Difference between revisions of "Simulation Design 1 Syllabus"

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−
Columbia College Chicago
+
<font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
−
600 S Michigan Ave
+
Columbia College Chicago<br>
−
Chicago, IL 60605
+
600 S Michigan Ave<br>
 +
Chicago, IL 60605 </font>
 +
<p align="center"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Simulation
 +
  Design I</b><br>
 +
  Joseph Laiacona - Instructor<br>
 +
  joseph@laiacona.org<br>
 +
  Phone 773-539-2607<br /><br />
 +
  Brian Nielsen - Instructor<br />
 +
  brian@iam.colum.edu<br />
 +
  (708) 254-3658
 +
</font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Class:
 +
  36-2500-01 Monday 12:30 to 3:20, Room
 +
  608, 624 S Michigan Ave<br>
 +
  Term: Fall 2007<br>
 +
  Book: <i>Learning by Design</i> by Clark
 +
  Aldrich, ISBN 0-7879-7735-7. It is highly
 +
  recommended that you also have a book of
 +
  C# syntax.<br>
 +
  Joe Laiacona - Office Hours: by appointment<br>
 +
  Brian Nielsen - Office Hours:
 +
</font> </p>
 +
<TABLE WIDTH=80% BORDER=1 BORDERCOLOR="#000000" CELLPADDING="2px" CELLSPACING=0 ALIGN="center">
 +
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
 +
<TD WIDTH=17%>
 +
<P>Monday</P>
 +
</TD>
 +
<TD WIDTH=17%>
 +
<P>Tues</P>
 +
</TD>
 +
<TD WIDTH=17%>
 +
<P>Wednesday</P>
 +
</TD>
 +
<TD WIDTH=17%>
 +
<P>Thursday</P>
 +
</TD>
 +
<TD WIDTH=17%>
 +
<P>Friday</P>
 +
</TD>
 +
<TD WIDTH=17%>
 +
<P>Saturday</P>
 +
</TD>
 +
</TR>
 +
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
 +
<TD WIDTH=17%>
 +
<P>6:30pm &ndash; 10pm</P>
 +
</TD>
 +
<TD WIDTH=17%>
 +
<P>4pm &ndash; 10pm</P>
 +
</TD>
 +
<TD WIDTH=17%>
 +
<P>4pm &ndash; 10pm</P>
 +
</TD>
 +
<TD WIDTH=17%>
 +
<P>4pm &ndash; 10pm</P>
 +
</TD>
 +
<TD WIDTH=17%>
 +
<P>3:30pm &ndash; 5pm</P>
 +
</TD>
 +
<TD WIDTH=17%>
 +
<P>9am - 4pm</P>
 +
</TD>
 +
</TR>
 +
</TABLE>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
 +
  Additional: You will also need a notebook
 +
  and it is advised you have portable memory
 +
  of some kind.</font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Course
 +
  Description:</b> Though games are traditionally
 +
  viewed as being for &quot;fun&quot;, there
 +
  exists a significant potential for using
 +
  game-style presentations and techniques
 +
  for &quot;realistic&quot; purposes, usually
 +
  called simulations. This course introduces
 +
  the students to the concepts of simulation
 +
  design and develops the student's ability
 +
  to analyze a realistic process or environment
 +
  in terms of the elements within each that
 +
  lend themselves to modeling, interaction,
 +
  play, and learning. The course develops
 +
  the designer's practical skills through
 +
  the use of a programming language and generally
 +
  available interactive authoring environments
 +
  and design tools. </font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Course
 +
  Rationale:</b> Simulation Design is at the
 +
  heart of both electronic learning and entertainment.
 +
  This class familiarizes the student with
 +
  both the tools and the processes necessary
 +
  for planning, goal-setting, designing, creating,
 +
  and distributing simulations.</font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Course
 +
  Objectives:</b> By the end of the course
 +
  the student should be able to:</font></p>
 +
<ul>
 +
  <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
 +
  <li> Demonstrate an understanding of electronic
 +
    simulations through successful interaction
 +
    with the computer, including the ability
 +
    to design and implement actual simulations.</li>
 +
  </font> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
 +
  </font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"></font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
 +
  <li>Be able to use a current programming
 +
    language (in this case C#) to write the
 +
    computer code necessary to create such
 +
    simulations.</li>
 +
  </font>
 +
  <li><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
 +
    Have knowledge of design requirements
 +
    for the development of simulations, including
 +
    pedagogical goals, asset creation and
 +
    management, and implementation of simulations
 +
    in their respective environments.</font></li>
 +
  <li><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Be
 +
    able to identify and discuss issues involving
 +
    simulations including copyright issues,
 +
    goal-setting, evaluation, and production.</font></li>
 +
  <li><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
 +
    Be able to identify and discuss current
 +
    issues involving technology and society
 +
    vis-&agrave;-vis simulations.</font></li>
 +
  <li><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
 +
    Understand basic simulation terms and
 +
    use appropriate vocabulary.</font></li>
 +
  <li><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Know
 +
    basic programming concepts as applicable
 +
    to the creation of electronic simulations.</font></li>
 +
  <li><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Know
 +
    basic strategies to deliver simulations
 +
    to their respective audiences.</font></li>
 +
</ul>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Exams:
 +
  </b>A midterm and final exam are scheduled
 +
  for this class. Material covered in the
 +
  exams consists of all material covered in
 +
  the lecture, the textbook, and the lab.
 +
  You will prove your knowledge of the software
 +
  by following instructions and using the
 +
  software during the exam, as well as answering
 +
