I think a lot of people take it for granted that schools like ours have such an investment in teaching students the importance of computer science. Whether it be just getting them interested, or helping them along the path of their dreams, Computer Science Education Week is really important for students. During the week we had different classes come down and learn about different aspects and uses of computer science. The best part about it was that most of it was taught by students who love computer science themselves. Obviously, the games were a big hit and a lot of students wanted to play, but I think that is the beauty of Computer Science. This week taught kids that not only is Computer Science important and that there are any uses for it, but that it can be fun as well. An example of this is the virtual reality games that Microsoft brought in. It got students hooked and they couldn't stop playing. This, I think, got students thinking about ideas for practical uses for Virtual Reality. No matter what the students got to play with though, they always learned something, which is the most important part of the week, and I loved it.
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Recently in class we have been programming mini games using the Unity Game engine. Following tutorials, we are able to add different game elements, update colors, change lighting, etc. Since the tutorials are fairly simple to understand and follow with ease, my partner Scott and I have been able to begin a game in which a player controls a ball that moves around a floor and collects game tokens. So far it has been a very cool experience for me. I have always loved following tutorials and directions, because it opens doors for me to do a task by myself. It may take a few attempts to grasp a topic or skill, but once I do it allows me to do more within the engine. That is what is so great about learning with the game engine, because I love learning how to do things and putting them to practical use. Not only do I love the experience of creating a game, but I also find it fascinating that the engine that we use to make a simple ball rolling game is the same engine that is used to make different games that some of us use every day, such as Cuphead, Hearthstone, and many others. The game designers of those games use what we are using as a fun learning experience for every day work, which is incredible. No matter what we do with this engine, it all begins with the basics of technology, and every day I work with it it makes me realize how important technology really is to our everyday lives.
The NIntendo Labo has to be one of the coolest pieces of technology I have ever seen. Yes, it is made for kids, but the idea behind it is absolutely incredible. In order to use the Labo, you first have to put together the cardboard pieces to make the game apparatuses. For example, there is a fishing game on the Nintendo Switch which is makes use of the Labo. For this particular game, you have to make a fishing rod out of cardboard and rope to play the game. Putting together the Labo set is as fun as playing with it. Next, in order to actually play the game, you need to insert the two sensors that come with the Nintendo Switch into certain spots in the cardboard. These sensor locations are different across different Labo sets. After that it is as simple as just turning on the switch and playing the game. The Labo is not only limited to fishing however. You can drive cars with an actual accelerator pedal, play piano and make your own tones, and even interact with a little creature in a house. To kids, this is just a way to have fun both playing putting together the specific Labo set and playing the game, but to me, it is just fun trying to figure out how it works. In short the Labo is a great idea and extremely expandable, and I can see Nintendo coming up with many more ideas for it in the future.
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AuthorI'm Dan Downie, a senior at Burlington High School interested in technology and it's uses in everyday life. ArchivesCategories |