Blog originally posted on the Teachers Blog by Stuart Ball.
So the time is nearly upon us . . . the deadline for entries for the Kodu Kup is fast approaching as all games must be submitted by 30th May. Before you can submit the games they will need to be exported from Kodu Game Lab, this is a very simple process, here is a video that shows how to export:
Once you have exported your game you will be able to upload your team’s entry to the Microsoft Educator Network.
What should I be submitting?
This year the entry should consist of the following:
- The game itself
- Game design documentation (showing a clear storyline has been developed)
To submit a team’s work you must first become a member of the Microsoft Educator Network website: www.pil-network.com. Once you have signed up you will be able to submit your entries by adding a new ‘Learning Activity’ by clicking ‘Resources’ in the menu and selecting ‘add learning activity’, as shown here:
You will then be required to add some basic information about your entry as shown below. It is very important these instructions are followed accurately otherwise your entry may not be found by the judges. The name of the learning activity should be the name of the game, under ‘learning objectives’ make sure you add “kodu kup” and in the description clearly state the following:
- What the game is about
- Team name
- School name
- Your name and school email address
When you get to the section on ‘Supporting’ resources you will need upload your students’ work.
If your students have created their game using Project Spark they will first need to share their game through the Project Spark website, you will then be able share the link to this in the supporting resources above.
For a more detailed breakdown of this process check out our teachers resources: http://bit.ly/KoduKup
What is Kodu? …just in case you don’t know…
Kodu is a visual programming language made specifically for creating games. It is designed to be accessible for children as young as 6 year olds and enjoyable for anyone
Developed by Microsoft Research, Kodu runs on PC and Xbox allowing rapid design creation. Kodu is available for free
The Kodu User Interface is easy to use and visually attractive especially to primary phase pupils
Its ‘code’ syntax used is simple, intuitive, yet allows a high degree of computational thinking and programming fundamentals
Kodu is easily integrated throughout the curriculum, with strong links to numeracy and literacy, as well as science, maths and geography
There is plenty of support with resources and online communities including: www.kodugamelab.comwww.pil-network.comwww.planetkodu.com
Kodu is a great start to computing. And to a new European adventure with Kodu Kup Europe
What is the Competition about?
The first Kodu Kup Europe involves 8 countries: Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, and UK
In the UK you can ONLY get to the European final by entering this year’s Kodu Kup in the UK . There is still time to enter. Details here
The winning team from the UK Kodu Kup will win an invite to compete in this competition.
More information is available at www.kodukup-europe.org Follow #kodukup_eu for updates and news