Using Hyperstudio or
PowerPoint to Create Curricular
“Video Games”
by Tony Mitchell
Hyperstudio (or PowerPoint throughout) is a multimedia program that allows users to created liner presentations much like KidPix or PowerPoint. However, Hyperstudio also allows the user (as does PowerPoint) to create non-linear projects which are interactive. In other words, teachers and students can create activities which vary in response according to input from the user. Instead of moving from slide one to slide two to slide three, Hypertudio moves the user from slide one to any slide in the group, depending on the input from the player. I have chosen to call these activities “Interactive Educational Video Games” because they act much like a video game in that if the student does well, by answering questions correctly, he/she is moved forward through the game, answering more curricular questions. In essence, the activity is like a multiple choice test that rewards students if they answer a question correctly. In my creations, an incorrect answer sends the user to a second tier of questions I have called the “Dungeon”. The questions in this section are easier, and are the basic QCC content of the particular unit we are studying. Answering several of these “Dungeon” questions correctly allows the player to continue in the game. An incorrect answer in this 2nd tier ends the game for that player. Of course graphics, background colors, text and even movies are components of the program.
To see some online examples, click here.
This game-creation activity can be a very powerful teaching tool. When I train teachers to use Hyperstudio for this purpose, I stress the importance of the teacher being the first to create a “stack” (the name for the HS document). He or she should create a stack for a curricular area themselves first. I have some examples I can share with you, but nothing can fully replace the teacher creating his/her owe stack first. Secondly, I urge teachers to let their students “Play” the teacher created game. Not only will this be a fun, interactive activity in which the student will learn, it will also “Sell” your students on the value of creating a stack themselves. Once the teacher has created a stack, and “sold” the idea to his/her students, creating a stack with the students is the next step. A storyboard is needed, and teachers should have students follow specific, guided direction at first. Each student will create a stack replicating the one created by the teacher. The last step in using Hyperstudio is the most important and powerful. Students next use the program as a tool and their textbook as a resource to build their own stacks. Of course the subject must be curricular, and I suggest initially all stacks be within the same general strand, such as geometry or measurement. The overall goal for student is to create a stack other students will play. They will work hard and carefully, realizing other students will catch mistakes. I have often heard arguments over “CURRICULUM” as students determine the difference between a hexagon and an octagon as they are building their game. This activity of creating a game-test using the textbook as a resource is learning that will be cemented into the mind of the student for a very long time.
Another byproduct of this type of teaching/learning is the logical thinking skills developed as students learn to direct the program to lead the player the player in the direction the creator has chosen. For instance, which card should the player see next if he misses the question? This part of the program will require careful planning and testing by students as they create their game.
Hyperstudio costs $ 30.00 per computer. Because another school in MCSD has already purchase the product, and because the HS company (Roger Wagner) views the district as on entity, this cost is the only cost other than shipping.
Finally and perhaps most importantly, I will help you, the teacher, at every step of learning and teaching Hyperstudio. I will not do it for you, but I will assist you, guide you, advise you, and be present in your classroom when you teach your students. I have done everything I have described above with a group of fourth graders. I did it for several years. It was one of the most powerful teaching tools I ever discovered. Once you have taught the basics at the beginning of the school year, your turn your students loose to create curricular stacks throughout the year. You will be surprised at what they can and will do. This program lends itself to the gifted and struggling student alike. I would not suggest using it with students below the third grade level.
Once you have thought about embarking on this project, and you decide you want to tackle it, email me at tmitchell@mcsdga.net so we can get a dialogue going. Be sure to make the subject of your email “MCSD” so I won’t accidentally through it away. I hope you will consider it.