Issue No. 02 Vocational Training in Programming Using A Game Based Appraoch : VGame
Project Partners Leeds City College (Coordinator) Leeds, United Kingdom MECB Ltd. Iklin, Malta
Modernising Education through Digital Games In this issue Introduction p.1 Game Concept p.1 Project Objectives p.1 2nd V-Game Meeting p.2 About Erasmus+ p.2
Keep in Touch You may keep up to date with the latest V-Game activities by visiting the official project web-page: www.v-game.eu All the news, dissemination events and project updates will be published through this web-page. The page may also be access by scanning the QR code below.
Action Synergy SA Athens, Greece
Kehtna, Estonia
Kuressaare Ametikool
Saaremaa, Estonia
Colegiul Tehnic Dimitrie Leonida
Petrosani, Romania
CERES
Rome, Italy
4
Meet the V-Game Partners p.3 Gamification of Education p.3 Project Partners p.4
Kehtna School of Economy and Technology
This publication reflects the views only of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Project No. 2014-1-UK01-KA202-001658
May 2015
Keeping in Touch p.4
Project Objectives O1: To conduct a study in order to understand the needs of students and the s t a k e h ol d e r s who teach programming skills. O2: To develop a digital game intended at fulfilling the needs identified in O1. The development process will also include the creation of material which will support stakeholders in implementing and using the developed game. O3: To disseminate the outcomes of this project at a national level through a variety of media such as this newsletter, the creation of a project web-page and other dissemination events.
www.v-game.eu
Welcome! Welcome to issue No. 2 of the V-Game digital newsletter. This newsletter brings you news and updates concerning the Erasmus+ project entitled: Vocational Training in Programming Using a Game Based Approach. The Erasmus project, which is co-ordinated by Leeds City College, brings together 7 partners from 6 countries. This issue of the V-Game newsletter will feature, updates regarding the progress of the game development. During the month of March, the VGame partners just returned from a meeting which was hosted by Kuresaaree Ametikool , one of the two Estonian partners involved in this project.
Game Concept V-Game is a web-based role-playing game, which is being developed as part of the Erasmus+ V-Game project. The objective of the game is to introduce the gamers to basic webpage programming languages such as HTML5 and CSS and also JavaScript. Throughout the game the player assumes the role of a teenager who wants to make a lot of money. In order to achieve this goal the player has to address numerous challenges related to programming and cyber-security. In addition the player will also be required to set up a secure web -based business where the character may interact with others. To this extent the story line enables the user to learn about cyber security and also get basic knowledge about entrepreneurship. It follows that the game teaches the user about a diverse set of topics while rendering the learning experience more enjoyable.
1
Issue No. 02
Meeting #2 in Kuressaare Ametikool
The V-Game project involves 7 partners from the United Kingdom, Malta, Greece, Italy, Romania and two partners from Estonia. In this first issue we are introducing two new partners: Kuressaare Ametikool from Estonia and Action Synergy SA from Greece.
The second meeting between the project partners was hosted by Kuressaare Ametikool, one of the two Estonian partners involved in this Erasmus+ project. During the first day of the meeting, each partner was able to present the progress made by the respective organisation. During this day the partners, were also able to plan the work which is required to be carried out over the coming months. During this first day the project partners were also able to experience a prototype high level version of the game, which is still under development. Based on the game which was showcased, each partner was able to provide constructive feedback in order to further improve the game. During the second day of the meeting the partners focused on the project management and the game development. The technical team was also able to plan the key milestone of the game which will be further developed in the next few months. This newsletter is excited to announce that an alpha version of the game will be showcased during the next meeting which will be held in Malta between the 15th and
About Erasmus+ is a European Commission programme which aims to boost skill as well as modernise education and training. The objective of this programme is motivated by the need for Europe to provide its citizens with moderns ways of teaching and learning in order to embrace new arising opportunities. To this extent an objective of Erasmus+ is to support the development of digital education and the use of ICT.
