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It’s not too late to enter Cambridge ESOL’s competition to design an educational game in Flash.

The competition is open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students studying at UK universities and the deadline for submissions is 7 May 2010.

This is a unique opportunity not only to win a fantastic prize but also for students to get their work seen by a panel of influential judges and to reach a global audience via the English for Schools website.

Students are invited to submit educational games aimed at children between 10 and 12 years old who are learning English as a second language. Ian Cook, Cambridge ESOL’s Marketing Manager for the School Sector explains: 

“Creative approaches to education are so important when teaching children new skills. We’re looking for simple, fun games that will motivate children to learn and practise their English – a skill that will be of use to them their entire lives”.

Entries will be judged by an expert panel of Cambridge ESOL’s José Blanco who has two decades of experience in language learning and assessment, Steve Harris – Senior Lecturer in games design at Anglia Ruskin University, Gareth Hughes – Senior Designer at Sony Computer Entertainment's Cambridge studio, and BAFTA nominated game developer Dan Mayers.

First prize is a Sony Playstation 3 and a 32-inch flat panel TV (plus two runners-up prizes of Sony Playstation Portables). Winning games will be showcased on Cambridge ESOL’s English for Schools website and will be accessed by learners and teachers of English all over the world.

The competition is open to all part-time and full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students studying at UK universities and the deadline for entries is 7 May 2010.

Click here for more information, including entry details and full terms and conditions. All entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form.

Notes:

The Judging Panel

Entries will be shortlisted by Cambridge ESOL and then passed to a judging panel that will assess the games for educational content, creativity, design and their appeal to the target audience. The panel will consist of four judges:

José Blanco works with the School Sector at University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, supporting teachers in compulsory education around the world. He has been involved with language learning and assessment for more than 18 years and has an MA in ICT in Education from the University of London.

Gareth Hughes is Senior Designer at Sony Computer Entertainment's Cambridge Studio. He has worked as a Games Designer within SCE Worldwide Studios for over a decade, designing games for all PlayStation platforms (PS1, PS2, PS3 and PSP). Gareth has extensive experience in the design of game mechanics, user interface and game scenarios. Titles he has previously worked on include the Medievil series, GhostHunter, Heavenly Sword and most recently LittleBigPlanet PSP.

Dan Mayers started in the games industry as a journalist, writing for Official PlayStation Magazine, PC Gamer and Edge before moving into game development. He was the producer of the BAFTA nominated Just Cause, has worked as a game designer on The Hunter and as a scriptwriter for Disney Interactive. He is currently engaged in developing game based learning applications and alternate/augmented reality games, as well as teaching game design at University Campus Suffolk.

Steve Harris is currently a Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge teaching games design and production. He has worked closely with a number of companies, including Sony, Microsoft and Gaming Technology Solutions to provide game development projects for students, as well as developing work experience opportunities. Steve has previously worked in the defence industry where he developed a keen interest in the design and application of serious games.

Anglia Ruskin University offers innovative Computer Gaming and Animation Technology, Game Development and Visual Effects courses that meet industry needs. Both the Cambridge and Chelmsford campuses have a range of facilities to support teaching and research including specialist laboratories supporting animation and visualisation and new high specification digital media and recording studios.

Click here to download and print a competition flyer.

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