Game Academy - Week 2
Yes, the posts are going from dasy to weeks. I was never tired after work, until I started the game academy. For some reason I expected the kids to be interested in making games, cool graphics (and HOPED they would be interested in programming).
I don’t consider myself an early starter with computers, Jeff was–he had a computer all his life (mostly those ancient punch cards)–but at 14 I was already familiar with Photoshop and started learn how to make my own websites. And that was all mostly self taught, with some guidance from my Graphic Fartist Uncle and Coding Ninja Nick. But maybe that’s the key. I had some friends and family to support me. Same with Jeff. I don’t think these kids have that positive support for “learning” or self exploration. In fact, I know they don’t.
These kids have had rough lives and broken families. It’s very hard for me to relate to that. My family is awesome, arguably the best in the universe–that even breeds some jealousy or envy with my fiance. I should ask her advice on how to relate to the kids better and adjust my expectations. I don’t want to give up on them, but I also don’t want to exhaust myself the point of never wanting to do this again.
I figured they would like this kind of instruction, as opposed to the more traditional lecture style. Hands on, a short demonstration and a chance to go play. Perhaps they are too young. Perhaps don’t know enough to be interested. Or just too distracted with their own issues. Seems like the only things they are really interested in are playing games and mysapce. The most popular exercise is Photoshop. They love taking their picture and composting it with their favorite celebrity.
We ask them to just look up when we are talking, they don’t. So we remove the internet, they still don’t. Then we close the laptops, they still don’t. We bargain, pay attention for 30 minutes or you can’t play XBOX, and they still don’t pay attention. I have always thought highly of teachers, wanted to be one myself. Now I admire them even more. I’d have to jump off something tall if it was 12 or more of these kids.
Jeff tried to teach them coding yesterday. A simple sub 20 line exercise in Flash. Half of them couldn’t even listen for 35 minutes. One of the kids kept putting his headphones on and I asked him to take them out. He got all pissed off, like I tool away his candy. So when Flash crashed, instead of opening it back up, he goes into Photoshop and does his own thing. That pissed Jeff off and he expressed himself, which I thought was justifiable, and stopped the lesson. I just didn’t care anymore so I let them do whatever for last 15 minutes before lunch (well, still no internet or XBOX).
Missy, the girl though, is “A joy to be around.” Girls do mature much faster than boys (if boys ever mature). I think she keeps Kody in line because Kody has a crush on her. So I don’t know what we will do today. Give them a break? Do individual lessons and more free time. Let them play XBOX all day so Jeff and I can sleep. All can feel all the educators out there, laughing. Touché right? I know my Mother is laughing… Hopefully soon, I can too.
Tags: education, game academy, teaching, xna