Narrative, Games, & Learning
Viewfinder
Shot composition is a very nuanced topic for learners studying the basics of photography to understand and there are varied levels of complexity that may be difficult for young creators to grasp. When adding the barrier of time and space that the pandemic has presented within virtual learning, these aspiring photographers have been unable to engage in in-person workshops or events with access to an instructor for immediate feedback as they attempt to practice these compositions.
To fill this gap, I have developed a game called "Viewfinder" where learners can visualize and practice using these techniques while recalling these terms in a virtual environment that has built in assistance. Their view in the game is from the viewfinder of a camera and the shot compositions they’re looking to create as they explore the scene increases in complexity by level. So, at the beginning of each level, a shot composition is listed with a definition and sample photo for what that composition could look like. The photos used for this pop up will be images of Black womxn and girls and the virtual environments created will reflect this demographic for cultural relevance and representation. As they attempt to take photos throughout this virtual environment, feedback will be presented to guide their correction and ultimate completion of the level with the accurate image configuration.
My target audience for this game design is Black girls in middle school or high school who are beginners in photography and English speakers. Also, this design is catered to educators teaching photography who also speak English.
Learning Objectives
Learners will be able to name shot compositions and identify the framing needed to create these compositions by capturing the correct image in order to move on to the next level.
Learners will be able to implement and practice shot compositions in real time with immediate feedback to guide their learning.
Learners will be able to transfer these concepts to use in real life photography scenarios.
Learners will be motivated to learn basic photography skills through this game with the use of culturally relevant imagery, music, and references.
Learning Theories
Storyboard
Viewfinder: Level Pop-Up
Viewfinder: Gamer Perspective
Documentation
I ran into difficulties downloading and using Unreal to create my game. So, I decided to create a LoFi prototype of what the virtual environment could look like using video that I recorded on my iPhone while waiting for the train. I acted as a gamer exploring the environment to find their assigned shot composition. I then used Adobe Photoshop and Premiere to add further detail to the design. Lastly, I used Google Slides to turn all of the elements into a sequence of actions to simulate play. If I had more time to learn a new software, I would try Figma to create this prototype and also do more research on other gaming technologies compatible with my computer.
Citations
Crook, C. & Sutherland, R. (2017). Technology and theories of learning. Retrieved from
http://ebookcentral.proquest.com
“Emotion, Motivation, and Volition.” Learning and Cognition: the Design of the Mind, by Michael E.
Martinez, Merrill, 2010, pp. 153–188.
Ladson-Billings, Gloria. “But That's Just Good Teaching! The Case for Culturally
Relevant Pedagogy.” Theory Into Practice, vol. 34, no. 3, 1995, pp. 159–165.
JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/1476635. Accessed 19 May 2021.
Mayer, Richard E. “Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning.” The Cambridge Handbook of
Multimedia Learning, edited by Richard E. Mayer, 2nd ed., Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge, 2014, pp. 43–71. Cambridge Handbooks in Psychology.