Primary school children to become online game creators

Published on 12 May 2015

12 May 2015

Ultrafast Fibre Limited is helping children learn to create their own online games,as part of an event to showcase the next generation of Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) in action.

The Local Fibre Company Ultrafast Fibre Limited is holding a three day ‘Beyond Broadband’ expo at UCOL Whanganui, from Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 May.

“UFB provides much greater speed and reliability, making communicating and sharing information so much easier,” says Ultrafast Fibre CEO, William Hamilton.

“The ‘Beyond Broadband’ expo is designed show people first hand just how UFB will enhance and in some ways completely change the way they communicate, work and play online.”

A series of free workshops will be run throughout the expo, including one led by game creator Gamefroot where students will learn how to build their own online games.

“UFB is quick and it’s letting children use our game creating tool the way it’s supposed to be used,” says Gamefroot Director, Dan Milward.

“With Gamefroot children can learn about physics, maths, game design and how to programme – and it’s condensed into one nice tight package.”

Wanganui District Council’s Digital Facilitator, Marianne Archibald, says that teaching children to programme will drive digital leadership in the future.

“It’s as important as hand writing used to be – it’s not just a skill for the future, it’s a skill for now,” says Ms Archibald.

“We believe Gamefroot provides a really exciting platform for people to learn new skills.”

Other workshops include a range of topics, such as videoconferencing, digital careers and ‘demystifying’ the UFB connection process.

A variety of technology companies and broadband retail service providers will be exhibiting at the ‘Beyond Broadband’ event. More information is available at gofaster.co.nz