Kodu

Kodu is a free download from Microsoft. It downloads quickly and easily. Then have some fun exploring the interface.

1. http://www.kodugamelab.com/
2. http://fuse.microsoft.com/page/kodu/
3. http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=10056
4. http://www.planetkodu.com/
   1. STEM Challenge: http://www.stemchallenge.org/resources/Kodu.aspx
   2. Lesson plans: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=18229

• Start slowly and allow students to explore the interface.
• As they learn their way around, encourage them to create a scene, environment or world.
• Allow them to struggle a bit in order to bring out their determination and creativity.
• Then, issue the challenge of creating a simple game for a preschooler. While they'd love to create a game for their own age, it's easier to be successful at this level first.
• Watch as they develop their skills. Some students are far more interested in designing the world than in making the game work. Have them pair up with students who enjoy the challenge of the action.
• Be encouraging! We know that success doesn't always come easy, but we all need encouragement!

Scratch Project from MIT: http://scratch.mit.edu/

XNA Creators Club: http://create.msdn.com/en-US/education/gamedevelopment

Alice from Carnegie Mellon: http://www.alice.org/