Release of Penalty Shootout 2.0

This is a major upgrade and update to the most popular ContentGenerator.net program. With improvements all round, this version is free to all existing Penalty Shootout customers.

Version 2.0 includes the following improvements:

• Improved question & answer flexibilty - now you are only required to add a minimum of one answer, meaning True / False questions (as wall as many others) can be included.
  
  
• Easier to create games - the minimum number of questions is now 10 (previously it was 20).
  
  
• Your actual generated games work correctly when viewed as .swf files - thus you can view the .swf directly to resize to literally any size - meaning your game is now larger on interactive whiteboards and projectors.
  
  
• New keeper setting - 'random' keeper where the goalkeeper skill randomly changes before each kick - adding significant additional tension to two player games!
  
  
• Additional sound effects are included in the game - new crowd noises.
  
  
• Game includes additional features - 'fluffed the shot' means the player completely miskicks their shot as the crowd boos.
  
  
• The generator program is now based on Flash 8 standards - much more professional and easier to use program. This includes developments from the Multi-choice generator program such as a drop-down question selector and related interface developments.
  
  
• The improved interface has fixed the bug with some foreign accents and the + symbol - all these symbols are now correctly displayed in the game.
  
  
• Game now includes a trophy. With the one player game the trophy is resized depending on the percentage score you achieve. With the two player game, the victorious player is shown standing next to their trophy.
  
  
• The entire game has been improved with new text and a more polished look.
  
  
• Improved football graphics - much more realistic as the ball travels into the goal.
  
  
• The generator program even includes a hidden feature for you to discover

If you are are Penalty Shootout customer but cannot get access to the customer forum, please contact me to be granted access.

Change to Share-It.com pricing

In a really annoying move, I'm afraid that purchases made with Share-It.com will now cost more. This is because they have changed the way the purchases are handled so they charge VAT on each item.

Penalty Shootout 2.0 beta

Customers can already download the beta versions, but I will release version 2.0 of the Penalty Shootout software. This is a major update to the software that includes lots of new features.

Grade or No Grade generator

To be updated - please see the forum

Links here

Updates required to keep up with all the developments on the main forum.

First look at Practice Paper generator

The next generator release is going to be the Practice Paper generator. This is the first in the line of special customer-only releases. The Practice Paper generator is going to be freely available, but only to existing customers.

First beta - Match-up quiz generator generator 0.6

The Multi-choice generator beta 0.6 is now available for download.

This long promised free interactive quiz will be ideal for starter and plenary sessions, or perfect for a quick interactive challenge on your educational website.

The beta release includes:

• Abilty to generate your own match-up quiz
• With our unique interface, add the exact text that you want to appear to create six match-ups - ideal for sentences, terminology, dates and much more
• Customise the title, author and include a 'continue' hyperlink
• Customise the screen and title-text colours
• Generate a fully-working quiz for your website or classroom
  
  

Full release of the Multi-choice quiz generator - version 1.0

As last week when I was delighted to announce the release of the Fling the Teacher generator, I'm now delighted to announce the release of the Multi-choice quiz generator.

This free program allows anyone to generate their own Flash-based multiple-choice quizzes....

Full release of Fling the Teacher - version 1.0

Just a short annoucement - I'm delighted to release the finished version of the Fling the Teacher generator....

Multi-choice generator update - beta 0.9

The Multi-choice generator beta 0.9 is now available for download. As with the Fling the Teacher generator, you need to join the forum to download it, but nothing more than that.

This version allows you to produce three different quizzes - a big quiz (ideal for whiteboard), a quiz + text (mini quiz together with customisable help text alongside) and a mini-quiz (ideal to slot into the side of an existing page or resource). This is a massive update to the previous version and I'm really pleased with it. I just haven't had time to explain all the features yet.

The final version will appear extremely soon.

