When the topic of Interactive Fiction came up I was less than enthused. Reading a story on a computer screen and typing commands, makes a game?? I sure didn't think so until Dr. Jerz, showed me that it can be fun. In class, we downloaded the file with games on it and began to play. We were required to play one 'Photopia.' It was great. I had so much fun playing the game.
Even though I don't know a lot about Interactive Fiction, I found it to be very stimulating thing. These aren't the types of games that involve you just answering questions, or coming up with stupid answers. These games require a large amount of creativity and thinking. These games would be great for little kids, to get them stimulated and thinking on a more creative level. Making versions of these for children and making them a part of a school curriculum, could be something that provides them with knoweledge, or thinking ability not present in most children. This would benefit them so much later on in their lives.
Interactive Fiction is a great thing that can help to possibly improve creativity in people and its just fun. I'll leave the link below so you can download the file and begin to play as well.
Posted by MelissaLutz at October 4, 2004 08:54 AMI downloaded an IF game called Worlds Apart:
http://www.igs.net/~tril/worlds/
I'm in the middle of it now and it's pretty wild! If you liked photopia, I bet you'll like this game.. the best part is that this game has hints for when you get stuck.
Plus - the idea of using IF to teach children is a great idea! I bet you could do a pretty cool individual project for our class using that idea! I'd like to see what you come up with if you take that path - definitely has great possibilities!
Posted by: moira at October 4, 2004 03:33 PMYeah, I agree, the idea of using IF for education is great; especially since most kids are automatically enthusiastic when they hear the word "game."
Posted by: ChrisU at October 6, 2004 12:41 PMMy friend Chris (in CT - not you!) is studying to teach History, and wrote an IF game about Washington crossing the Delaware that he'd like to use in his classes some day. I think it's great to make the little kiddies develop critical thinking skills without telling them that it's good for them, coz we all know things that are good for us are usually icky! Just kidding. But if you're interested in it, here's the link:
http:www.coonce-ewing.com/if
Posted by: Neha at October 8, 2004 04:12 PMThanks Moira and Neha I'll be sure to check both of those out.
Chris and Moira, thanks for thinking it was a cool idea. I'd like to use that as an individual project but I don't know what I would do. Any suggestions?
Posted by: Melissa at October 10, 2004 09:54 AM