  questions.</font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Quizzes:</b>
 +
  In addition to the midterm and final exam
 +
  there will be short quizzes. Quizzes will
 +
  be administered at the beginning of class
 +
  and take roughly 15 minutes to complete.
 +
  It may cover material from the previous
 +
  class, current reading, or lab work. Missed
 +
  quizzes can not be made up.</font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Lab
 +
  Assignments &amp; Projects:</b> Assignments
 +
  will be posted on Oasis and will be due
 +
  on that date at the beginning of class.
 +
  In addition to the Lab Assignments, a larger,
 +
  more complex Application Projects will be
 +
  assigned. Lab Assignments will usually be
 +
  short and cover a small number of application
 +
  features. The Application Project will require
 +
  more time and creative thought on your part.
 +
  You will be given more information on these
 +
  as the class progresses. The Application
 +
  Project should also be submitted on time.
 +
  <br>
 +
  Assignments and Projects will be collected
 +
  in class on the day they are due. If you
 +
  do not submit the assignment at the time
 +
  it is due, your grade on that assignment
 +
  will be reduced as follows: one week late,
 +
  10% penalty, two weeks late 50% penalty.
 +
  Assignments later than that will not be
 +
  accepted. THIS IS A HARD AND FAST RULE --
 +
  NO EXCEPTIONS. No assignments will be accepted
 +
  after the end of the last class.</font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Email:</b>
 +
  You have and Oasis email address and should
 +
  use it for all correspondence with the instructor.
 +
  </font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Printing:</b>
 +
  All printed assignments and projects should
 +
  be submitted on laser printed copy. Don't
 +
  wait until the last minute to print your
 +
  assignment. As soon as it is finished-print
 +
  it. A breakdown of the laser printer will
 +
  not be accepted as an excuse for late submission
 +
  of assignments/projects. <br>
 +
  Makeup: See above.</font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Attendance:
 +
  </b><i>Eighty percent of success is showing
 +
  up</i> -Woody Allen <br>
 +
  Attendance will be taken at the beginning
 +
  of each class. You should be in class at
 +
  the time roll is taken. If you arrive after
 +
  this time, you are late. Students leaving
 +
  class early will be considered late for
 +
  the amount of time missed. Students who
 +
  do not get to class before break or those
 +
  who do not return after the break will be
 +
  marked absent. We have a total of 15 class
 +
  sessions. You must attend at least 12 of
 +
  those. Less than 12 will result in an automatic
 +
  failure (F). </font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Lateness
 +
  of more than one half hour constitutes a
 +
  missed class.</font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Grades:</b>
 +
  The final grade is a composite of the points
 +
  earned as follows:<br>
 +
  <br>
 +
  </font></p>
 +
<table width="47%" border="1" cellpadding="0" align="center">
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Attendance</font></td>
 +
    <td>
 +
      <div align="right">45</div>
 +
    </td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Assignments</font></td>
 +
    <td>
 +
      <div align="right">370</div>
 +
    </td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Quizzes</font></td>
 +
    <td>
 +
      <div align="right">50</div>
 +
    </td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Midterm</font></td>
 +
    <td>
 +
      <div align="right">100</div>
 +
    </td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Final</font></td>
 +
    <td>
 +
      <div align="right">100</div>
 +
    </td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Total</font></td>
 +
    <td>
 +
      <div align="right">565</div>
 +
    </td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td>&nbsp;</td>
 +
    <td>
 +
      <div align="right"></div>
 +
    </td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">which
 +
  gives percentage points for a grade as follows:</font></p>
 +
<table width="30%" border="1" cellpadding="0" align="center">
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td width="31%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Grade</font></td>
 +
    <td width="69%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">%
 +
      Points</font></td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td width="31%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">A</font></td>
 +
    <td width="69%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">93-100</font></td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td width="31%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">A-</font></td>
 +
    <td width="69%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">90-92</font></td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td width="31%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">B+</font></td>
 +
    <td width="69%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">87-89</font></td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td width="31%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">B</font></td>
 +
    <td width="69%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">83-86</font></td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td width="31%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">B-</font></td>
 +
    <td width="69%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">80-82</font></td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td width="31%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">C+</font></td>
