DAY 5 FINAL - JUNE 29, 2007

Shut down, power off: Reflection on Day 5

The final day began as another work day; student and teacher groups continued working on game development. Guidance was provided by project administrators as needed on an individual basis.

The afternoon was devoted to uploading games to the HI FIVES website for a "show and tell" by groups on their progress during the week. This included teacher progress on the development of their games as well as student created games.

Overall, the week did not match the original description of its intent. Teachers were told that the focus would be on developing their games with input from their students. While this was part of the week, the greater part of the week invloved having students - those of the HI FIVES teachers as well as the "extras" - engaged in using the gaming software. These two agendas - having teachers develop their games and having students simply experience Virtuoso - were at odds, and produced more frustration for me personally. I do not feel the week was as productive as it could have been with respect to me having devoted time to develop my game. Communication needs improvement.

This week has convinced me that I am not a "technology geek" and that my video game development skills are limited, poor at best. I do not feel badly about this epiphany; rather, I feel relieved. The HI FIVES experience overall has been positive; it has provided a platform for professional and personal growth. In the future, "beyond HI FIVES", I will seek opportunites more suited to my nature and abilities.