05-06, 11:15–12:15 (EST5EDT), Horace Mann
Game-making is more than just a skill—it’s a gateway to digital literacy, creative expression, and career opportunities. In this session, we explore how learners transition from consumers of games to creators, contributors, and ultimately, career-ready game makers.
We’ll also showcase Threadbare, a community-driven game that integrates storytelling with cultural and language education, demonstrating how learners can shape game narratives with their personal experiences, folklore, and heritage. By the end of the session, participants will gain practical insights into game development and understand how they can use these skills to empower learners in their own communities.
https://www.endlessos.org/
https://floss.social/@EndlessOS
https://www.instagram.com/endlesscomputers/#
https://www.facebook.com/EndlessUSA/
https://www.youtube.com/@EndlessOS
Game Design Enthusiasts – Participants interested in understanding how game-making fosters creativity, iteration, and problem-solving and for those teaching and mentoring students in digital skills, coding, or design.
Heather Drolet brings 20+ years of K–12+ teaching and coaching experience to transforming digital learning. She champions inclusivity in games and ed tech, leading initiatives from statewide play-based CS standards to mobile app curricula and grad-level tech integration courses.
Justin Bourque is an educator with 15+ years in K-12 and digital learning. He designs creative, inclusive programs using video game design to teach future-ready skills, blending tech integration, instructional design, and playful, student-centered learning.