 +
    <td width="69%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">77-79</font></td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td width="31%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">C</font></td>
 +
    <td width="69%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">73-76</font></td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td width="31%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">C-</font></td>
 +
    <td width="69%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">70-72</font></td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td width="31%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">D</font></td>
 +
    <td width="69%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">60-69</font></td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
  <tr>
 +
    <td width="31%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">F</font></td>
 +
    <td width="69%"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">59
 +
      or less</font></td>
 +
  </tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">There
 +
  are no additional &quot;gimmes.&quot; An
 +
  89.9% is a B. A 59.9% is an F. </font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
 +
  Tutoring If you feel the need for help in
 +
  areas outside the computer field you may
 +
  wish to contact: </font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Writing
 +
  Center -- Wabash &amp; Congress <br>
 +
  Sci/Math Learning Center --Rm. 509A, 623
 +
  S. Wabash <br>
 +
  Academic Advising -- Suite 300,623 S. Wabash</font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Homework
 +
  Labs <br>
 +
  1. You must have an appropriate student
 +
  ID to use the homework labs. If you don't,
 +
  you will not be allowed into the homework
 +
  labs under any circumstances. <br>
 +
  2. Lab assistants are placed in the lab
 +
  to maintain computer equipment and not to
 +
  help you with your homework.</font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Lab
 +
  Hours (Subject to change) <br>
 +
  Wabash Building, Rm. 407 <br>
 +
  600 Michigan Building, Rm. 2nd Floor Time:
 +
  M-Th: 9am-1Opm, F: 9am-5pm, S: 9am-5pm <br>
 +
  Warning about Computer Viruses<br>
 +
  Columbia College uses several of the best
 +
  anti-viral and security programs available.
 +
  However hundreds of new viruses are created
 +
  each month. Due to the volume of students
 +
  using the classroom and homework labs, it
 +
  is strongly recommended that disks used
 +
  in class or lab should not be used in your
 +
  personal or business machine. You do so
 +
  at your own risk. <br>
 +
  Disclaimer <br>
 +
  Due to unexpected hardware and software
 +
  failure this syllabus is subject to change
 +
  at very short notice. WARNING: You should
 +
  use computer software and hardware 100%
 +
  compatible with the equipment we have at
 +
  Columbia. If any element of your work is
 +
  performed on an incompatible system, you
 +
  may not be able to work on it in class.
 +
  For best results, software version numbers
 +
  must match exactly. All homework assignments
 +
  and projects should be stored on the provided
 +
  floppy diskette. </font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Classroom
 +
  Conduct<br>
 +
  A few rules for the safety of students and
 +
  computer equipment are necessary.</font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
 +
  Absolutely no food or beverage in the classroom.
 +
  <br>
 +
  Do not sit on top of desks. They are not
 +
  engineered to support the weight of adults.
 +
  <br>
 +
  Do not place feet on top of desks. <br>
 +
  Cell phones and pagers will be turned off
 +
  or in &quot;buzz mode&quot; in the classroom.<br>
 +
  During the break all students will be required
 +
  to leave the classroom and the room will
 +
  be locked until we return.</font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
 +
  WARNING: Hundreds of students use the computer
 +
  labs everyday. Unfortunately not all students
 +
  are as good, kind, ethical and moral as
 +
  you. They like to steal their school supplies
 +
  instead of purchase them. When working in
 +
  the computer labs, never leave your possessions
 +
  unattended. <br>
 +
  Simulations Design I Spring 2007 Schedule</font></p>
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<p>Week Content Assignments* </p>
 +
<p>1 Introduction Read LbD xxv to 6 </p>
 +
<p>2 Branching Simulations Read LbD 7 to 17
 +
</p>
 +
<p>3 Interactive Simulations and Pseudocode Read LbD 18 to
 +
  32 </p>
 +
<p>4 Game-Based Models and Assets Read LbD 33 to 41 </p>
 +
<p>5 Virtual Labs and User Interfaces Read LbD 42 to 58 </p>
 +
<p>6 Project Proposals and Presentations </p>
 +
<p>7 </p>
 +
<p>8 Midterm </p>
 +
<p>9 Project development </p>
 +
<p>10 Project development </p>
 +
<p>11 Project development </p>
 +
<p>12 Project development </p>
 +
<p>13 Project development </p>
 +
<p>14 Present Final Projects </p>
 +
<p>15 Final exam </p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Please
 +
  note that this is a tentative plan and will
 +
  be changed as necessary. Check your Oasis
 +
  account for details of each class.</font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">*Additional
 +
  assignments are detailed in the Assignment
 +
  Handout on Oasis. This list only includes
 +
  required reading.</font></p>
 +
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">This
 +
  syllabus is subject to change. You will
 +
  be notified in class when that happens.</font></p>
  
