Discussions

Your Name and Title:

Nyssa Arcos Evans- Instructional Technology Specialist/ Teacher 

School, Library, or Organization Name:

East Austin College Prep Academy

Co-Presenter Name(s):

Country from Which You Will Present:

USA

Language in Which You Will Present:

English

Target Audience (such as primary school teachers, high school administrators, students, etc.):

Middle - High School teachers & administrators

Short Session Description (one line):

This will be an informative session about student game designers using web games to create change.

Full Session Description (one paragraph minimum):

The students attend East Austin College Prep, an open enrollment charter school in Austin, Texas take a game design course each day as an addition to their core curriculum classes. These student game designers are creating educational games about social issues in their communities. They identify, research, and eventually design Flash web games in an effort to raise awareness about issues impacting their families and communities at large. Each of these students learn the game design process from conceptualization of an idea to creation of a final published product. As they move through the curriculum, they develop a number of 21st Century skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation.  These skills will be essential to ensure they are qualified and productive members of society. In addition, these students will not only be prepared to work side by side with their peers in a globalized workplace, but also be equipped with the tools necessary to give back and break the cycle of poverty and oppression traditionally plaguing their communities. Through this program, we are exposing underserved youth in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Most notably, we are preparing minority youth, girls, and English Language Learners to be the scientists, engineers, and innovators of the future.  

Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session:

http://www.myglife.org/usa/eaprepmlk/index.php/Main_Page

http://www.eaprep.org/programs/globaloria.html

http://www.myglife.org/usa/eaprep/index.php/Main_Page

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/idit-harel-caperton/focus-on-what-is-working_b_1720837.html?