Peter Liddle, a computing teacher in Dunfermline, Scotland, sent me this update on his project. It's great to hear about the excellent work being done here, and I am looking forward to visiting in December.
In St. Columba's High we are using Neverwinter Nights as part of a Curriculum for Excellence enhancement group. Pupils that have chosen to take extra technology classes will complete an eight week block of games design lessons. The lessons are designed to provide pupils with basic skills in games design, and to provoke consideration of design aspects such as theme, mood and plot.
There is little teacher input aside from initial demonstrations of technical tasks (such as adding transitions between levels, or conversations) - guidance is provided when needed but pupils are encourage to help themselves, help each other and experiment. At the end of the eight week block, pupils are asked to perfect a section of a game which could include conversations, transitions, different creatures, signs, traps and items.
See also Collect the Hands and Take them to the King Imp for news of Judy's visit to Dunfermline.