The goal for this anyone using this program is to introduce design principles utilizing assets available to most people either through the Internet or through public access at a local library as a STEAM initiative that is as informative as it is fun and imaginative. In effect, it brings people and ideas together through design to express and enhance ideas people have while increasing information and technological (especially digital) literacy. Learning by Design is set up with anyone in mind who wishes to design games or wants to teach game design to someone as a complementary discipline and skill enhancer.
Under the guise of a game design program, kids will be able to engage with all aspects of STEAM in an interactive environment learning skills that have real world application. To accomplish this, Learning by Design is be comprised of several modules that cover different elements of game design theory and the end goal to encourage people of all ages (albeit with a focus on kids and teens) to design games based on their favorite stories or as a communal effort to build a digital collection of games for a school or public library system that can be enjoyed by the community at large.
Outside of the professional skills one can develop, the modules can be taught at a pace that prepares kids and teens for final exams or as library summer reading programs in which a challenge to design a game based on their favorite story could be implemented to show story comprehension and the skill set of the designer. The purpose is creative expression without competition or judging design qualities.
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Learning by Design – Introduction, Part 8
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Learning by Design – The STEAM Model, Part 1