Author: JD

BE OPEN Academy Poll. Best online Pixel Art course by Udemy

JD

According to the visitors of the BE OPEN Academy platform, Complete Beginners Guide to Pixel Game Art is the best online Pixel Art course by Udemy. Learning game art can be difficult. You not only have to draw but you have to learn software. This course demystifies that process. In it you will start out with the very basics of simple asset design. Then to more challenging subjects like tiles and tile sets as well as modular 2D art for mobile games.

It has gained more votes than other online courses in Pixel Art by Udemy:

  • Learn Pixel Art for Games
  • Pixel Art for Video Games
  • Pixel Art Master Course

Building for Change: The architecture of Creative Reuse

JD

Author: Ruth Lang

Construction, which accounts for over a third of global carbon emissions, is an obvious target for improvement. Neatly positioned within this is the issue of extending the lifespan of existing buildings which have, on the face of it, outlived their immediate usefulness.

How can we build a sustainable future in a time of climate change and dwindling resources? As our spatial needs begin to evolve more rapidly, architects are exploring ingenious ways in which to reuse and recycle existing buildings; resulting in a stunning transformation of our existing urban fabric.

Building for Change collects the strategies of reuse together, demonstrating their power for change through groundbreaking projects from some of the world’s leading architects. From waste repurposed as construction materials, to buildings reworked with canny spatial interventions, and modular structures designed to be dismantled, discover how the architecture of creative reuse is helping us build a better tomorrow.

Find out more about Building for Change →

Making Videogames: The Art of Creating Digital Worlds by Duncan Harris, Alex Wiltshire

JD

Making Videogames is an unprecedented snapshot of modern interactive entertainment, with insight from true pioneers about the most important games in the world. Illustrated with some of the most arresting in-game images ever seen in print, the book explores the unique alchemy of technical and artistic endeavour that constitutes the magic of videogames, striking a captivating balance between insight and accessibility. A book not only for die-hard videogame fanatics, but also for designer-creatives and the visually curious, Making Videogames is a thrilling showcase of the boundless creativity of this amazing industry.

Find out more about Making Videogames →

BE OPEN: NFTs In Education: A Revolutionary Way of Learning Pt.1

BE OPEN: NFTs In Education: A Revolutionary Way of Learning Pt.1

JD

NFTs in education are transforming the way we learn and teach. Discover how non-fungible tokens are being used in education and the benefits they offer to students and educators.

The Role of NFTs In Education

The world of education is constantly evolving, and the emergence of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has revolutionized the way we learn and teach. NFTs are digital assets that are unique and cannot be replicated, making them a perfect fit for the education sector. From digitizing educational certificates to creating interactive learning experiences, NFTs are transforming the education landscape. In this article, we will explore how NFTs are being used in education and the benefits they offer to students and educators.

What Are NFTs In Education?

NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are a type of digital asset that uses blockchain technology to certify their uniqueness and ownership. In simple terms, an NFT explained is a digital certificate of ownership that verifies the authenticity and provenance of a digital asset. Each NFT is unique and cannot be replicated or replaced, which makes them valuable for collectors and investors. NFTs can take many forms, including digital art, music, videos, and other types of digital content.

The metaverse is transforming the eCommerce landscape by creating new opportunities for brands to connect with consumers in immersive virtual environments, and this trend is also beginning to impact the field of education, where NFTs are being used to verify and showcase students’ academic achievements. NFTs can represent anything from digital art to educational certificates, making them versatile and applicable to a wide range of use cases.

How Are NFTs Used In Education?

NFTs can be used in education to certify the ownership and authenticity of digital certificates, degrees, and other academic achievements. They can also be used to create digital portfolios that showcase students’ skills and achievements, as well as personalized learning experiences tailored to individual students’ needs and interests.

Additionally, NFTs can be used to create micro-credentials that represent specific skills or knowledge areas, making it easier for students to demonstrate their expertise in a particular subject.

NFTs are being used in various ways in education, including the following.

Digital Certificates

NFTs can be used to digitize educational certificates, making them tamper-proof and easily shareable. This can eliminate the need for paper certificates, reduce the risk of fraud, and make it easier for employers to verify the authenticity of a candidate’s credentials.

Interactive Learning

NFTs can be used to create interactive learning experiences that are engaging and immersive. For example, a student could use an NFT to access a Virtual Reality environment where they can practice their language skills or explore a historical site.

Fundraising

NFTs can be used to raise funds for educational institutions or specific projects. For example, an institution could create an NFT that represents a piece of artwork created by a student, and auction it off to raise funds.

Collectibles

NFTs can be used to create collectibles that represent achievements or milestones. For example, a student could receive an NFT for completing a course or achieving a certain grade.

BE OPEN Academy Poll. Best offline programme in Sound Design in UK

JD

Music and Sound Design course available from Manchester Metropolitan University has won in our online poll about the best offline programme in Sound Design in UK.

The other entries in the poll were:

  • Sound Arts by Plymouth College of Art
  • Digital Music and Sound Arts MA by University of Brighton
  • BA (Hons) Sound Arts and Design by University of the Arts London
  • Music and Sound Design by Ravensbourne University
BE OPEN: Gamification of Learning Pt.2

BE OPEN: Gamification of Learning Pt.2

JD

Educational Games for Skill Building And Learner Engagement

In fact, there are a number of educational games online that help young and old students learn new things, develop problem-solving skills, and get creative while having a great time. For example, timetables are written with clear instructions, and children learn how to slope and build roller coasters while playing in action. If you’re looking for other options, Minecraft and Roblox are popular with kids of all ages because they offer free educational resources.

Many schools are engaged in educational video games, and homeschoolers can do the same. There are some great games that try to present high-quality educational content in a fun format that students will love from kindergarten to high school. Video games for Wii, Xbox, and PlayStation will get your children excited about the learning process.

Consider using a serious single or multiplayer game (see GamesForChange.org) as a warm-up for online classroom discussions. Students can play and judge video games, like the Civilization series, for their content and accuracy.

An Example Study On Educational Games

In six sessions lasting for nine weeks, we will explore the development of educational video games and hear from experts who have worked on many aspects of learning through game design, development, and implementation. Each group will engage in a discussion on the development of educational games.

The current meta-analysis builds on earlier meta-analyses by expanding the scope of constituent studies and focusing on an overlapped but unambiguous cross-section of research literature, with a greater emphasis on learning games among K-16 students. This study provides a specific and unambiguous focus on (a) digital games for students from K-16 and (b) cognitive, intrapersonal, and interpersonal learning outcomes. Based on the previous meta-analysis, we predict that the game condition will be associated in media comparisons with better learning outcomes than the non-game condition. Many studies have included games as a condition for additional play-free instruction, in which students participate in relevant classwork in addition to playing. Games should be adapted to the difficulty that suits your learning style and grade level.

Gaming Platforms

Sheppard Software is led by Brad Sheppard and hosts hundreds of free online educational games for children. The company divides these games into categories and enables students and teachers to orient themselves according to subject areas and find suitable games that meet the educational needs of children with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge and challenge.

For over a decade, iCivics, which has over 20 free games on its platform, has become my gateway to game-based learning. When they taught middle-school children social studies, they noticed that 12- and 13-year-olds got bored with the content. For example, to help students learn about the Bill of Rights, they let students play “The Rights Game,” in which players learn to manage a civil rights firm.