New Year updates

1. Fling the Teacher update - beta 0.9

I've just released the final beta (0.9) for the Fling the Teacher generator. This contains a number of significant updates (explained in detail in the topic) including a new drop-down question selector, new question handling and a completely new way of handling special characters [.... continues]

2. New software soon to be available

Most significantly, I've decided to make some additional software available for free to customers. Everyone will be able to download the Fling the Teacher generator, Multi-choice quiz generator and the Match-up quiz generator [soon] for free. This is not going to change at all.

However, I do feel that customers should be given some additional programs in return for their support of the site. Thus, customers will soon be able to download a new Practice Paper generator and a Flash Cards generator [.... continues]


Read full post on the forum--->

Homepage and graphics update

Brand new homepage with clear links to all the different ContentGenerator.net applications.

Also uploaded the new icon-logo to the website - changes the look of the whole site.

Release of the Fling the Teacher generator

I have today released the first beta version of the Fling the Teacher generator. This free program allows anyone to generate their own Fling the Teacher games.

The program is complete enough to allow you to produce finished and usable games. Download the program and you can create your own Fling the Teacher challenge as quickly as you can think of 15 questions!

Read full post --->

Forum update

The ContentGenerator.net forum has now been updated to the latest version - everything is just a little more user-friendly and hopefully improved.
See the forum--->

Site and forum updates

The Fling the Teacher index page has now be created, in preparation for the beta release of the Fling the Teacher generator.

The ContentGenerator.net forums have also been slightly reorganised, both in preparation for the upcoming releases and also for the forum upgrade.

Read full post --->

New free program - Fling the Teacher generator

Just a brief update - more details can be found on the relevant areas of the forum. I'm just completing work on an update to the popular Fling the Teacher game. I'm delighted to announce that this will be released as a free ContentGenerator.net program for anyone to make use of.


Read full post --->

Upcoming releases and Flash 8

Macromedia have today announced the new version of their world-leading software - Studio 8.

As an accredited Macromedia Educational Leader I have been involved in the beta testing of this new product and can confirm that it is fantastic .... However, what does this all mean for ContentGenerator.net?

Read full post --->
Add your comments or questions --->

Multiple Choice Quiz generator update

Beta release 0.8 of the Multiple-Choice quiz generator program. Additional features and a more stable interface has been added. Do try it out!

Read full post --->

Spanish version of Penalty Shootout

Thanks to the support and assistance from current customers, I've now launched the Spanish language version of the Penalty Shootout game.

Read full post --->
Download from the Customer-only forum --->

Multiple Choice Quiz generator update

Beta release 0.7 of the Multiple-Choice quiz generator program. This release is stable enough to be used for your own online materials. Do try it out!

Read full post --->

Beta release of the Multi-Choice quiz generator

After extensive development, the beta version of the multiple choice quiz generator has been released. This isn't designed to be used for your own websites quite yet - but rather as something to try out and experiment with.

The beta will be updated very rapidly to a release version. This software is free, but you do need to be registered with the ContentGenerator.net forums to download it.

See the Multi-Choice generator homepage --->
Read relevant post --->

Delays with the Multiple Choice Quiz generator

Sincere apologies for the lack of updates. Preparing my students for upcoming exams together with coursework marking have taken up all my available time recently, and thus I have been unable to finish off the new release. As soon as I have time I will release the beta version.

Read full post --->

Multiple Choice Quiz generator update

I've finally released an example of a multiple choice quiz that will be produced with the free generator program. I have redeveloped the 'quiz engine' to improve the way questions are handled. See the example...

Read full post --->

Forum move now successfully completed

The forum has now been updated and appears to be working without problems.

I have also begun updates of various pages around the site to update them to the latest information. The preludes the release of the free ContentGenerator.net programs and the updates to the existing games.

Read full post --->

Special Characters - update to all programs being tested
I'm about to release a small update to each of the current generator programs

... it was reported to me yesterday that the Penalty Shootout generator didn't generate 'special characters' correctly. This meant problems for any user wishing to generate their own non-English language games.

However, 24 hours later I believe I've been able to fix this issue.

Read full post --->

Release of the Interactive Diagram Generator (iDG)!

