ldquo;I support learning”, declared Steve Waddell, during the Transforming with Technology program.  Waddell, CEO of I Support Learning, Inc. and former improvisational performer entertained teens with the message Video Games and the Power of the Story.   

Not only did Waddell provide intellectual stimulation with his account of getting hooked on gaming way-back-when.  “When, it took hours to load a game before playing.” Being hooked on the games and not being a “model” student lead Waddell to his company which develops high school and college curriculum in gaming, artificial intelligence, animation and much more.

 

Waddell drew the analogy -- engaging video games are stories.  Each story and/or video game has a plot, setting, protagonist, antagonist, problem and resolution. Writers and graphic artist are just as important in the successful games as the techno geek.

 

Before dividing the teens into teams, Waddell lead the group in an improvisational ice breaker.  Immediately following, he provided visual clues to the teams with the instructions to write a story to go along with his visuals then “pitch” why their story should be developed into a video game.

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In closing Waddell flashed an ipod shuffle and itunes card and challenged, “Create an avatar on Oz Island and write a storyline that supports, justifies and explains the attire of the avatar.”  The best will win the ipod shuffle and itunes card donated by the Support Learning Foundation. 

 It’s not too late! You might win. Follow the link for the rules of participation and deadline