It was a challenge because we had so many goals we wanted to accomplish with this finite set of missions… developing students’ understanding of “lumins” as manifestations of good works in the world rather than simply rewards for working in QA, showing how lives based on a commitment to these social agendas can impact a world in a way that would feel “real” to kids, and showing them how what they do can indeed make a difference… all of these and more had to underlie the story. At the same time, because Epic is a “serialized” story that is unlocked for Questers as they luminate and is entirely voluntary, the story had to be compelling and fun, so Questers will WANT to earn the right to experience the next installment. The balance of content with motivation is always the kicker.

But the creation of Epic was also a real joy for me personally… because I got the chance to work with a wonderful team of dedicated people, from artists to writers to game designers to project coordinators and support staff, as we created this brand-new island of Aegea, with its citizens who are unique in QA. The QA staff comprise an amazing group of individual talents, people whose sense of purpose and dedication is surpassed only by their generosity to each other and their team spirit. It was also so much fun for me to get the chance to develop characters and add humor and a sense of play in a storyline that is ultimately designed to give students a serious message…. But that’s what QA and transformational play is all about. Who says you can’t solve puzzles and explore mazes while you save the world?

I am very grateful to Sasha, Donna, and the whole team of QA, not least of whom are the dedicated teachers who so generously give their own and their students’ time. Their feedback is invaluable to helping us make changes to the design that always, always make the end product better than it was before.

And that growth is in large part to our entire community, not only the QA team members who continue to work diligently and passionately to try to create those experiences, but also the teachers and students who took time to give us feedback, sharing their valuable insights with us.

During our design phase, we presented some ideas and sketches to a few of our teachers. The feedback provided was thoughtful, powerful and illustrated how committed these teachers were to QA, to the ideas it represents, and to their students. The idea for the Teen Council, for example, was born after hearing that a few teachers were wondering what had become of the old Atlantian Council in a previous narrative. What we heard these teachers say was that they wanted their students to see a role model for doing good in the world, and we couldn’t have agreed more. Those comments helped give birth to a new Teen Council, a group of committed students that have a very tangible role in the current narrative.

Questers will be able to join Teen Council Guilds which will provide them with an opportunity to celebrate putting the social commitments into action. We’re excited about these changes, and the possibilities for real social engagement that these new characters represent, and we are so thankful that we were able to glean these insights from members of our larger QA family who use the program with their students.

All this to say that these successes are not just our successes…they are yours…they belong to the students, teachers, administrators and buoys who share the passion and the dream. Thanks for being part of the team, and for helping us realize our goals.

Anyway, I have found those children whom you have mentored to be so helpful to others. The transition from their earlier work in which they were insecure and felt they had little to offer to two years later when they thought they were the bees knees and they really did have tons to offer. I appreciate your dedication and time to help bring out the such deep personal change for these kids.

Donna

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drosophila_melanogaster

I am looking forward to working with you and with some kids in Australia. I teach science in Fillmore, California and would love for my students to share info with your students about the California Condor in our backyard and the Channel Islands in Ventura – in exchange for reef ecology or whatever is in your backyard.

Good day,
Laurie Merrill

The new Ander City will be released with our new intro, which is scheduled for sometime the week of July 19th. QA teachers…be sure to check it out!!