Title: Frequently Asked Questions
Course: RITA MC - VIDEO GAME DESIGN HYBRID > Section: Begin HERE-GAME1328 Video Game Design

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.

How many Games will I have to Design and what software will I use?

You will be designing 1 Indy Game Prototype per Module, and one TEAM game..that means you will use collaboration software of your choice to design a game online.  You should finish the course with a total of 5 Game Designs and 1 complete set of Game Design Documents. Your FINAL/PRACTICUM will be the Game Design Documentation and it will be highly augmented with a more completed version of one of your Semesters Game Prototypes.  Recommended Software is the Free DAZ3D application. It is available as a FREE Download and has enough FREE assets to allow you to create imagery, environments, marketing, characters, avatars, and game pieces. You can use other software, as you wish - but communicate and inform the Instructor with your choices or options. This is for the Course Objective of Character Design.

Do you provide options for Extra Credit?

Do I really need to?  If you stay on track, you won't need it. However, 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 Community 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 - EXCEPT for Course Meets. The attendance referenced here is for your weekly online interactions in the course, online...where you take quizzes, utilize a Discussion Forum, or submit a project to receive an Attendance Deadline.  If you do not need a Grade forgiven, then you may also utilize these events for Extra Credit. (Max per semester: 5) You cannot sub Extra Credit for an EXAM.  You cannot take an EXAM LATE - but you can take it early so plan ahead!

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

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. You are given some Lab Time in class to begin or even complete the Labs, but there are times when the Game is done on your time as the Lab is utilized for deeper learning opportunities.  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.

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.

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 piont on?

Yes, on the third floor. Room 366.  Check with them for their hours.  You may also occasionally schedule additional time in this classroom, schedule time through the course Mentor at wscpennington@nctc.edu, and there are PC's in the Library.

I will not be in class today due to being sick. I will complete all work for this week while I am at home.

You may complete Labs and other assignments at home, however, you will not receive full score unless the Lab is completed IN CLASS.  Exams may NOT be taken at home.  Exams will only be taken in the classroom and in the Testing Center.

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.

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, ice storms happen, a family member or you gets sick.  Unpreventable kinds of things occur and working ahead helps lessen the damage of these unforeseen life events. I have a great reputation for working WITH you, as long as you are honest, communicate well, and work with me.

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 online and am unable to make it to class.

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.