2
Meet the V-Game Partners
This publication reflects the views only of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Project No. 2014-1-UK01-KA202-001658
Kuressaare Ametikool Kuressaare, Estonia Kuressaare Regional Training Centre (RTC) is an educational institute that provides initial and additional vocational training and retraining in wide area of specialties both for young people and adults. As tourism is an important industry in the region, training specialists in catering, cooking, tourism management and hotel service has important role. Construction and related fields like carpentry have also quite a number of students. Located on the island of Saaremaa which has strong steamship traditions and small craft building companies, Kuresaare RTS is the only vocational school in Estonia training boat builders. Further information on Kuresaare RTS is available at : www.ametikool.ee
Action Synergy S.A. Athens, Greece Founded in 1987, Action Synergy S.A. is an ICT R&D, training and knowledge-based applications organization which is actively involved in the development of education technologies, training methodologies and the development of e-learning platforms and e learning training courses. Action Synergy S.A. disposes a long experience in the management and coordination of European Projects. Action Synergy’s S.A. key areas of expertise include: Development of learning methodologies, development of educational technologies and development of courses and modules making use of innovative methodologies. Further information about Action Synergy SA is available at : www.action.gr
www.v-game.eu
The Gamification of Education The main issue facing students today is the fact that traditional learning methods do little to keep the student enthusiastic and motivated. This system has been around for centuries, backed by the idea that students and learners want to be stuck doing something for hours on end without a good reason or motivation. This is incorrect, as many teachers are finding out. They should consider the theory coined by John Biggs and Catherine Tang in 2011. This theory states: 1. Learning activities should be engaging and meaningful to the student, who wants to succeed at them. 2. Gamification taps into people’s natural competitive instinct to motivate them. 3. Lastly, gamification goes beyond physical rewards systems and instills a mindset of constant achievement in the learner, further boosting their motivation to succeed. Many e-Learning sources and classrooms are learning to embrace gamification. Gamification has an incredibly bright future in e-Learning and many other fields of schooling. Source: http://goo.gl/tdWZN4 Date: 3rd April, 2015
3
Issue No. 02
Meeting #2 in Kuressaare Ametikool
The V-Game project involves 7 partners from the United Kingdom, Malta, Greece, Italy, Romania and two partners from Estonia. In this first issue we are introducing two new partners: Kuressaare Ametikool from Estonia and Action Synergy SA from Greece.
The second meeting between the project partners was hosted by Kuressaare Ametikool, one of the two Estonian partners involved in this Erasmus+ project. During the first day of the meeting, each partner was able to present the progress made by the respective organisation. During this day the partners, were also able to plan the work which is required to be carried out over the coming months. During this first day the project partners were also able to experience a prototype high level version of the game, which is still under development. Based on the game which was showcased, each partner was able to provide constructive feedback in order to further improve the game. During the second day of the meeting the partners focused on the project management and the game development. The technical team was also able to plan the key milestone of the game which will be further developed in the next few months. This newsletter is excited to announce that an alpha version of the game will be showcased during the next meeting which will be held in Malta between the 15th and
About Erasmus+ is a European Commission programme which aims to boost skill as well as modernise education and training. The objective of this programme is motivated by the need for Europe to provide its citizens with moderns ways of teaching and learning in order to embrace new arising opportunities. To this extent an objective of Erasmus+ is to support the development of digital education and the use of ICT.
