[NTLUG:Discuss] Hillcrest idea -- need for volunteer(s)?

[Kathleen Weaver]

Okay, I've got a cool idea, that so far my kids like, the kids who need
this like and the math teacher and the Dean likes.....  SO here's the idea.

I want my students to write a math TAAS game.  This is the sketch of the
idea.

Kid sits down and plays the game on any computer in the school.  On the
network is a database that is tracking his progress (but this should also
be stand alone.)  When kid gets a TAAS problem right he gets to play a
game.  How long and where in the game he goes depends on the difficulty of
the question he answers.  When the kid gets a TAAS problem wrong, he gets
tutored on how to solve the problem.  Even that could be some kind of game.

I want an adventure game, I'm envisioning something on the lines of the old
adventure game, where you have to pick up certain items for points, and put
certain items places to get into more of the puzzle.  Something that
teaches and exploits logical thinking skills.  In other words, the kiddos
are learning actually every step of the way but having a good time doing
so.

Here's where I need help.  I've never programmed anything this large, or
planned it.  I have no idea how the graphics get down, but I want something
way gee, that's cool.

I'd like -- blame last meeting over this -- that will run on Linux, Mac,
Windows... but will require a linux server.  I want for any computer or
most computers in the school to be able to handle this thing....

Here's what I got in the way of resources....  a bunch of kids taking
multimedia.  A larger bunch of kids taking C++ programming.  The most
advanced got to loops last year.  An even bigger bunch of kids taking
webmastering -- (so maybe this ought to incorporate the internet?  that
would handle my idea of multiplatforming.  I definately want to do
something open source ....

We've got beaucoups of release tests and beaucoups of information on what
the kids have to know.  We have a group of math struggling kids that could
even help us write the questions (from the above math teacher).  Any
takers?

What I need:  someone experienced in game programming -- or has time to
learn -- who can help me plan such a large project.  I would really really
like to get my 4th period class involved in this, since they are my most
advanced.

kathleen
http://www.metronet.com/~kathleen
http://www.click-l.com/
http://www.txcs-teach.org/