Construct 2: A WYSIWYG editor for HTML5
What it is: Construct 2 is a free program that makes it possible for ANYONE (kids too!) to make HTML5 games without any programming experience. Construct 2 is available for free download for Windows XP, Vista and 7. The approach to game creation is pretty intuitive. It is easy enough for beginners but is robust enough to make some pretty impressive games. This editor makes it possible for your students to take their ideas to production. SO cool! Construct 2 also has physics elements that can be added to games that adds dimension and another aspect of learning in game design.
Construct 2 has a free version, as well as two tiers of paid versions. The free version doesn’t allow students to create iOS native apps, Android native apps and has a few limitations in organization of a project. Other than that, it is fully loaded and pretty impressive!
How to integrate Construct 2 into your curriculum: I don’t know about you, but our students are programming crazy! The only problem: programming comes with a pretty steep learning curve and our kids want to make their ideas come to life now. I’ve found that students respond well to these kind of WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editors. The great thing about these type of editors: students get to see their ideas come to life and those that are interested in pushing the limits are motivated to learn more coding/programming language. It is the best of all worlds! The downfall of Construct 2: WINDOWS. Yeah, no version for Apple yet. I have no idea what that is like…my world is Apple. BUT, I know many of you are in Windows environments (sorry) and many of our students still have Windows at home. This post is for you!
Construct 2 can be used to create games and HTML5 apps. This means your students can fully flesh out their learning with choose-their-own adventure stories, history explanations, science simulations/games, design thinking, etc. Taking learning to “publish” this way is pretty amazing. I can’t tell you how awesome it is to see students take what they have learned and create something new with it. I highly recommend it!
Consider offering game construction as an option for students to show what they know. You will be impressed!
Tips: There are some great tutorials on the Construct 2 website. This is a great way for your students to engage in a little self-directed learning and exploration. 🙂
Looking for some ways to teach kids about coding?
- Alice Storytelling- Windows app for digital storytelling with drag and drop
- Code Academy- just awesome…how I learned with Anastasis Students 🙂
- Code Avengers– Javascript
- Code Player- learn HTML5
- Gamestar Mechanic– Great step-by-step
- Google Blocky– visual programmer
- Scratch– one of the most well known
- Stencyl– iOS and flash based games
- YoYo games– for Mac and Windows apps
- What2Learn– a site for educational games and how to make them
- Playfic– teaches through story
Please leave a comment and share how you are using Construct 2 in your classroom!