Spring Break
Video game piloting
MCTC program allows students to design games
Allie Spangler
Issue date: 4/24/08 Section: News
BY ALLIE SPANGLER
The Parthenon
The Marshall Community and Technical College is collaborating with the World Wide Workshop Foundation on an innovative statewide pilot program called Globaloria.
Idit Caperton, president and founder of the foundation and inventor of Globaloria, said she received an invitation from Gov. Joe Manchin's office in July to start the program, which introduces students to Web game design and workplace skills.
Caperton said the program empowers West Virginia youth to create and collaborate online.
"The governor and first lady were looking for an innovative technology program that would transform education throughout the state by using the latest Web technology and innovative content," Caperton said. "They wanted to engage students in making computer games, and Globaloria was the perfect solution for their needs."
Caperton said Globaloria is a cutting-edge, very advanced program that integrates all of the newest technology including Web 2.0, social networking, open content and game design.
Caperton said they wanted to create a first-of-its-kind learning network in West Virginia, with the goal of becoming a leading model for the nation in innovative education.
Lee Kraus, program manager for Globaloria West Virginia, said the program is being piloted in eight West Virginia schools including the MCTC and seven middle and high schools.
Caperton said all of the students are following the same curriculum and learning methodology provided by Globaloria; however, the younger students advance slower through the course, and the games they make are simpler.
Kraus said the MCTC is the only community college in the state piloting the program.
"In the future we are looking to expand the program to other community colleges in the state," Kraus said. "We are using the MCTC as an example for them to follow."
Patrick Smith, MCTC instructor of gaming and animation, said the Globaloria gaming course introduces students to computer game theories, methods and practices. Students design and build original Web games for education, social change and learning.
The Parthenon
The Marshall Community and Technical College is collaborating with the World Wide Workshop Foundation on an innovative statewide pilot program called Globaloria.
Idit Caperton, president and founder of the foundation and inventor of Globaloria, said she received an invitation from Gov. Joe Manchin's office in July to start the program, which introduces students to Web game design and workplace skills.
Caperton said the program empowers West Virginia youth to create and collaborate online.
"The governor and first lady were looking for an innovative technology program that would transform education throughout the state by using the latest Web technology and innovative content," Caperton said. "They wanted to engage students in making computer games, and Globaloria was the perfect solution for their needs."
Caperton said Globaloria is a cutting-edge, very advanced program that integrates all of the newest technology including Web 2.0, social networking, open content and game design.
Caperton said they wanted to create a first-of-its-kind learning network in West Virginia, with the goal of becoming a leading model for the nation in innovative education.
Lee Kraus, program manager for Globaloria West Virginia, said the program is being piloted in eight West Virginia schools including the MCTC and seven middle and high schools.
Caperton said all of the students are following the same curriculum and learning methodology provided by Globaloria; however, the younger students advance slower through the course, and the games they make are simpler.
Kraus said the MCTC is the only community college in the state piloting the program.
"In the future we are looking to expand the program to other community colleges in the state," Kraus said. "We are using the MCTC as an example for them to follow."
Patrick Smith, MCTC instructor of gaming and animation, said the Globaloria gaming course introduces students to computer game theories, methods and practices. Students design and build original Web games for education, social change and learning.
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