DAY 4 AFTERNOON - JUNE 28, 2007

How has the experience of working with students on designing a video game impacted how you communicate or relate to your students?

The video game design process has emphasized the importance of communicating clear goals and objectives. In the design process, we - teacher and students - all had to undersatnd and agree upon the course of action. This involved me as the teacher assuming the role of facilitator and communicating the "big picture" overview of the game. While specifying the particular tasks that need to be completed is extremely important, I now have a better appreciation for the importance of providing the overarching "big picture" concept.

Additionally, the importance of respect and collaboration came through in the design process. We all have ideas, and we all don't always have the best ideas. Students have much to contribute to the educational process, and allowing their voices to be present in the collaborative design process can be very powerful, yielding a more effective educational product. This struck me particualrly in Tuesday's game design brainstorming; students respectfully listened to my vision from last summer, and I respectfully listened to their feedback and input. Working together in this spirit of mutual repsect and collaboration, we will hopefully generate a better product.