game jams as a classroom model

CLASS PERIOD GAME JAMS + HACKATHONS AS A CLASSROOM MODEL

Jeff Thompson www.jeffreythompson.org @jeffthompson_ Assistant Professor + Program Director, Visual Arts & Technology, Stevens Institute of Technology

THE 12-HOUR

THE DREADED “I-WORD” We can bravely change education models without adopting

the language and business-model of Silicon Valley

WHAT IF… Class met for 12 hours at a time?

Only meet 1-2 times per semester?

Students were mixed in with professionals from the field and younger students?

Games++ An event where participants build games from

scratch over 10 hours, then put down their mice and pencils so the public can play their creations.

KEY ELEMENTS + Open to participants of any experience level and from

outside the institution + No formal tutorials or critique during the event + Rapid pace with milestones throughout the day + Show-and-tell period at the end + Peer-voted awards

WHAT HAPPENS? Tons of hard work, many without a break for 10 hours

Formal and informal collaboration

WHAT WOULD IT TAKE? + Lots of organization ahead of time and help day-of + Mechanisms for self- and remote-learning outside of class + More open administration + Accreditation allowing fewer contact hours

THANK YOU Jeff Thompson ++ www.jeffreythompson.org ++ @jeffthompson_