MARISSA MEIS
USD 308
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Students at Hutchinson High School are gaining experience in technology and strategy through video game design in Kenna Teel’s game design course. Students create fully interactive video games that are tested and critiqued by peers and school staff.
On Monday, January 9, 2023, staff and students at Hutchinson High School had the chance to test out the games that were created in the game design course. Instructor Kenna Teel invited testers to critique the games and give feedback so students could improve.
“Students learn to create a platform game, a maze game, and a game that uses artificial intelligence before they are allowed to create a game totally on their own. Each student is allowed to choose whatever genre they wish when creating their game. I have certain requirements that must be included in the games, but the design, play, and format is totally up to the student,” said Teel.
The game design course gives students a chance to engage with 21st century technology while learning to create an end product using strategy and creativity.
“I took the class because I like video games and creating one of my own sounded fun. Making my own game took a lot of time and determination. It’s nerve-wracking to have people critique my game, but their reviews will push me to be a better game designer,” said Alex, a sophomore at Hutchinson High School.
Part of the uniqueness of the course is the opportunity for students and staff outside of the classroom to participate in testing the games. Even HHS principal, Ryan Ewy, came and tested a game. Teachers like Trent Bain encouraged students to test games as a way to help fellow Salthawks improve their education.
“It’s nice to see staff and students come together to help each other improve. In a class like this, students get to test their creativity. There’s no box they have to fit into, so they can open up their mind and figure out where they want to go with it. When they have the opportunity to take a class they know they are going to enjoy, you really get to see students open up and blossom,” said Bain, architecture teacher at HHS.