Transparency in Learning

One of the concepts that we champion here at Globaloria is the power of "transparency" in the learning process. By leveraging a social network to support a learning process it is possible to get a lot of support and make connections to peers, educators, and experts that have similar interests and goals.

Within Globaloria we support this by leveraging the easy-to-edit wiki platform, blogs, and a collaboration tool, making it possible to post, share, comment, and engage around the game design process. This has been really helpful with learners when they are designing their game and when they are learning the necessary Flash skills required to build a game.

It is important to note, however, that to leverage this power of "transparency" and support of the social network, you must engage in posting your files, sharing your ideas, and commenting on others work. So, if you are a current member of the Globaloria community, post your work, start a blog, or comment on someone else's page.

You will be amazed at how fast you start to learn how to improve your game!

Flash Tip: How to create a Score Counter

Student Asks:

I need to know how to get a score counter to go up when my rabbit collects a carrot.


Developer Response:

Setup a variable outside of any function so that all scripts can access it.

var scoreAmt:Number;

Create a dynamic text field in the stage and give it a name(score).

http://smartwebby.com/Flash/text_basics.asp

Add to or subtract from scoreAmt.

scoreAmt += 5; //adds 5
scoreAmt -=5; //subtracts 5

Set the text to the variable.

score = scoreAmt;

Note:There are two ways to set a value to a text field. The tutorial shows the old way of using the var in the Properties box. The new way is to name the text field through the Instance box. In that case you will set it's contents like this. You only need to use one method.

score.text = scoreAmt.


Can any one add to this?

Note about the evaluation tools.

Note: A guest post by Denise Stalnaker.

I just wanted to let everyone know that the evaluation tools are very effective. My students were given the forms in advance when preparing for presentations and were told that they would be evaluated by someone other than me. Some groups did well and some did not but they all agreed that they were judged fairly and agreed with the scores.

One of my students said that, “We work better by the seat of our pants.” However, very quickly another student spoke up and said, “No that is what we did. That doesn’t mean it is better.” The group proceeded to discuss their presentation and agreed they were not prepared and it was reflected in their performance. They have to give another presentation in May and are already thinking and planning the presentation.

If Shannon and Lee have another online Training Session on the presentation tools try to take part. You will get advice on how to prepare your students which is very helpful.

Lee's Addition: The latest Evaluation tool can be found here on the Educator's Wiki.