After months of development the ContentGenerator.net premier product is now available. With far too many features to mention in a brief post, explore the extensive iDG product page. All purchase options now fully available.

Read full post --->


Update to Walk the Plank purchase options

Instant download purchase option now available. E-mail will be sent to all members of the ContentGenerator.net forum this evening.

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Walk the Plank game generator release
The official release of the second ContentGenerator.net program. Get your students to demonstrate enough knowledge about a topic to force a teacher to walk the plank. Students love this game - for obvious reasons.

See the Walk the Plank page --->

Walk the Plank page updated

With the delays in getting the Interactive Diagram generator released, I have brought forward the Walk the Plank generator. The information page has been updated and the program is undergoing beta testing.
Read full post --->

Diagram developments
Disappointingly final version still isn't quite ready. I've decided that I want to make the diagrams fully accessible. Not just to meet the 508 accessibility regulations but also to make the diagrams as useful as possible to all users.

I have two ideas that I am experimenting with.

The final release will come when I have implemented this accessibility option and when I have tidied up the remaining final issues.
Read full post --->

Interactive diagram generator demonstration
You can now watch an interactive demonstration of the final beta version. Watch the demonstration here.

Read full post --->

Final development of Interactive Diagram Generator 1.0
The Interactive Diagram Generator is nearly ready. I have recoded both the diagram and the generator program so they work far more effectively. Much of the delay has been to ensure that these dynamic features work correctly - I am pleased to say they do!

Read full post [including screenshots] --->

Penalty Shootout Generator version 1.1
Version 1.1 of the Penalty Shootout Generator has been released this morning.

This includes a major update enabling users to preview their generated games in a far easier way. A webpage is dynamically generated when you save your game (.swf) file. You simply then press a button to view this page.

Read full post --->


This update preludes the release of the new Interactive Diagram generator and the Walk the Plank generator. Coming very soon!

Major development - dynamic generation of webpages
The only issue people have experienced a little difficulty with has been previewing the 'generated files'. Up until now the files have been previewed directly in your Flash player. This has meant you've needed to set you computer to enable this.

Not any more - as part of the final interactive diagram generator development I've been able to program the ability to generate a webpage dynamically. This means your games and applications can be previewed via a webpage. This is a major development....

Read full post --->

Further Interactive Diagram developments
I've now been able to fix the one major issue with the diagram. Partly this is my fault for trying to make it be even more 'advanced'. The diagram now correctly saves colours.

Read full post --->

New version of Interactive Diagram to try
The 'I've now nearly completed the new version of the Interactive Diagram. This is much more advanced but still not quite complete. You can try the new version out on my SchoolHistory.co.uk website.

Read full post --->

Interactive Diagram developments
As always seems to happen with me as I'm completing a new version I come up with some extra ideas...

Read full post --->

Interactive Diagram Beta 0.9 released for beta testing
The 'approaching finished' version has been given to those kind enough to try the software out.

It is nearly the finished version but there are still lots of final tweaks and improvements, just as with the Penalty Shootout Generator.
Read full post --->

Pay by invoice now fully operational
Finally managed to get the invoices system working - schools and individuals can now 'purchase by invoice'. By filling in the online form, an invoice will be e-mailed or sent by post.

Those from recognised educational institutions will be given their download details immediately. Others will be given their details upon payment.

Interactive diagram generator update
I'm delighted to announce that the major 'issue' with the Interactive diagrams has been solved. As with all the ContentGenerator.net products I always strive to improve the basic game or activity before releasing the generator program.
Read full post --->



Updates to the forums

As I've now had a few support requests via e-mail, I've created a new 'Support request' username for the forum. The idea is to post any questions and answers to the forum so other customers can find immediate assistance.

In addition, I've created a separate area in the customer-only section for more interactive demonstrations following the success of the first one.

See examples --->

Interactive Demonstration videos
For the customers' forum area I've created the first demonstration video to help people see how to generate their finished games. This Flash-based video shows the final steps required to generate your game. When you watch this, you'll see how genuinely easy it really is.

