Articles - Spring 2007 - return to index
New simulation and game development
program offered
Eugene’s computer gaming industry is “far ahead of anybody in the state,” according to Lane Community College Computer Information Technology instructor Jim Bailey.
The college is keeping pace with the industry by offering a new program in gaming and simulation.
Bailey consults Buzz Monkey, Garage Games, and Pipeworks—local companies in the industry—to ensure that Lane’s program qualifies people for employment. Last year, Bailey convinced Lane County Commissioners that the college could make a vital contribution to the regional economy by training students for the burgeoning gaming and simulation field.
The commissioners responded with a $50,000 grant to fund curriculum development and support, including a three-term sequence in C++ programming, a widely used language in the field. Students who complete the sequence will receive a certificate and qualify for entry-level positions.
The curriculum includes simulation and game programming, and multi-media animation skills. Bailey, who has almost three decades of experience in software development, says, “Not only will students have knowledge in gaming programming, but they’ll have everything that I always wanted in someone I hired, as far as programming ability and knowledge.”
“Game development isn’t students’ only option,” adds Mark Williams, CIT division chair. “The degree has significant math and systems programming, preparing students for entry-level work in other areas, or for continuing with a four-year degree.”
Besides entertainment, gaming and simulation technology is used by the military, airline and aerospace industries, and in science and medicine. In higher education, biology instructors use simulations of animal dissection. In medical schools, professors depend on simulation technology to imitate cardiac conditions and to teach surgical procedures.
“It’s an essential education tool of the future,” Bailey says.
For more information, please contact Jim Bailey, Gaming Program Lead: baileyj@lanecc.edu
or the Computer Information Technology Dept. - (541) 463-5826
