Over at Gamespot, they picked up on a new initiative by the Scottish government: students will now be taught video game design as part of the new Curriculum for Excellence.
The original article in the Herald goes into more detail about the initiative. In addition to game and computer design, students will also learn more about computer animation:
Maureen Watt, Minister for Schools and Skills, said: “There is huge confidence that Scotland will continue to play an important part in the future of video games and interactive entertainment and we are focusing on establishing firm foundations for lifelong learning and, for some, specialised study and careers.
She goes on to explain:
Ms Watt said: “The draft outcomes for our new curriculum are intended to help teachers make teaching more relevant, exciting and engaging. Technologies are important areas of the whole learning process and we are keen to receive feedback on the outcomes from professionals.”
While I can’t say that the idea of teaching game design in schools rubs me the wrong way, there is something about this change that reeks more of professional development than education. It’s one thing to incorporate interesting ideas and programs into a teaching program to encourage interest, but it’s quite another when teachers look to professionals to determine the “outcome” of the program. That is, of course, if I’m not misinterpreting Watt’s use of the term “professionals.” I suppose it’s possible she’s referring to education professionals and not industry professionals, but I strongly suspect based on the economic slant of the article that this move is about developing future professionals:
It is hoped the scheme, part of the Scottish Government’s Curriculum for Excellence, will create programmers of the future who will ensure the continued success of Scotland’s games industry, which employs more than 500 people and generates £20m a year.
Ahh, yes. Of course. The money. I’d rather they spent more time reading Robert Burns, personally, but I’m sure I’m in the minority there. Grumble grumble grumble, and it’s back to my rocking chair with me.
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