−
Simulation Design I
+
[[Simulation_Design_1|Main Page]]
  
−
 
+
[[Category:IAM Classes]][[Category:Simulation Design 1]]
−
Class: 36-2500-01 Wednesday 12:30 to 3:20 Room 608, 624 S Michigan Ave
 
−
Term: Spring 2007
 
−
Book: Learning by Design by Clark Aldrich, ISBN 0-7879-7735-7. It is highly recommended that you also have a book of C# syntax.
 
−
Office Hours: by appointment
 
−
Additional: You will also need a notebook and it is advised you have portable memory of some kind.
 
−
 
 
−
Course Description: Though games are traditionally viewed as being for "fun", there exists a significant potential for using game-style presentations and techniques for "realistic" purposes, usually called simulations. This course introduces the students to the concepts of simulation design and develops the student's ability to analyze a realistic process or environment in terms of the elements within each that lend themselves to modeling, interaction, play, and learning. The course develops the designer's practical skills through the use of a programming language and generally available interactive authoring environments and design tools.
 
−
 
 
−
Course Rationale: Simulation Design is at the heart of both electronic learning and entertainment. This class familiarizes the student with both the tools and the processes necessary for planning, goal-setting, designing, creating, and distributing simulations.
 
−
 
 
−
Course Objectives: By the end of the course the student should be able to:
 
−
• Demonstrate an understanding of electronic simulations through successful interaction with the computer, including the ability to design and implement actual simulations.
 
−
• Be able to use a current programming language (in this case C#) to write the computer code necessary to create such simulations.
 
−
• Have knowledge of design requirements for the development of simulations, including pedagogical goals, asset creation and management, and implementation of simulations in their respective environments.
 
−
• Be able to identify and discuss issues involving simulations including copyright issues, goal-setting, evaluation, and production.
 
−
• Be able to identify and discuss current issues involving technology and society vis-à-vis simulations.
 
−
• Understand basic simulation terms and use appropriate vocabulary.
 
−
• Know basic programming concepts as applicable to the creation of electronic simulations.
 
−
• Know basic strategies to deliver simulations to their respective audiences.
 
−
 
 
−
Exams: A midterm and final exam are scheduled for this class. Material covered in the exams consists of all material covered in the lecture, the textbook, and the lab. You will prove your knowledge of the software by following instructions and using the software during the exam, as well as answering questions.
 
−
 
 
−
Quizzes: In addition to the midterm and final exam there will be short quizzes. Quizzes will be administered at the beginning of class and take roughly 15 minutes to complete. It may cover material from the previous class, current reading, or lab work. Missed quizzes can not be made up.
 
