[game_edu] question from the community

[pawlicki at cs.rochester.edu]

Ryan,

Please encourage your students to investigate Computer Science as a
course of study to pursue in college. If they are already able to develop
on line games, it is highly likely that they have the necessary skills to
succeed in a formal Computer Science program. (It's a great field anyway,
with lots of opportunity for creative expression even beyond gaming.)

To prepare before college, I would first encourage them to develop thier
own games. It's a great way to pursue one's passion and develop solid
technical skills.

Game development requires skills in the humanities as well as in
technical fields. I would encourage your students to read and write
about games to develop these skills. Have them read critical reviews
of games. Have them write their own reviews of games. I see a lot of
technically accomplished students who need to develop the ability to
communicate about games. Developing writing skills will help in any
fields.

Games are also art. Having skills in these areas of music and visual
arts are useful for life. They don't have to become professional musicians
or artists to learn and develop an appreciation for these areas. (They
don't have to have "talent" to practice drawing or playing an instrument.)

Games are also a business. If they learn some accounting, budgeting,
and basic project planning it will help them in life. You would be
amazed at how many college fresh-persons get high SAT scores, but
don't know how to balance a checkbook. Have them plan and run a LAN-party
or a picnic for the school or other events to promote their interest
in games.

All these things will help them develop good skills regardless of where
they end up.

And please have them investigate Computer Science - we all know that
it's the best college major in the world ;)

TFP


Thaddeus F. Pawlicki, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Program Director
Computer Science Dept.      (585) 275-4198
University of Rochester       FAX (585) 273-4556
Rochester, NY  14627-0226   pawlicki at cs.rochester.edu
http://www.cs.rochester.edu/u/pawlicki/


''One of the most difficult tasks men can perform, however much others may
despise it, is the invention of good games and it cannot be done by men out
of touch with their instinctive selves.'' - Carl Jung 1977






> Hello Edu SIG folks! This question came in via the contact form, there are

> a few questions in there, but the bold one is of most interest. Any

> advice?

>

> Hi Ryan~ I am a director of a program the educates children on the Autism

> Spectrum. We have several students who are very interested in gaming (some

> have even developed their own games on line). They are creative,

> intelligent and computer savy students. What do you or your organization

> suggest for my students to do to prepare for this field while in high

> school and what course of study should they pursue in college? Also do you

> or are you aware of individuals who are willing to come out and speak to a

> group of interested high school students in the Lake County, Ohio area?

>

> Thanks!

>

> Ryan Arndt

> Global Community Manager

> International Game Developers Association

> Website: http://www.igda.org

> Email: ryan at igda.org

>

> LinkedIn: http://j.mp/IGDAli

> Facebook: http://j.mp/IGDAfb

> Twitter: @igda/@certainlysocial

> http://facebook.com/ryan80e

> Skype: ryanarndt

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

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