2
Meet the V-Game Partners
This publication reflects the views only of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Project No. 2014-1-UK01-KA202-001658
Kuressaare Ametikool Kuressaare, Estonia Kuressaare Regional Training Centre (RTC) is an educational institute that provides initial and additional vocational training and retraining in wide area of specialties both for young people and adults. As tourism is an important industry in the region, training specialists in catering, cooking, tourism management and hotel service has important role. Construction and related fields like carpentry have also quite a number of students. Located on the island of Saaremaa which has strong steamship traditions and small craft building companies, Kuresaare RTS is the only vocational school in Estonia training boat builders. Further information on Kuresaare RTS is available at : www.ametikool.ee
Action Synergy S.A. Athens, Greece Founded in 1987, Action Synergy S.A. is an ICT R&D, training and knowledge-based applications organization which is actively involved in the development of education technologies, training methodologies and the development of e-learning platforms and e learning training courses. Action Synergy S.A. disposes a long experience in the management and coordination of European Projects. Action Synergy’s S.A. key areas of expertise include: Development of learning methodologies, development of educational technologies and development of courses and modules making use of innovative methodologies. Further information about Action Synergy SA is available at : www.action.gr
www.v-game.eu
The Gamification of Education The main issue facing students today is the fact that traditional learning methods do little to keep the student enthusiastic and motivated. This system has been around for centuries, backed by the idea that students and learners want to be stuck doing something for hours on end without a good reason or motivation. This is incorrect, as many teachers are finding out. They should consider the theory coined by John Biggs and Catherine Tang in 2011. This theory states: 1. Learning activities should be engaging and meaningful to the student, who wants to succeed at them. 2. Gamification taps into people’s natural competitive instinct to motivate them. 3. Lastly, gamification goes beyond physical rewards systems and instills a mindset of constant achievement in the learner, further boosting their motivation to succeed. Many e-Learning sources and classrooms are learning to embrace gamification. Gamification has an incredibly bright future in e-Learning and many other fields of schooling. Source: http://goo.gl/tdWZN4 Date: 3rd April, 2015
3
Issue No. 02 Vocational Training in Programming Using A Game Based Appraoch : VGame
Project Partners Leeds City College (Coordinator) Leeds, United Kingdom MECB Ltd. Iklin, Malta
Modernising Education through Digital Games In this issue Introduction p.1 Game Concept p.1 Project Objectives p.1 2nd V-Game Meeting p.2 About Erasmus+ p.2
Keep in Touch You may keep up to date with the latest V-Game activities by visiting the official project web-page: www.v-game.eu All the news, dissemination events and project updates will be published through this web-page. The page may also be access by scanning the QR code below.
Action Synergy SA Athens, Greece
Kehtna, Estonia
Kuressaare Ametikool
Saaremaa, Estonia
Colegiul Tehnic Dimitrie Leonida
Petrosani, Romania
CERES
Rome, Italy
4
Meet the V-Game Partners p.3 Gamification of Education p.3 Project Partners p.4
Kehtna School of Economy and Technology
This publication reflects the views only of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Project No. 2014-1-UK01-KA202-001658
May 2015
Keeping in Touch p.4
Project Objectives O1: To conduct a study in order to understand the needs of students and the s t a k e h ol d e r s who teach programming skills. O2: To develop a digital game intended at fulfilling the needs identified in O1. The development process will also include the creation of material which will support stakeholders in implementing and using the developed game. O3: To disseminate the outcomes of this project at a national level through a variety of media such as this newsletter, the creation of a project web-page and other dissemination events.
www.v-game.eu
Welcome! Welcome to issue No. 2 of the V-Game digital newsletter. This newsletter brings you news and updates concerning the Erasmus+ project entitled: Vocational Training in Programming Using a Game Based Approach. The Erasmus project, which is co-ordinated by Leeds City College, brings together 7 partners from 6 countries. This issue of the V-Game newsletter will feature, updates regarding the progress of the game development. During the month of March, the VGame partners just returned from a meeting which was hosted by Kuresaaree Ametikool , one of the two Estonian partners involved in this project.
Game Concept V-Game is a web-based role-playing game, which is being developed as part of the Erasmus+ V-Game project. The objective of the game is to introduce the gamers to basic webpage programming languages such as HTML5 and CSS and also JavaScript. Throughout the game the player assumes the role of a teenager who wants to make a lot of money. In order to achieve this goal the player has to address numerous challenges related to programming and cyber-security. In addition the player will also be required to set up a secure web -based business where the character may interact with others. To this extent the story line enables the user to learn about cyber security and also get basic knowledge about entrepreneurship. It follows that the game teaches the user about a diverse set of topics while rendering the learning experience more enjoyable.
1