Construct 2 HTML5/ Windows 8 and Windows Phone Development

1. Using Scirra’s Construct 2 as a
Teaching Tool at Birmingham City
University
Andrew Wilson
School of Computing,
Telecommunications and Networks,
Faculty of Technology, Engineering
and the Environment

2. Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment
Computing, Telecommunications and Networks.
Digital Media Technology.
Engineering, Design and Manufacturing Systems.
Birmingham School of the Built Environment.

3. BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology
Course four years old.
Approximately 20 students each year totalling 60+ Students.
Course focuses on programming C# / C++.
Developed and evolved due to industry input.
Strong links with large and small scale studios (Birmingham Science Park and
Leamington Spa).
Emphasis on encouraging extra-curricular activities and engagement with industry.

4. Issues faced
First year students adapting to University life.
Little programming experience.
Poor alignment between what they thought the course should be and the
reality the skills industry wants.
Teaching and learning style is very different in Higher Education.
Adjusting to University life, making friends, coping with work loads and
avoiding failing assessments are often higher priority.

5. The Learning Pyramid: Level of retention of information
Is
any
body
there
?
5% Lecture
Reading
10%
Audio visual
20%
30% Demonstration
50% Group discussion
75% Practice
90% Teach others
Adapted from NTL Institute for Applied behavioral Science

6. Group learning
Designing.
Implementing.
Testing.
Working across disciplines (art and audio).
Presentations.

7. Scirra’s Construct 2
Complements programming modules – not a substitute.
Students chose the tool themselves based upon team decision - negotiation.
Easy to learn and students can teach themselves in teams.
Can get productive more quickly compared to programming.
Less frustration in their game making.
Learn importance of play testing and feedback.
Learn to take constructive criticism from this.

8. The development environment

9. The walkthrough
Video: Construct 2 demonstration

10. Microsoft’s Imagine Cup
Students compete internationally with their peers.
Incorporated into 1st and 2nd year assignments - incentive to get involved.

11. “This scheme is a unique partnership involving the Students' Union and Birmingham
City University. The scheme topped the 2010 Times Higher Education (THE) Awards
in the ‘Outstanding Support for Students’ category.”
Outreach and master class programme for potential students to experience game
development and University.
Tutorials (Usman Mohammad) published on Microsoft Faculty Connection resource
centre.

12. Windows Gaming Ambassador
Engagement through peers.
Monetary incentives.
Rewards.
Catalyst for the interest in games competitions.

13. Windows 8 and mobile development

14. Student interviews – working in teams with Construct2
Video: Student Interviews

15. Recognition
LAUNCH Presents: Microsoft, The Cloud + Apps Gaming

16. Le the games begin……
Scirra Construct2 a tool for students to rapidly develop games for
Windows 8
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/uk_faculty_connection/archive/2013/02/15/scirra-
construct2-a-tool-for-students-to-rapidly-develop-games-for-windows-8.aspx