−
 
 
−
Lab Assignments & Projects: Assignments will be posted on Oasis and will be due on that date at the beginning of class.  In addition to the Lab Assignments, a larger, more complex Application Projects will be assigned. Lab Assignments will usually be short and cover a small number of application features. The Application Project will require more time and creative thought on your part. You will be given more information on these as the class progresses. The Application Project should also be submitted on time.
 
−
Assignments and Projects will be collected in class on the day they are due. If you do not submit the assignment at the time it is due, your grade on that assignment will be reduced as follows: one week late, 10% penalty, two weeks late 50% penalty. Assignments later than that will not be accepted. THIS IS A HARD AND FAST RULE -- NO EXCEPTIONS. No assignments will be accepted after the end of the last class.
 
−
 
 
−
Email: You have and Oasis email address and should use it for all correspondence with the instructor.
 
−
 
 
−
Printing: All printed assignments and projects should be submitted on laser printed copy. Don't wait until the last minute to print your assignment. As soon as it is finished-print it. A breakdown of the laser printer will not be accepted as an excuse for late submission of assignments/projects.
 
−
Makeup: See above.
 
−
 
 
−
Attendance: Eighty percent of success is showing up
 
−
-Woody Allen
 
−
Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. You should be in class at the time roll is taken. If you arrive after this time, you are late. Students leaving class early will be considered late for the amount of time missed. Students who do not get to class before break or those who do not return after the break will be marked absent. We have a total of 15 class sessions. You must attend at least 12 of those. Less than 12 will result in an automatic failure (F).
 
−
 
 
−
Lateness of more than one half hour constitutes a missed class.
 
−
 
 
−
Grades: The final grade is a composite of the points earned as follows:
 
−
 
−
Attendance 45
 
−
Assignments 370
 
−
Quizzes 50
 
−
Midterm 100
 
−
Final 100
 
−
 
 
−
Total 565 points, which gives percentage points for a grade as follows:
 
−
 
 
−
Grade % Points
 
−
A Excellent 93-100
 
−
A- 90-92
 
−
B+ 87-89
 
−
B Good 83-86
 
−
B- 80-82
 
−
C+ 77-79
 
−
C Fair 73-76
 
−
C- 70-72
 
−
D Poor/Passing 60-69
 
−
F Failing 59 or less
 
−
 
 
−
  There are no additional "gimmes." An 89.9% is a B. A 59.9% is an F.
 
−
Tutoring    If you feel the need for help in areas outside the computer field you may wish to contact:
 
−
 
 
−
Writing Center
 
−
Wabash & Congress
 
−
Sci/Math Learning Center, Rm. 509A, 623 S. Wabash
 
−
Academic Advising
 
−
Suite 300,623 S. Wabash
 
−
 
 
−
Homework Labs
 
−
1. You must have an appropriate student ID to use the homework labs. If you don't, you will not be allowed into the homework labs under any circumstances.
 
−
2. Lab assistants are placed in the lab to maintain computer equipment and not to help you with your homework.
 
−
 
 
−
Lab Hours (Subject to change)
 
−
Wabash Building, Rm. 407
 
−
600 Michigan Building, Rm. 2nd Floor Time: M-Th: 9am-1Opm, F: 9am-5pm, S: 9am-5pm
 
−
Warning about Computer Viruses
 
−
  Columbia College uses several of the best anti-viral and security programs available. However hundreds of new viruses are created each month. Due to the volume of students using the classroom and homework labs, it is strongly recommended that disks used in class or lab should not be used in your personal or business machine. You do so at your own risk.
 
−
Disclaimer
 
−
  Due to unexpected hardware and software failure this syllabus is subject to change at very short notice. WARNING: You should use computer software and hardware 100% compatible with the equipment we have at Columbia. If any element of your work is performed on an incompatible system, you may not be able to work on it in class. For best results, software version numbers must match exactly. All homework assignments and projects should be stored on the provided floppy diskette.
 
−
 
 
−
Classroom Conduct
 
−
  A few rules for the safety of students and computer equipment are necessary.
 
−
 
 
−
 Absolutely no food or beverage in the classroom.
 
−
 Do not sit on top of desks. They are not engineered to support the weight of adults.
 
−
 Do not place feet on top of desks.
 
−
 Cell phones and pagers will be turned off or in "buzz mode" in the classroom.
 
−
 During the break all students will be required to leave the classroom and the room will be locked until we return.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
WARNING: Hundreds of students use the computer labs everyday. Unfortunately not all students are as good, kind, ethical and moral as you. They like to steal their school supplies instead of purchase them. When working in the computer labs, never leave your possessions unattended.
 
