Project Overview

The process of understanding and applying the principles of good game design to student created games can not only improve students’ collaboration and problem solving skills, but also lay foundations for deep learning, innovation and change in 21st century classrooms. The ‘Game to Design’ project puts students in the role of designers rather than mere consumers of their technology. It provides an authentic context for effective learning using a constructivist approach that promotes inquiry learning through deconstructing, designing and building games. This project enables teachers to achieve curriculum outcomes from across Key Learning Areas and addresses all dimensions of the quality teaching framework.

Through the process of designing and building, students are asked to take on the role of a game designer. This allows students to combine their prior knowledge as game players with their new understandings of good game design. Conceptual risk taking is encouraged and rewarded and meaningful connections are made with relevant learning from other subject areas. The project also provides opportunities for students to share their work with audiences beyond the classroom and school.