Teaching with videogames: AI and Game Design Hackathon
Imagine creating your own video game with the help of an AI assistant. What kind of game would you design, and how could AI make your ideas come to life?
Year levels: 9 & 10
Subject areas: Digital Technologies
Suggested duration: 1 day (6 x 45 min sessions)
Technology required:
- Individual devices with internet access.
- Access to Copilot, ChatGPT, Adobe Firefly, DALL-E 3, Python (free for limited use)
Download the full lesson plan
The lesson plans include links to the Victorian Curriculum, indications of lesson timing, and ideas for differentiation and assessment.
By the end of this lesson, students should
| The basic concepts of AI and its applications in game design |
| How to effectively prompt a range of AI text and image generation tools |
| The capabilities, strengths and limitations of AI in creative writing, game development and coding |
| How to integrate different elements into a cohesive game then refine it |
| Brainstorm initial ideas and identify the role of AI applications in game development |
| Use AI tools to generate and modify game assets, game characters, worlds and code |
| Critically evaluate and refine text prompts, AI-generated content and their game projects |
| Debug and customise AI-generated code |
| Critical understanding of technology in game development and creative processes |
| Programming and problem-solving skills in a coding context |
| Creative writing, visual design and collaboration skills |
| Presentation and communication skills |
A hackathon to introduce students to generative AI tools and their application in the game design process.
| 1. Students will learn about various AI technologies and how they can be used in the game development process. | 4. Learn how to use these tools to generate and modify Python code for text-based adventures and HTML for interactive stories. |
| 2. Explore how AI text generation tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot can be used to develop game narratives, character backgrounds, and setting descriptions. | 5. Use AI tools to assist in problem-solving and refining their games. |
| 3. Introduces students to AI-powered image generation tools, specifically Adobe Firefly and DALL-E 3 can be used to create character designs and game world visuals. | 6. Reflect on the process of using AI in game development and discuss its implications for the future of game design. |