−
Simulations Design I Spring 2007 Schedule
 
−
 
 
−
Please note that this is a tentative plan and will be changed as necessary. Check your Oasis account for details of each class.
 
−
 
 
−
Week Content Assignments*
 
−
1 Introduction Read LbD xxv to 6
 
−
2 Branching Simulations Read LbD 7 to 17
 
−
3 Interactive Simulations Read LbD 18 to 32
 
−
4 Game-Based Models Read LbD 33 to 41
 
−
5 Virtual Labs Read LbD 42 to 58
 
−
6 Simulations in the learning process Read LbD 59 to 105
 
−
7 Planning a simulation Read LbD 173 to 212
 
−
8 Midterm
 
−
9 Goal setting; Researching data for Simulation Read LbD 213 to 280
 
−
10 Pseudocode and Storyboards
 
−
11 Assets: Assembling graphic elements in simulations
 
−
12 Project development
 
−
13 Project development
 
−
14 Present Final Projects
 
−
15 Final exam
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
*Additional assignments are detailed in the Assignment Handout on Oasis. This list only includes required reading.
 
−
 
 
−
This syllabus is subject to change. You will be notified in class when that happens.
 

Latest revision as of 18:58, 4 August 2008

Columbia College Chicago
600 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60605

Simulation Design I
Joseph Laiacona - Instructor
joseph@laiacona.org
Phone 773-539-2607

Brian Nielsen - Instructor
brian@iam.colum.edu
(708) 254-3658

Class: 36-2500-01 Monday 12:30 to 3:20, Room 608, 624 S Michigan Ave
Term: Fall 2007
Book: Learning by Design by Clark Aldrich, ISBN 0-7879-7735-7. It is highly recommended that you also have a book of C# syntax.
Joe Laiacona - Office Hours: by appointment
Brian Nielsen - Office Hours:

Monday

Tues

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

6:30pm – 10pm

4pm – 10pm

4pm – 10pm

4pm – 10pm

3:30pm – 5pm

9am - 4pm

Additional: You will also need a notebook and it is advised you have portable memory of some kind.

Course Description: Though games are traditionally viewed as being for "fun", there exists a significant potential for using game-style presentations and techniques for "realistic" purposes, usually called simulations. This course introduces the students to the concepts of simulation design and develops the student's ability to analyze a realistic process or environment in terms of the elements within each that lend themselves to modeling, interaction, play, and learning. The course develops the designer's practical skills through the use of a programming language and generally available interactive authoring environments and design tools.

Course Rationale: Simulation Design is at the heart of both electronic learning and entertainment. This class familiarizes the student with both the tools and the processes necessary for planning, goal-setting, designing, creating, and distributing simulations.

Course Objectives: By the end of the course the student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of electronic simulations through successful interaction with the computer, including the ability to design and implement actual simulations.
    •
  • Be able to use a current programming language (in this case C#) to write the computer code necessary to create such simulations.
    •
  • Have knowledge of design requirements for the development of simulations, including pedagogical goals, asset creation and management, and implementation of simulations in their respective environments.
  • Be able to identify and discuss issues involving simulations including copyright issues, goal-setting, evaluation, and production.
  • Be able to identify and discuss current issues involving technology and society vis-à-vis simulations.
  • Understand basic simulation terms and use appropriate vocabulary.
  • Know basic programming concepts as applicable to the creation of electronic simulations.
  • Know basic strategies to deliver simulations to their respective audiences.

Exams: A midterm and final exam are scheduled for this class. Material covered in the exams consists of all material covered in the lecture, the textbook, and the lab. You will prove your knowledge of the software by following instructions and using the software during the exam, as well as answering questions.

Quizzes: In addition to the midterm and final exam there will be short quizzes. Quizzes will be administered at the beginning of class and take roughly 15 minutes to complete. It may cover material from the previous class, current reading, or lab work. Missed quizzes can not be made up.

