The History & Development of Video Games

For my Capstone, I co-led a video game mini-course for 7th and 8th graders over two years. The mini-course, a student-led elective on Wednesday afternoons, introduced younger students to the world of video games through weekly lessons and hands-on activities. My team and I taught topics like game development, gaming history, hardware, virtual reality, and motion controls. We started each session with a presentation and discussion, followed by gameplay related to the lesson. Classroom management was a major challenge, but we developed systems—such as behavior rules, structured consequences, and attention strategies—to keep students engaged and respectful. I also contributed behind the scenes by troubleshooting tech issues and supporting students during projects. One highlight was the final assignment where students created their own game companies, complete with posters, game concepts, and console designs. It was rewarding to see them take ownership of their ideas and work collaboratively. Personally, this experience helped me break out of my comfort zone, improve my leadership skills, and gain confidence speaking in front of a group. I also deepened my interest in educational technology and discovered the value of patience and adaptability. This Capstone not only helped middle schoolers explore gaming in a meaningful way, but it also helped me grow into a more capable, supportive, and reflective individual.