Exploring and levelling up is always fun and the Toolkit sessions with the Manaiakalani Team provide just that. In this toolkit session I refreshed my memory of how to use Gamefroot (we used the Mihi Maker with our tamariki in 2020). It was like being a beginner again, I created my character but it stood stationary doing all the things I had asked it to do but not move. I had forgotten to build in the code the instruction to move, walk, run, anything! I enjoyed learning all the new tips and tricks from Herman. I think it's fantastic that the tamariki can build their own characters, upload photos for backgrounds or even insert a picture of your own pet. I liked the idea to create your own story or a story from your region.
Some of the key messages, tips and tricks I recorded were;
- The platform is larger than other coding websites e.g Scratch. This larger canvas allows the creator to create layers & levels within the game.
- When creating your own characters you may need to resize the 'hit box' to allow for the character to move correctly within the game. e.g not fall through floors.
- Once students are confident with coding, look at collaboration and divide the parts of the story up between them. E.g, images, storyline, movement etc.
- For beginners and when refreshing it is always good to start with the tutorials!
- When teaching in the classroom build in checkpoints like taking a screenshot of the code they created that day and posting to their Blog with next steps. Another good tip was to set time limits to prevent students spending all there time on character building... making them look groovy!
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