Research process

Below are the step by step instructions on how to conduct your class and implement the research. This plan assumes that you are teaching Scalable Game Design modules from the various Teaching Options.

Before Beginning the Scalable Game Design Classroom Implementation
Complete and email the following forms to [mailto:yasko.endo@colorado.edu Yasko Endo, project manager]
 * [[Media:2014_Teacher_Agreement_Form(2).pdf | Teacher Agreement Page 3]] Digital signature is acceptable
 * [[Media:Teacher_Consent_Form_2013.pdf | Teacher Consent to Participate in Research Page 3]]. Digital signature is acceptable
 * [[Media:W9_New.pdf | Signed W9 with SS# and current mailing address]] for receiving the research stipend. Original signature required. Return via mail (Yasko Endo Engineering Center ECOT 824, 430 UCB, Boulder CO 80309), or scan and email to Yasko or fax (303.492.2844)
 * [[Media:2013_Teacher_Media_Release_Form.pdf | Teacher Media Release Form]]. Digital signature is acceptable, and return via email or fax

Once the above forms are sent in, you will receive the free research software registration key for yourself and your school computers. The key is valid through the end of the school year, and is a benefit extended to your school for the duration of your participation in research.


 * All new teachers benefit from reading Just About Everything You Want to Know About Getting Started with AgentSheets Software prior to arriving at a teacher training event or beginning your classroom implementations.

3 weeks or more before Classroom Implementation

 * Install Software: make sure that the software is installed &amp; working properly on your school computers using the special research software key (free - cost sponsored by AgentSheets, Inc.). For technical assistance for installing software email [mailto:nadi@agentsheets.com AgentSheets, Inc.]. Confirm that the software runs: make sure that you can open existing projects and allows students to build and save their own games.
 * Create a Wiki website account with your username and password - then relay the information to [mailto:yasko.endo@colorado.edu Yasko])
 * Implementation Dates: update the Fall 2013 Implementation Schedule form (dates and time of day), then email [mailto:yasko.endo@colorado.edu Yasko] to confirm your start date. You will likely need to request access to this secure document if you are joining the project in the middle of the school year.
 * Class Roster:. send your class roster as an attachment in the SPECIFIED SPREADSHEET FORMAT,first name, last name, suffix.
 * Be sure to indicate in the body of the email 1) school name, 2) district name, 3) name of class, 4) all games you plan to teach and email to [mailto:yasko.endo@colorado.edu Yasko]).

2 weeks before Classroom Implementation

 * Class Roster: if you have not done so already send your class roster as an attachment in the SPECIFIED SPREADSHEET FORMAT,first name, last name, suffix.
 * Be sure to indicate in the body of the email 1) school name, 2) district name, 3) name of class, 4) all games you plan to teach and email to [mailto:yasko.endo@colorado.edu Yasko]).
 * We need this list to set up the accounts for the Scalable Game Design Arcade to collect the student games. The website will NOT reveal the names/identities of students.


 * Parent Permission Forms: all students who participate in the research study must have signed forms on-file. As you know it can take a long time to get forms back. You may want to remind students that if they want to upload their games for everybody to play them, they should remember to get these forms signed by their parents. All permission forms will either be collected during a site visit or returned via postage-paid envelopes that will be sent to you by Yasko. Parent can insert Digital Signatures if desired and able.
 * PRINT OUT, HAND OUT, COLLECT: [[Media:13-0243_parent_permission_form_10may13_.pdf|Parent Permission Form (English)]] or Parent Permission Form (Spanish).
 * Please note that only students with parental permission should complete the surveys (pre, post, and video) and upload games to the research Arcade. Students who do not complete and return the forms can still take the program and design games but cannot upload their games to the research arcade, but can upload to the open arcade.
 * PRINT OUT, HAND OUT, COLLECT [[Media:Media_Release_Form_%282%29.pdf|Media Release Forms]]. We like to take pictures and video footage in classrooms where Scalable Game Design activities are happening, but can only take pictures or video of students with signed media release forms. Please note that it is not necessary to sign this form to participate in the research. Digital signatures from the parents is acceptable.


 * Check the SGD Pre-Survey link to make sure it is accessible.
 * If your name/school/class does not exist, [mailto:Dcwebb@colorado.edu contact David Webb for assistance].

1 week before: Classroom Implementation

 * Remind students to return the [[Media:13-0243_parent_permission_form_10may13_.pdf|Parent Permission Forms]], page 3 with signature.
 * Check access to software to make sure it is working.

First day of Classroom Implementation

 * Administer the Pre-survey found at SGD Pre-Survey.


 * Your students will have to fill out a questionnaire before they start the game design unit. Administer the questionnaire right before or as the first activity of the one week Scalable Game Design module. The questionnaire takes no more than 15 minutes. If you have trouble with the link to the Pre-survey, [mailto:Dcwebb@colorado.edu contact David Webb for assistance]. A Math-specific survey is available if you are a math
 * For all new teachers: if your school/teacher name does not appear on the list, students should select the option for "school not listed" and "teacher not listed" and type in his/her school and teacher name.

During the Scalable Game Design Classroom Implementation

 * If you have any technical problems, contact [mailto:kohkh@colorado.edu Kyuhan], or [mailto:alexander.repenning@colorado.edu Alex], or [mailto:nadia@agentsheets.com Nadia].
 * It is easier to help you with specific student projects when you send us the actual project folder (zipped).
 * Submit comments, hints, feedback onto your wiki teacher page or Edmodo AgentSheets or FaceBook Scalable Game Design pages.

On the last day of your Classroom Implementation

 * Collect Games:


 * Have the students submit all their games to the Scalable Game Design Arcade to the appropriate school, class, and assignment entry created for you. The students will be able to login using the accounts provided to you by the research team when you submitted your student roasters. Please follow the instructions on how to submit to the Arcade. Remember, this can take a while. If the students make additional games have them submit the games as optional games.


 * Administer the Post-survey:


 * Your students will have to fill out a second questionnaire after they engage in game design to assess potential changes. If you have problems accessing the survey through the link, [mailto:dcwebb@colorado.edu contact David Webb to get the link to the most recent survey] -- and ask for the Math-specific one if you are a Math teacher).


 * For all new participant teachers: if your school/teacher name is not in the list the students should select the option for "school not listed" and "teacher not listed" and type in his/her school and teacher name.


 * Administer Computational Thinking Patterns Video Quiz:


 * This is a fun video survey that students take to measure Computational Thinking concepts they have learned during class. This assessment can be administered before or after students have completed the post-survey and arcade uploads, but AFTER you have taught them how to design games and created at least one student game.  Click here for detailed instructions on using the Computational Thinking Patterns Video Quiz.


 * For all new participant teachers: if your school/teacher name is not in the list the students should select the option for "school not listed" and "teacher not listed" and type in his/her school and teacher name.

After your Classroom Implementation

 * Send the signed 3rd pages of the Parent Permission Forms to Yasko using pre-paid envelopes if you received from her. Send to Yasko Endo, University of Colorado at Boulder Department of Computer Science, ECOT 824   430 UCB   Boulder CO 80309. If you do not have a pre-paid envelope, you can scan/email or fax 303-492-2844 to return the forms. Stipends will be issued upon receipts of the permission forms.


 * Send testimonials, photos, stories, and feedback to [mailto:yask.endo@colorado.edu Yasko Endo].