Lab Assignments & Projects: Assignments will be posted on Oasis and will be due on that date at the beginning of class. In addition to the Lab Assignments, a larger, more complex Application Projects will be assigned. Lab Assignments will usually be short and cover a small number of application features. The Application Project will require more time and creative thought on your part. You will be given more information on these as the class progresses. The Application Project should also be submitted on time.
Assignments and Projects will be collected in class on the day they are due. If you do not submit the assignment at the time it is due, your grade on that assignment will be reduced as follows: one week late, 10% penalty, two weeks late 50% penalty. Assignments later than that will not be accepted. THIS IS A HARD AND FAST RULE -- NO EXCEPTIONS. No assignments will be accepted after the end of the last class.

Email: You have and Oasis email address and should use it for all correspondence with the instructor.

Printing: All printed assignments and projects should be submitted on laser printed copy. Don't wait until the last minute to print your assignment. As soon as it is finished-print it. A breakdown of the laser printer will not be accepted as an excuse for late submission of assignments/projects.
Makeup: See above.

Attendance: Eighty percent of success is showing up -Woody Allen
Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. You should be in class at the time roll is taken. If you arrive after this time, you are late. Students leaving class early will be considered late for the amount of time missed. Students who do not get to class before break or those who do not return after the break will be marked absent. We have a total of 15 class sessions. You must attend at least 12 of those. Less than 12 will result in an automatic failure (F).

Lateness of more than one half hour constitutes a missed class.

Grades: The final grade is a composite of the points earned as follows:

Attendance
45
Assignments
370
Quizzes
50
Midterm
100
Final
100
Total
565
 

which gives percentage points for a grade as follows:

Grade % Points
A 93-100
A- 90-92
B+ 87-89
B 83-86
B- 80-82
C+ 77-79
C 73-76
C- 70-72
D 60-69
F 59 or less

There are no additional "gimmes." An 89.9% is a B. A 59.9% is an F.


Tutoring If you feel the need for help in areas outside the computer field you may wish to contact:

Writing Center -- Wabash & Congress
Sci/Math Learning Center --Rm. 509A, 623 S. Wabash
Academic Advising -- Suite 300,623 S. Wabash

Homework Labs
1. You must have an appropriate student ID to use the homework labs. If you don't, you will not be allowed into the homework labs under any circumstances.
2. Lab assistants are placed in the lab to maintain computer equipment and not to help you with your homework.

Lab Hours (Subject to change)
Wabash Building, Rm. 407
600 Michigan Building, Rm. 2nd Floor Time: M-Th: 9am-1Opm, F: 9am-5pm, S: 9am-5pm
Warning about Computer Viruses
Columbia College uses several of the best anti-viral and security programs available. However hundreds of new viruses are created each month. Due to the volume of students using the classroom and homework labs, it is strongly recommended that disks used in class or lab should not be used in your personal or business machine. You do so at your own risk.
Disclaimer
Due to unexpected hardware and software failure this syllabus is subject to change at very short notice. WARNING: You should use computer software and hardware 100% compatible with the equipment we have at Columbia. If any element of your work is performed on an incompatible system, you may not be able to work on it in class. For best results, software version numbers must match exactly. All homework assignments and projects should be stored on the provided floppy diskette.

Classroom Conduct
A few rules for the safety of students and computer equipment are necessary.

Absolutely no food or beverage in the classroom.
Do not sit on top of desks. They are not engineered to support the weight of adults.
Do not place feet on top of desks.
Cell phones and pagers will be turned off or in "buzz mode" in the classroom.
During the break all students will be required to leave the classroom and the room will be locked until we return.


WARNING: Hundreds of students use the computer labs everyday. Unfortunately not all students are as good, kind, ethical and moral as you. They like to steal their school supplies instead of purchase them. When working in the computer labs, never leave your possessions unattended.
Simulations Design I Spring 2007 Schedule


Week Content Assignments*

1 Introduction Read LbD xxv to 6

2 Branching Simulations Read LbD 7 to 17

3 Interactive Simulations and Pseudocode Read LbD 18 to 32

4 Game-Based Models and Assets Read LbD 33 to 41

5 Virtual Labs and User Interfaces Read LbD 42 to 58

6 Project Proposals and Presentations

7

8 Midterm

9 Project development

10 Project development

11 Project development

12 Project development

13 Project development

14 Present Final Projects

15 Final exam

Please note that this is a tentative plan and will be changed as necessary. Check your Oasis account for details of each class.

*Additional assignments are detailed in the Assignment Handout on Oasis. This list only includes required reading.

This syllabus is subject to change. You will be notified in class when that happens.

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