Title: FAQ
Course: RITA MC - GAME DESIGN > Section: Start Here - Week 1

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

How do I communicate with the instructor?

I prefer email sent to mhampton@nctc, I will respond within 24 hours. If I don't please resend your message.
I also expect you to read your NCTC email often to make sure you have the latest information for the course and your personal communication with me.

I will use the Announcements feature to communicate with the entire class on any changes to the course schedule or other NCTC events that will affect our course.

I will give you individual feedback for your assignments and assessments in the feedback option for your individual work. Please do not comment on my feedback in the feedback option. Send any concerns or questions you have to me via my email.

Do not hesitate to contact me for any reason.

Where do I find the Tutorials for this Class?

1. You have several options.  You can use the YoYo Games link ( https://www.yoyogames.com/learn )
2. You can select the Start Here Module and locate the Content Page called GAME1306Tutorialsv1.doc  - this may not be all inclusive.
3. You can open the software, look for the TAB called Tutorials

- Select the Beginners Option Triangle and expand the Topic to reveal the appropriate Tutorial

Is there Extra Credit options?

The technology field changes so rapidly, and is so dynamic that becoming a part of Use Groups, Meet-Ups, or any Professional Organization is a very positive thing.  I recognize educational opportunities OUTSIDE of the classroom & invite & allow you to utilize attendance to an event or participation in a Use Group. You may substitute these events for a Quiz you missed or for an Attendance lost.  You may also utilize these events for Extra Credit. (Max per semester: 4)

Do I have to have a computer to complete the assignments?

This is an ONLINE Course requiring you to install software. There is not a mobile version of the software.  Last semester there were students who attempted to complete the course without computers.  They were not successful.  The game designs take some time and focus to complete.  IF this is your major area of study, and you are utilizing Financial Aid, contact the Financial Aid office for assistance in completing documentation to fund and acquire a computer.

How many times can I take a Quiz?

You may take a Quiz as indicated in the initial screen. Some offer 2opportunities, and some offer up to 3 times.  Use up all of your chances and collect 10 points for every Quiz.  The Quiz becomes your study guide for the Exam. Some of the Quizzes may have questions that require additional research!

Do the questions and answers change every time you start a new homework/quiz assignment? Or are they the same questions and answers every time you start a homework/quiz assignment?

The questions and answer options are the same. There is a shuffle function that shuffles the questions, but not the answers. This makes for a better learning experience.

I just did the homework assignment for week one and it’s been taking the average grade for the amount of attempts I have done. Is that correct? I thought it was going to take the highest grade not the average.

A graded Quiz should return the maximum score. (if NOT, it is an error in configuration, and it will be corrected if it is brought to my attention.)  Take the test once without looking up the answers, immediately after reading a chapter. Then look up the correct answers and retake the test. If you can do the work, you can ace the course. Then take it one more time to make sure it is perfect.

Have you graded my Labs for Week 1 and 2? I haven’t seen my grades for those assignments. I just wanted to know how I did.

The goal is to have Labs graded within a week of when the Chapter closes. Occasionally, it may happen that the grades get delayed.  Patience is appreciated. For Review Questions, Quizzes and some Assignments, you should automatically receive a score and it should appear on your Course Home Page under the GRADES block.

I cannot access the software Program _________  from from home computer anymore, is there some lab of some sort where i can use a computer to complete all assignments from this point on?

Yes, on the third floor. Room 366.  Check with them for their hours.  You may also occasionally schedule additional time in this classroom. There are also computers available in the Library.  It may be possible to run your application from a flash drive.

I will not be in class this week, due to being sick.

Even online classes have attendance requirements.  Login and read the weeks assignments every week.

The very last test needs corrections. Thank you.

I might have over 100 students, with 4 to 6 tests opened, at one time.  IF there are problems with a test and the responses or answers – you must be very specific. Also, be prepared to defend your response.  Note a page number and your logic for disagreement.  It is possible the key is in error. Do not be aggressive, be professional.

I noticed that I am failing your course and need serious help in knowing what to do in bumping my points up for passing.  I see most of it is lab work.  Some of the labs I know I did, I just didnt submit in the drop box.  Please let me know as soon as you get this email, because my financial aid could be jeopordized.  I don't want to end my education because of my irresponsibilities.

The week before Finals is NOT NOT NOT the week to send this email. Make a commitment today to READ the assignments, attend class, complete and submit the Labs in class, and to complete the Quizzes BEFORE the deadline.  Subscribe to the philosophy   “A failure to plan is a plan to fail”. Things can happen at the last minute. Computers crash, networks break, connectivity is lost, power goes out, a family member or you gets sick.  Unpreventable kinds of things occur and working ahead helps lessen the damage of these unforeseen life events.

Chap. 11 homework does not open it says -This item is not currently available-

Did you miss the deadline?  If NOT send me an email.

Hello, I have gotton confused and thought the test for this class was today and am unable to take it.

You can take an Exam in advance, but you cannot take an Exam late. If you have a scheduling issue AND if you communicate the issue in ADVANCE, you can take the test in advance.  Otherwise, you have a 0 until the Final.  The final becomes your option for redemption.

My files are too large to upload in the DROP Box. What do I do now?

First try to zip the file.  If it is still too large send me an email. There is a possibility I will ask you to use the MyNCTC Solution.  If I request this,  then go to MyNCTC. Login. Look for MYCOURSES> Choose 1306 for GameMaker> Select Coursework from the Left Hand menu. Look for UNIT1 or GameMaker Module 1.  Upload your oversized files for Module 1 here. Be sure to submit a notice in the Drop box in Angel indicating the file was submitted to MyNCTC. All files are Date Stamped, deadlines apply. IF you still have problems uploading your files, then we can also try Drop Box, Google Drive or iCloud...where you save your data and share a link to the resource. Final option is to meet with the instructor to review your options.