Great list! If you're interested in rapid-prototyping a platform game, check out a game that I'm working on called Beta.
There's a free trial download at www.betathegame.com
47 karma · joined July 23, 2013
There's a free trial download at www.betathegame.com
You are correct that Beta is a tool being used at BGC, and we collaborate with other organizations listed by mikeleeorg.
I understand what you are saying however it's my opinion that any community (racial, ethnic, religious etc) that is attempting to impart knowledge is doing a good thing. Particularly when that knowledge is important and beneficial to the future, as I believe programming is.
I'd say from the outside looking in it is a thorny subject, but in my observance BGC are good people who care about their community and are giving back to it through the knowledge and resources they've accrued.
I think a lot of teachers aren't cognizant of the fact that what is obvious to then isn't automatically obvious to students. I had what I would say is at best a mediocre HS math teacher and completely tuned out. It was my fault in the end, but the teacher didn't help.
I'm now trying to learn a bunch of things that require math and mathematic theory when you get to higher levels. So - learning math is what I have to do. It's kind of fun, and yes it is hard work. Like, brain-hurting hard work.
I think it's super cool because it's one of the few games I've played that has a heavy educational component while also being fun. It's also cool because it's extremely open. Through the use of the in-game terminal, players are able to build intricate levels and puzzles, then share them with others.
Due to the extremely customizable nature of the game, I foresee teachers being able to create homeworks/tests/assignments within. That's the synergistic learning part :)
We've done workshops with Black Girls Code, DIY Days, The Village, and the Grace Hopper Convention in places like NYC, Sheffield (UK), Philly, Minneapolis, and most recently Toronto. With each iteration we are seeing more and more excitement, from kids and adults as well.
If your interested and located in NYC, we're doing a game demo this Monday night (10/28) at Microsoft HQ (www.meetup.com/gaming/events/139786752/). stop by, play our game, chat with us, play other cool indie games and have fun!
My buddies and I have a project in the same space and are considering Kickstarting too.
We are building a platform game that teaches programming through gameplay by incorporating a terminal-like language we created called codePop.
If your interested check it out at www.betathegame.com
On that note, my friends and I are working on a game that teaches game design, analytical thinking and programming. We're aiming to teach the skills needed to work in tech to people of all stripes. Check it out at www.betathegame.com
We have done workshops with kids and have footage although we aren't releasing playable demo's just yet. We are closing in on completion. No need for donations but if you like what we're doing please share!
Also, who is it that was calling him 'very smart, opinionated, and political'? It could be that he was smart, opinionated, and political in favor of the agenda that the army invaded Iraq & Afghanistan under. If I'm in a position of power in the Army and I see that someone is smart and opinionated in favor of my agenda, that's someone likely to gain a security clearance from me.
I don't completely disagree with you though. It seems pretty logical to me that war is a nasty business where morals are swept under the rug.
I think it would take more thorough research to postulate on Manning's political leanings prior to the war. My gut feeling is he was liberal-leaning prior, and his conscience was attacked by the reality of what he experienced.