bitlink

In this module you will learn about an educational website called MakeCode Arcade that uses step-by-step tutorials to teach you how to code, test and create assets for 2D video games.

We will explore how you can teach your students to create their own original gaming creations, whilst also practicing various soft skills during the process such as; collaboration, resilience and problem solving.

MakeCode Arcade is a free and flexible educational tool, that enables both coding and practical projects to be completed in a fun and engaging way.

Getting Started

1. Try the activities from the video.
   
   In the video, Troy demonstrates several simple activities that you can do just using the online simulator. Give these a try and experiment with what the website has to offer!
   
   https://arcade.makecode.com/
   
   
   
2. Follow a skillmap tutorial.
   
   Visit the MakeCode Arcade website and complete a skillmap or other tutorial. You could also follow a video tutorial from the MakeCode YouTube channel!
   
   https://arcade.makecode.com/skillmaps
   https://arcade.makecode.com/tutorials
   https://www.youtube.com/@MicrosoftMakeCode/playlists
   
   
   
3. Teacher Resources
   
   Microsoft does have some resources available for teachers, although these are mostly in the form of tools, professional development and projects, rather than lesson plans or slide decks.
   
   You might look into some of the following resources to inspire potential lesson ideas:
   https://arcade.makecode.com/concepts
   https://arcade.makecode.com/arts-and-crafts/
   https://arcade.makecode.com/diy-hardware
   
   You can also upload your students' completed games into a MakeCode Kiosk. This feature allows you to scroll through multiple MakeCode games in a professional-looking way.
   https://arcade.makecode.com/--kiosk
   You could additionally decide upon a class-project where you build your own unique arcade cabinet, mount a computer into it, and have your student's games playable in a real-world tactile sense.
   https://arcade.makecode.com/hardware/kiosk
   https://arcade.makecode.com/diy-hardware
   
   You could simulate a Game Jam or sign your class up for one of the many gaming programs that run year-on-year. Hour of Code is a Microsoft version of this. The Australian STEM Video Game Challenge is a local program that runs every year and is similar to the likes of F1 in Schools.
   https://arcade.makecode.com/hour-of-code/educators-2021
   https://www.stemgames.org.au/
   
   You could also take part in several online training modules that exist. Microsoft have many different modules (that vary in length and complexity) on all sorts of subjects.
   
   Linked here is a MakeCode Arcade module that you could complete to increase your confidence in utilising Makecode Arcade.
   https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/support-student-learning-with-makecode-arcade/
   
   
   
4. Get Creative
   
   Another great thing about MakeCode Arcade is that you can use it to be creative in so many ways!
   
   Play around in the editor with creating your own; sprites, backgrounds, level tiles, animations, projectiles, soundtracks, sound effects, title screens, dialog boxes, cutscenes and special effects.
   
   There are also extensions you can experiment with that allow you to import custom blocks into MakeCode Arcade that allow different functions such as; health bars, scrolling backgrounds, external controller support and multiplayer.
   
   Exploring the creativity involved with video games through a visual art, music or literary lens, is often something you don't first think about when you think of video game development. So it can be a great eye-opening activity for teachers and students to explore other aspects of game development that are less about the code itself.
   
   
   
5. Sketch out a lesson that uses MakeCode Arcade.
   
   Look at the V9 Australian Curriculum for Digital Technologies + Design and Technologies and select a grade of your choice.
   
   Sketch out an activity or lesson that would use the MakeCode Arcade to teach one aspect of that curriculum area.
   
   Alternatively, you could plan an activity for a different subject area that also utilises MakeCode Arcade and addresses some of the learnings from one of these Technologies areas.
   
   For example; "create a video game that demonstrates your understanding of something you have learned in Science this year."
   
   ***
   
   If a blank slate is a bit intimidating, try finding an existing MakeCode project/skillmap/tutorial and then think about how you could adapt that lesson to fit your intended curriculum outcome and what curriculum links you could focus on.
   
   Or alternatively, you could find an existing project idea for a different curriculum area, and debate how you could meaningfully incorporate the MakeCode Arcade platform into that project.