Read full post --->

Excellent progress with the Interactive Diagram generator. Development of 'rich text solution' means both the creator and user of the diagram can customise their work to a much greater extent. Beta testing in progress.

Read full post --->

First look at the Interactive Diagram generator
Following the successful launch of the Penalty Shootout Generator, our second program - the Interactive Diagram Generator is soon to appear.

Read full post --->

Official launch of ContentGenerator.net
At 00:00 on Monday 25th October 2004, ContentGenerator.net was officially launched with the general release of the Penalty Shootout Generator. I hope this will be a valuable, useful and highly educational product for all who use it!
Read full post --->

Penalty Shootout Generator finished
I've now completely redeveloped the actual game so the whole thing is much more professional.

Read full post --->

The first actual game...
With the issue now fixed (and an improved solution implemented) the first actual game has been produced - and used with my Year 8 history class. Try the Mary Queen of Scots Penalty Shootout!

Read full post --->

So near and yet so near!
I've now completely redeveloped the actual game so the whole thing is much more professional. The final part was to put the game together with the generator - but at the last part one part didn't work...

Read full post --->

Additional features following requests
Just to keep people updated - I've responded to the massive additional requests by delaying the finished version further.

Read full post --->

The latest updates are now posted in the discussion forum, where progress can be tracked far more easily. This page will be used to provide a quick summary, linking to the lengthier post.

I've now full registered the ContentGenerator.net forums - as I plan to use them for all issues of support and feedback - this way hopefully the ContentGenerator.net programs can be shown in the best possible light.

I'm also restructuring the forums slightly so there is a 'customer only' area. This is where customers can receive their paid-for in-depth support as opposed to general issues which will be covered in the public support areas.....

See more in the latest updates post

Further developments in the first of our software product - Penalty Shootout generator. Beta-testing well under way and final improvements are being made.

ContentGenerator.net 'help, support and showcase forums' launched at www.contentgenerator.net/forum.

This forum will provide an excellent source of support and guidance, but also offer opportunities for discussion about the use of ContentGenerator.net software, the educational benefits and examples of what our users actually manage to create.

Major developments with the Penalty Shootout generator software. Previous issues which had seemed impossible to solve have now been resolved. Users can now dynamically load in their own logos and further customise their finished games.

Additional interface developments are planned, ready for final beta testing over the next few days. The aim is to 'iron out' any bugs before the proper launch.

Resign of the site taking account of the final 'ContentGenerator.net logo'.



The site is now more clearly defined and the logo more visible on the finished Flash files. The 'simpler' text style reduces the file size on published files.

The site is still undergoing developments in anticipation of the final launch.

Continued experimentation and development of the Penalty Shootout interface. Redesign and improvement of the icons, creation of more user-friendly experience.

Completed work on contact.asp mail script (meaning that the contact form will work correctly.

Further work on Penalty Shootout generator and the Penalty Shootout generator pages.

Further development of site prior to launch - different sections created including:

» Latest information (this page)
» Demonstration page (interactive presentation of concept)
» Products page (information on specific applications)
» Pricing and purchase ()
» Help & support (key area offering guidance and support)
» Customer feedback (comments and reviews)
» Showcase (examples of applications in use)
» About this site (information about the site)
» Contact details (ways of contacting the site)

Positive feedback from beta testers - further development of Penalty Shootout generator. Now a full Windows application with ability to save and load files in addition to instant generation of .swf files.

Registration and setup of ContentGenerator.net - basic setup of this website in preparation for distribution of the ContentGenerator.net applications.

Development of the first Generator program - Penalty Shootout generator. The program was developed following extensive requests from visitors to my history site - www.SchoolHistory.co.uk.

I offer an online creation service there - where a user types question data in. The data is then e-mailed to me and I created the final game.

It was obvious that the human element in this process (i.e. me) was slowing the whole thing up - hence my desire to create a 'Game Generator' - an application that would allow anyone to generate their own versions of my Flash game with their own questions.

After a great deal of effort and work, the program - a application that takes question data and instantly generates a .swf file - was available for beta testing near the end of May 2004.