Brian Christian - GameMaker Programming By Example

Brian Christian is a high school student with years of experience in programming, much of it focused on game development using GameMaker: Studio via self-teaching the GameMaker Language. He has also worked in C++ and JavaScript programming along with some web development. Additionally, he is knowledgeable in topics such as data formats and interpretation, compilers and interpreters, and networking. Other languages he has used include Intel x86 assembly, Lua, Ruby, and Python.

Brian's spark for computer programming began with an online Ruby course from Codecademy. Since then, he has been fascinated with how computers and the different programming languages worked. Since he wanted to know about this, he taught himself C from the second edition of The C Programming Language book, followed by the more advanced C++ language.

Wanting to try his hand at making advanced games with a language predominantly intended for it, Brian became invested in the GameMaker Language since he'd already been using the drag and drop functionality, but found it limiting. He spent a lot of time learning how different parts of the language worked and how to use them.

First and foremost, my gratitude goes to Mr. Steven Isaacs, who is a great mentor, and without whom, I wouldn't have this opportunity. I'd like to thank my father and friends, who have inspired me to pursue computer science. Furthermore, I thank my mother for her support and all that she has done for me. I would especially like to thank my teachers and support staff, for, without them, and all the effort they put into my education, I would not be where I am today.

Steven Isaacs has been fascinated with technology since the days of his Apple II Plus computer and 300 baud modem. Tinkering, playing MUDs, MOOs, and visiting BBSs occupied much of his free time. In high school, Steven took a programming course in BASIC and created an adventure game as his final project. Many hours were spent in and outside of school working on this game, and it became somewhat of an obsession. It has become abundantly clear that these activities were incredibly influential in the evolution of his professional life. Steven has been teaching since 1992. In addition to teaching, Steven and his wife Cathy Cheo-Isaacs owned Liberty Corner Computing (LCC), a computer training and gaming center with Paul and Sarah Tarantiles. LCC provided innovative summer camps and after school programs offering young people an opportunity to use technology in creative ways. Courses included programming, website design, graphic design and animation, and game development.

Soon after opening LCC, Steven was hired to bring his innovative ideas to William Annin Middle School in Basking Ridge, NJ. At William Annin, Steven taught a number of computer-related courses. His passion for teaching students to create their own games led to an after school club in game design, then a unit in the Gifted and Talented Program. The success of these programs led Steven to develop a full semester 8th grade class in game design and development, and later, a six-week exploratory course in game design and digital storytelling, which is taken by all seventh graders.

In addition, Steven developed and also teaches an online course in game development with GameMaker for The Virtual High School (http://thevhscollaborative.org/). In his teaching, Steven strives to create an environment that empowers student learning through choice in their learning path. He prefers to think of himself as a co-learner and guide for his students. Steven's passion for learning is obvious to his students as he is constantly looking at creative ways to solve problems, dabbling with new game development and programming environments, and learning how to play and manage Minecraft servers from his students. Students in Steven's class have many opportunities to explore topics in greater depth independently. The collaboration here with Brian came from his choice to delve deep into the GameMaker Language to further his learning.

Recently, Steven wrote a chapter for the book, Teacher Pioneers: Visions from the Edge of the Map , edited by Caro Williams-Pierce on applying the iterative design process to teaching game design and development. In addition, Steven was an editor on TeacherCraft: How Teachers Learn to Use MineCraft in Their Classrooms by Seann Dikkers.

I would like to thank my students for the continual inspiration I get from them and the excitement that comes with every new day and new learning experience in class. I feel quite fortunate to be in a position where I can learn with and from my students and this approach keeps the learning fresh. A huge thank you goes to Brian Christian for taking the lead in learning GML, which led to our working on this book together. Brian truly took charge and created an opportunity to work together. To write and publish a book with a student has been one of the highlights of my career. It is also important for me to acknowledge my "tribe", primarily, my game-based learning network of friends. We have developed a tremendous community of practice based on passion-driven teaching and learning, something I am very excited about. Marianne Malmstrom deserves a special shout out for pushing me to follow the learning and let go of the need to be the expert. She has taught me so much about the importance of empowering students by watching her lead by example. I have been inspired by numerous other educators including Paul Darvasi, John Fallon, Zack Gilbert, Peggy Sheehy, Matthew Farber, Lucas Gillispie, Seann Dikkers, and the list really goes on and on. Last, but certainly not least, I am entirely grateful to my family for their continual support and encouragement. My wife, Cathy Cheo-Isaacs has become my biggest cheerleader and supporter, truly my partner in geekdom. My mother and father, Nancy and Ed Isaacs have always celebrated my accomplishments and shared in the excitement of every opportunity that comes my way. And of course, my kids, Grace and Leila, remind me of the important things in life and keep me grounded!