Video Game Design introduces students the foundations of computer science and programming needed to create and design their own video games. Students will learn how to work with variables, sequencing, repetition, lists, handling events, collisions, etc.

This class will be a steppingstone for the next video game class and computer science courses such as Computer Science I KP, AP Computer Science principles.

“What I loved about the class was how easy it was to learn from the program we use. You could really do anything that you imagined if you put time and thought into it. My teacher had us create a new game every 3-4 days showing us new ways on how to use and code different items into our game. If you are decent at art and have an interest in programming video games this class is for you.

This class was really fun for me because I got to learn new things and was actually my introduction to coding, after this class, I started to take interest in computer science. I remember making a program at the beginning of class to the end because I was having so much making my game, the time flew by. I would definitively tell other students who have an interest in programming and/or coding to join as it is a really easy and fun class, you get to learn new things, and share your games to your peers.

I really enjoyed Video Game Programming as the class’ teacher really makes the concept of coding understandable and enjoyable. I remember having a question about my program and having the teacher show me multiple different ways on how to solve the problem I was having. I’d tell students that have not taken any programming/coding classes to take it as an introduction course to learn the basics of programming and coding, while also allowing the student to explore deeper into the concepts of programming.”

This is a hands-on class where students working individually and collaboratively (in teams) on assignments and projects.

The way the class is structure is as follows:

Demonstration: The teacher introduces a topic and instantly demonstrates how the concept is applied in a computer game. For example, say students are learning how to handle collisions of two objects in a computer game. The teacher will demonstrate using several simple easy to follow examples how to code collisions and will give these working programs to students for analyzing and reference.

Hands-on: Students are also given lessons in different multimedia such MS Power point or/and video to study important concepts.

Assessment: Student are quizzed on important topics after they go through the lesson. However, most of the assessment has to do with designing and creating games, in which students are required to apply skills learn in class. Essentially, this is a project-base class.