Languages Online - What are Game Makers?

What are Game Makers?

Languages Online Game Makers are downloadable step-by-step 'templates' that allow students and teachers to create interactive language tasks and games using their own text, pictures or voice recordings. Game Makers are easy to use and are suitable for all skill levels. Games can be created in ANY LANGUAGE that your computer supports.

When complete, games can be saved as either a webpage or as a program file. They can be copied to a disc, memory stick or onto another computer or network to share with others.

Currently three game makers are available. New game makers are now in development and will be released as they are completed. These will focus on different language skills.

Games to Download

Memory Game Maker

The Game: Click on the cards to find the matching pairs.
The Maker: Pairs are created using text, pictures or voice recordings.
Uses: Ideal for words or short phrases.

Tetris Game Maker

The Game: The classic Tetris game with a twist. The game pauses every fourth block and the player must type in the correct word or phrase to continue.
The Maker: Use your own text, pictures or voice recordings as clues.
Uses: A flexible game for practising vocabulary, sentence structure or comprehension.

Matching Game Maker

The Game: Players drag a line to match the items in column A and column B.
The Maker: Pairs are created using text or voice recordings.
Uses: Ideal for longer phrases or sentences.

Sentence Game Maker

Game 1: Players complete the sentence by dragging the correct into place. Game 2: Players complete the sentence the sentence by 'shooting' the words in the correct order.
The Maker: Type a complete sentence and then select the 'gap' words. You can add 'trick' words and a clue of either text, picture, voice recording or video clip.
Uses: Focuses on word ordering and grammtaical piints such as agreements or adjectival endings.

Benefits

When your students make their own multimedia language games, they are practising important skills:

they can revise a wide variety of linguistic and cultural concepts
they are actively using the languages in a fun way
thinking about the purpose and audience of their game, and making decisions about the content
ICT skills: file management and creation, making voice recordings, sourcing and saving images, understanding different file types

Game Maker Features

A built in sound recorder makes voice recording easy
Mistakes in a finished game can be corrected
Games can be easily translated into another language
Games can be copied to any computer or memory stick
Easy to follow 'help' page for each steps
Games can be included on a website or digital port folio

Supporting resources

Examples of games
Printable 'planning' sheets for students
Clip art provided OR use your own pictures
Assessment rubric
Links to the Victorian Essential Learning Standards
Information on installation in schools
Email 'helpline'

Further Information and help

For futher assistance or feedback contact the Languages Online Team (languages.online@edumail.vic.gov.au)

Contact: Languages Online Team (languages.online@edumail.vic.gov.au)
Created on: Friday, June 7th, 2007 | Page last updated: Friday, June 7th, 2007

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