This is to share with you a great example of a successful business/school partnership around game design. Zynga is located in San Francisco and recently met with teachers at Balboa High School’s Academy of Information Technology to plan, design and pitch a new game.    

See the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=PBwqXPkkjtA

Volunteers from the online social game maker Zynga brought in 20 staff volunteers to work with Balboa High’s Academy of Information Technology students who are learning game programming with tech employees who are a part of Microsoft’s TEALS program.

Students began the afternoon with a self-assessment survey created by Zynga that brought to light their interests and skills. With that information, Zynga volunteers grouped them into the various roles people normally play in the game design process.

Students met with employees who have these roles at Zynga to learn more about the type of work they do. Afterward, students in their new roles were placed in mixed teams, or “Studios,” and selected the kind game they would be designing.

With only an hour, the studios had to plan, design, and prepare their presentations to include the following elements:  concept, designs, technology needed, monetization, marketing, and community outreach plan.

The work-based learning event gave students the chance to apply the skills and understanding they have been developing in the classroom.

The afternoon was the preliminary activity with additional steps coming this year, including curriculum and project input, and a site visit to Zynga for the students.

“It was a great example of a partnership with a supportive outside entity,” said Jeff Larson, SFUSD’s IT Pathways Coordinator Curriculum and Instruction.

Balboa High’s Academy of Information Technology, which prepares students to learn, use, and adapt their technology skills to meet the evolving use of technology in higher education and the workplace. It is part of SFUSD’s Career and Technical Education program.

Learn more about SFUSD’s Career and College Readiness and partnerships.