My Take
Gamestar Mechanic does teach the students the basics of game creation. It is great for teaching problem solving. However, the kids have to play the game for an hour or more before they can earn the tools to begin building their own games.
How I Use It
I do genius hour on Fridays where the students get to pick their own projects. Some students are creating their own video games. I think this program would be good for an after school program. The students learn from it, but it is hard to qualify what they are learning or tie it to any standards!
More community reviews for Gamestar Mechanic
Susan E.
Teacher
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
New York, NY
November 2, 2016
Great tool for getting started and engaging some learners who might not have been engaged before.
This software forced students in an engaging way to work through game design principles in order to win the sprites needed to make games. One student realized that he needed additional parts for the game he wanted to make and asked if he could go back to the tutorials to earn more "raw materials" for his own game making. Too often, these types of programs let students play without ever learning. Gamestar Mechanic is good at not doing this - especially in conjunction with the Mouse Create program.
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Audra B.
Educational Technology Integration Specialist
Wheatley School
Old Westbury, NY
July 14, 2015
Cool Interactive Learning and Coding
I think that this is a beautifully rendered and thought out piece of software. I love that my students like it and WANT to use it. I also love that it helps them with critical thinking skills and it helps them adjust their thinking about other types of Coding.
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Dianna S.
Academically Gifted Coordinator
Creech Road Elementary School
Garner, NC
March 4, 2015
Versatile gaming program that helps build design and writing skills.
The tool meets many 21st Century skills. It can assist students with engagement. The program does require the teacher to be familiar with basic design techniques, but there are several lesson plans already developed that can assist some that may be hesitant.
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