Coding Literacy through Game Design Summer Course Project Coordinator

Position description

The Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology (FCAT) invites applications for the following position:

Description: In partnership with the Burnaby School District, FCAT is supporting a summer course for students in Grades 10-11 as they explore the topic of coding through game design. 

In this summer course, Burnaby secondary school students will develop practical skills in game design and development while learning foundational programming skills in C#. Gamification is increasingly being used in many fields beyond video games. Students will learn key concepts in gaming logic and design in the context of developing an original artefact using the Unity game engine. 

The course will meet daily from 12pm-4:00pm at Alpha Secondary. The successful Project Coordinator (PC) will guide students using approved equipment and software available through FCAT and SFU.  Curriculum will be created and taught by the School of Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT) and Burnaby School District teachers. The selected PC will help guide students through the summer course, helping with projects and providing foundational introduction to gaming and coding. The PC will be supervised by a Burnaby School District teacher and Kim Hockey (FCAT). Administrative support will be provided by SFU’s Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology (FCAT).

FCAT is seeking one Project Coordinator to help mentor secondary school students in their exploration of game design and guide them on the use of coding and gaming concepts and software at Alpha Secondary.

Location: Alpha School, 930 Alpha Ave, Burnaby, B.C.

Duration:  11:30am – 4:30pm from Monday – Friday for the period of July 3 – August 1, 2024.

Rate of Pay:

Principle Duties:

Report to Burnaby School District at Alpha Secondary School and Kim Hockey at Simon Fraser University.

1. Provide instruction to Grade 10-11 students on coding software, including but not limited to C#.
2. Request and acquire equipment from SFU schools and libraries for course projects.
3. Lead the work of students within the class, under guidance of secondary school teachers.
4. Assist secondary school teachers in supporting Burnaby secondary students with their projects.
5. Attend daily classes at Alpha Secondary Mondays through Fridays from 11:30am – 4:30pm, from July 3- August 1st.
6. Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Declared in an undergraduate or graduate program within SFU’s Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology.
• High proficiency with teaching coding and gaming software, including C# and Unity.
• High proficiency with all aspects of gaming logic and design.
• Demonstrated experience working with youth.
• Ability to engage with students, answer questions and make decisions in a classroom setting.
• Ability to guide tutorials on coding and gaming software and equipment
• Ability to give creative feedback and engage with students.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with a wide range of members of the public. 
• Reliable with sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong problem solving skills and the ability to work independently.

Requirements

• Complete a CRRA criminal record check.

Preference will be given to

• Students currently enrolled in an IAT undergraduate or graduate program.

Application process:

Send by email to Kim Hockey, Associate Director, Communication, Art and Technology (kha36@sfu.ca):

1. Cover letter indicating why you are interested in participating in this project.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Unofficial transcript.
4. Name and contact information of 2 references. Please indicate relationship to references.

Offer letters, contracts and all correspondences will be sent via email.

For information, please contact Kim Hockey at kha36@sfu.ca. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Thank you for your interest.

Closing Date: 10am, April 22, 2024.