By: Brent Schlenker

Brent Schlenker — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 18:31:05 +0000

Machinima is the type of tool that comes in handy for learning development if you are already interested in virtual worlds, and virtual software. Someone who is familiar with the tool will easily see the useful applications for creating media from it in the form of machinima useful in learning.
The flip side is whether or not you very specifically seek out virtual worlds, learn them, and begin to create machinima. If you as a developer have other tools available to you, or a budget for other more HighDef solutions than perhaps it’s best to stay away from machinima.
Done well, machinima can be a very engaging method of storytelling. But like all media, understanding how to USE the tools and using them effectively are two different conversations.
Also, the tools used to make machinima were meant for fully engaged interactivity. It always felt to me like a waste of technology to simply use them to make videos. But if users don’t like to engage in 3D spaces then at least there is a use for the technology in making videos.

By: Melissa Milloway

Melissa Milloway — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 17:19:40 +0000

Hi Clark,

Thank you for writing this post in relation to that great Twitter conversation we all had. I agree with the “clunkiness” of most machinimas. Machinimas definitely need to be done well to be effective.

I have to say that I learned a lot through actually creating a machinima on a topic versus just watching one. I think it could be a very cool learning activity for K-12 or Higher-Ed classes. The machinima I created was in Second Life and we used Fraps to record it that was back in 2010/2011). I really enjoy learning in virtual worlds too.

I also agree with Karl’s response about procedural machinimas (especially if you are on a budget).

I am so glad that you wrote this post because we don’t often see people exploring different mediums of learning enough!

Melissa

Comments on: Machinima?

By: Brent Schlenker

By: Melissa Milloway