IMG_3880.JPG
purple.png
IMG_3880.JPG

Join the adventure


A collaborative environment that emphasizes teamwork techniques which simulate the real-world dynamics of software development.

SCROLL DOWN

Join the adventure


A collaborative environment that emphasizes teamwork techniques which simulate the real-world dynamics of software development.

App design as a model to facilitate language learning + culture in context.

In language learning, one of the best methods content acquisition is through immersion. When true immersion is unavailable, cultural context is the next best thing, and this can be achieved in many ways, one of the most interesting (if not the most entertaining) is via gaming. Our project, Bonne Chance, meaning "good luck" in French, is an immersive language learning game that manifests in the form of a mobile app. The game is currently in development and our project is divided into two teams, coding and design.


Code


SCROLL DOWN

Code


As members of the code team, we have built the game from the ground up with only our graphic design experience, using a system called visual coding. Through iterative prototyping, we were tasked with presenting “low scope” patterns in French and, while doing so, created low scope patterns in code and design.

The game itself is currently in a series of prototyping phases as we continue to test our most viable product [MVP]. Through our game-based-learning application, our audience of elementary-level French students will gain language-learning skills and intercultural empathy. 

Working in an innovative studio environment has allowed us to grow in the domains of: collaboration, project management, programming, and asset production and management.

Visual Coding

Visual coding is a nodal-based system in which code is broken into isolated functions that can then be “strung” together to create logical networks. This system takes the lines of math and keywords, then presents them into manageable pieces to someone who may not have a reliable knowledge base of C++.  

Learning Moments

Arguably, our most important role has been creating the “learning moments” by developing a specific gaming mechanic that reinforces the language curriculum needs. We researched common language exercises within French textbooks. We paid special attention to moments of “student input,” where students are responsible for supplying information and what information the textbook provided in order to create an interactive experience. 

“Low Scope” Patterns

Low scope patterns in language are small chunks of known information, such as “nouns go before verbs,” which can then be broken apart and reformed into more complex phrases/concepts. This concept was paralleled in how we used the nodes within the code engine, using small strings that we understood to implement more complex logic networks. 

Design


SCROLL DOWN

Design


As the design team, we focus on all visual aspects as well as user experience (UX) and user interface (UI). Bringing our in-depth research of destinations and time periods and aligning them with the visuals and functionality of the game mechanics is our most important role. Working in an innovative studio environment has allowed us to grow in the domains of: collaboration, project management, programming, and asset production and management. 

Creating a Cultural Context

The specificity of this game (over most language learning apps available on the market) is that it features a narrative Story Arc, which will provide the cultural context for the games. Making ourselves familiar with the various places and times from French history creates opportunity for a richer experience for the player. 

Language Acquisition

By focusing game content around the course syllabus and text, students are able to practice language skills that they learn in class in a virtual environment which promotes critical thinking, problem solving, and contextual association. 

Game Mechanics

We've conducted environmental scans of existing applications and websites in order to investigate current conventions in navigation, size/specs, style, and touch/swipe capabilities. We then used these standard UX behaviors to brainstorm new ways of interacting and engaging with a mobile device.

Tutorials


Start Here

SCROLL DOWN

Tutorials


Start Here

Step 1: Finish this tutorial IN ITS ENTIRETY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Cmr4maZEyY&list=PLSfh6YsA0Lhu8r5xVSp5pnMziDkdt-vrW
19 episodes, all worth watching (and doing alongside the video)
Pay attention to file structure and naming conventions.

Step 2: Unreal Manual

https://docs.unrealengine.com/latest/INT/
If any nodes are confusing on how they work, type them in the search here and you will get all the information about that node you could need.

Step 3: Official Unreal Tutorials

http://docs.unrealengine.com/latest/INT/Videos/PLZlv_N0_O1gauJh60307mE_67jqK42twB/3GtGvNoL5UI/index.html
These are the official tutorials tutorials from unreal, we focused on the 2D aspects of them and this link gives you a good start in how things like sprites and flipbooks work. 

purple.png

play bonne chance


to get the downloadable beta version, please e.mail:
staples@utk.edu

SCROLL DOWN

play bonne chance


to get the downloadable beta version, please e.mail:
staples@utk.edu