s Name (please print) ______________________________________________________________ Pareent or Guardian’s Signature ___________________________________________ Date _____________________
Sponsoring Teacher: I have read the District’s Technology Ethics Regulations as outlined in the
Student’s Handbook and agree to promote this agreement with the student. As the sponsoring teacher, I agree to instruct the student on acceptable use of VanNet and GroupWise and proper network etiquette.
