Tag Archives: construction

Mar 14 2012

From the sandbox to the web, Minecraft sweeps across the world

By: Dennis Gosnell, Assignment Editor

In the video game industry, a game’s graphics and difficulty are what set it apart. For Minecraft, it is the simplistic sophistication of both the graphics and the free building concept that allows players to build a world from their imagination.

In May of 2009, Swedish creator Markus “Notch” Persson released the alpha version of Minecraft. The game is set so that players can create a world of their own using the resources of their environment. There are woods, animals, snow-capped mountains and caverns; there really is no limit to one’s creativity in Minecraft.

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In December 2010, Minecraft was released in its beta form, opening to a wider range of players in different countries. The full game was released last November at MineCon 2011.

The game mechanics are simple. Players collect resources, and then assemble them on a crafting table to create new items such as shovels, swords, bows and arrows.

Players can get lost in the simple rhythm of building; a player could start by constructing a simple fence and end with an entire city.

The game allows a person to free themself from the confines of conventional thinking, and lets them ask the question, “what can I do to make my mark on this world?” and “what can I create that might better help me make something else?”

The seemingly instantaneous rise of Minecraft’s popularity is astonishing. It offers players the same feeling one would get playing with a set of Legos, for a fraction of the cost. The game’s retail price is $25 and the amount of time spent on creative design is unlimited and very much worth it.

Jan 23 2012

Beautifying the campus

By: Logan Pierce, editor-in-chief

On Jan. 19, Dr. Terry Britton, president of Rose State College, gave a convocation address to faculty and staff in the Special Training and Education Center. His remarks began by welcoming everyone to a new year and a new semester. It was so well attended that only standing room was available for latecomers.

Britton talked about how the college began the year with a one percent increase in graduation rate.  Those statistics apply only to first-time full-time students who will graduate within three years. Britton wanted to focus, not only on first-time students, but all students as a whole.

Measure access as well as success

He emphasized the convenient “open door” policy on campus, enabling virtually anyone who wants a college education to pursue it. “How much do we value access?” Britton said, “Measure access as well as success.”

He asked what could be done to improve conditions on campus. “Do we need to build more buildings?” Britton said, “We are going to take a brand new look at the campus master plan. That involves everything from building to repairs.” A decline in recent enrollment numbers did not warrant the construction of new buildings.

Eye for efficiency

A new plan that has been adopted involves building up the campus.  “We do not have adequate bathrooms,” Britton said.  When the campus was built, it was done with an eye for efficiency. Buildings were made to maximize classroom space.  This resulted in narrow hallways.

After touring other colleges, Britton shared his observations. One goal this year is to emulate the open lounge space available on other campuses. “Our students need naps,” Britton said, “They need a place to take breaks.”

Investing in art

One other avenue in which to beautify the campus is by investing in art. Britton wants to follow the example of OCCC, which purchases $1,000 worth of art annually.  This art is then kept in an ever-increasing collection. “We need to think about something like that,” Britton said.

This year, one of the main focuses will be to make the campus a more aesthetically pleasing learning environment. This will require the addition of inspirational art and more lounge space for study or relaxation.

Dr. Terry Britton, president of Rose State College, addresses faculty and staff with his plans for the new year. Emphasis was placed on the beautification of the campus. Photo by: Tracie Bullen

Dr. Terry Britton, president of Rose State College, addresses faculty and staff with his plans for the new year. Emphasis was placed on the beautification of the campus. Photo by: Tracie Bullen

Statistics:

  • 59 percent of jobs by the year 2020 will require a career certificate or college degree.
  •  30 percent of Oklahoma adults currently have an associate degree or higher.
  • 29 percent skills gap for the state.
    Data: completecollege.org