Workshop | Tame Your Tech

Game Master Workshop on Encounter+, Google Hangouts, Zoom, Owlbear Rodeo, Roll20, D&D Beyond, Tabletop Simulator

About the adventure

UX for GMs! Learn how User Experience Design (UX) can make using your tech easier. Harness the power of technology to make your online games epic! In this hands-on, practical session, professional technology instructor Doug Craven will guide you in creating an effective Tech Strategy for your sessions. You will make your choices based on what you want your players' experience to be: this is the essence of UX design. During this rich session, you will: a. assess your own comfort level with technology b. evaluate several apps and websites and determine which is most suitable for your uses c. integrate your choices smoothly so that they make your GMing EASIER, not harder, and so that your game continues to flow. What this session is not: a. This sessions does NOT give in-depth instruction in any one app or website. However, Doug is happy to help you with this after class. b. This session will NOT be Dry and Boring! It will be fun, engaging and inspiring! How do I know that Doug knows what he's talking about? - Technology instructor for 33 years. - created the Communications Technology/Media Arts programs in two high schools, which included instruction in Film, Animation and Game Design, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Audio, Graphic Design, VFX, 3D Design and Photography - creator and organizer of Nerdvana Canada, a youth technology convention held in Whitby, Ontario. - his students have gone on to careers in VFX, music production design, film-making and 2D and 3D animation. - extremely versatile with technology.

Additional Details

How to prepare

Handouts, slides and software evaluation material will be provided at the session. Please bring a short list of your favourite app or service.

What I provide

33 years of technical knowledge and teaching experience. Oh, and also ... Doug has handouts, slides and software evaluation materials too.

Gameplay details

This is an interactive workshop, so please come with your ideas and questions. No need to wait for the session to start the conversation: you can join the Discord right away and start the conversation with Doug and your fellow participants! https://discord.gg/wjRXHeHY78 Doug is committed to a safe table for all attendees. These session will be relaxed and informal, but participants (including the instructor) are expected to treat other attendees with respect. If you have any questions about the SPG Workshop, please direct questions to RK Wilde (they/them) on the SPG Discord. *SPG HAS REQUESTED THAT THIS WORKSHOP BE RECORDED.

Content warnings

(none)

Safety tools used

(none)

How will character creation work

There is not character creation as this is a workshop event. Should you wish to come as a technically inclined Troll Beserker, I don't see any harm, though!

Players can expect

• Find a game to join solo or search for a professional game master for you and your friends/coworkers/family.
• Book your session and wait for the Game Master to approve you.
• If you don't have a blast with your first game, your next game is on us.