How:
Although most people do not know a programming language, everyone can
read and write. This platform allows users to create fun and
sophisticated video games with English and discover critical
and computational thinking behind them. With conventional programming
languages, it generally will take many months to years in order to
study, learn and create games such as Pacman, Donkey Kong, Target
Kick, etc. The goal of this platform is to enable learners of all ages
to create such games in minutes while appreciating the underlying
logic and thought processes. As you write your own game (or
read games created by others), you will apply many programming
concepts such as logical reasoning,
problem-solving,
debugging,
algorithmic design,
critical and computational thinking
in the process!
In terms of computational thinking, the four core areas are
emphasized in
GameChangineer :
-
Abstraction: Focus on the relevant and discard irrelevant
details in the design process. The level of abstraction for
designing a game focuses on describing the actions/interactions
among the characters. For example, "the fox chases the rabbit"
ignores the low-level details of trajectory and step-by-step
movements. The user may also describe details such as position and
direction if desired.
-
Decomposition: Break the problem down to smaller pieces.
GameChangineer
emphasizes breaking the problem into actions and interactions
between characters. Each interaction is a smaller problem relative
to the whole game.
-
Pattern Recognition: Many sub-problems may share
similarities, reducing the effort needed to devise entirely unique
solutions. For example, different characters may react similarly
when touched by the same third character.
-
Algorithm Design: Unambiguously compose the sequence of
steps to realize each component using English.
GameChangineer
also guides the user when mistakes occur.
-
Data Structures and State Space Management: Clever use of
variables and objects to represent each character's state (such as
being invisible) enables effective algorithm design.
Because English can be imprecise, incomplete, or ambiguous, the
GameChangineer
platform tolerates a degree of imprecision and uncertainty in your
text, allowing you to design a game very quickly. Whenever you write
an incorrect, overly imprecise or ambiguous sentence, the
GameChangineer
system steps in and provides valuable feedback in the form of
messages and suggestions, playing a pivotal role in enhancing the
overall precision and accuracy of your game's underlying logic. In
essence, it acts as a supportive guide, ensuring that your game
description is conveyed with clarity and effectiveness. By focusing
on the big picture, you can quickly design an engaging game in
English, all the while exercising and applying many programming
concepts. Finally, the platform lets you uncover the logic and
critical thinking behind many popular games, such as Downhill Ski,
Pacman, Space Invaders, Target Kick, etc.
