Transcript
Page 1: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

Introducing: The Finch

Page 2: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

Workshop Outline

• The Story of the Finch

• Finch Hardware

• Software and Assignments

• Time to Program!

Page 3: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

The CSbots Program• Using robots as

tools in CS Education– Retention– Learning

• Modular approach to curriculum

• NSF CCLI program3

Page 4: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

Design: Information Sources• Previous studies

• Instructor and Textbook Surveys

• Participatory design with educators– Community Colleges– High schools

Page 5: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

Design: Identifying Constraints

• Individual ownership and home use– Low-cost– Portable– Robust– Support multiple platforms

• Aesthetically appealing• Richly interactive• Should “Just work”• Minimal changes to existing courses

Page 6: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

Low-cost Personal Robot

$99

Page 7: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

Sensors and Outputs

Page 8: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

Robustness

Page 9: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

Satisfying Constraints• Individual ownership

and home use– Low-cost– Portable– Robust– Support multiple

platforms

• Aesthetically appealing• Richly interactive• Should “Just work”

• USB Tether• Multiple

sensors/outputs• Plastic shell with input

from students

Page 10: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

That last constraint…

• Minimal changes to existing courses

• Assignments are aligned to traditional concepts

• Tethering, portability, multi-platform support

• Support as many languages as possible

Page 11: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

ProgrammingGrades 3-6• CREATE Lab Visual Programmer, Finch

Dreams (based on Alice 2.2), Snap! (based on Scratch)

Grades 7-9• Finch Dreams, Python, Processing, Snap!

Grades 10+• Java, Javascript, Greenfoot, Python,

Processing, Scala, C++, Matlab, Visual Basic, Snap! 

More languages are coming!

Page 12: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

www.finchrobot.com

• Multi-purpose site

• Assignments

• Software

• Documentation/Forums

Page 13: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

Finch Uses in the Classroom

• Use it to enhance regular assignments• Extra challenge for gifted/bored students• Advertising to next year’s class

– Display student projects– Demo to visiting 8th graders

• Use it to provide high school students tutoring opportunities to younger students

Page 14: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

Time to Program

• First step: Make it move and talk in Jython.

• Next steps:– Make Finch Dance– Make a Finch alarm clock

• After Lunch:– Snap! with Finch

Page 15: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!
Page 16: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

Wrap-up: Teasers

• Snap!

• Finch wireless backpack (Freebird)

• Hummingbird

Page 17: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

Snap! (formerly BYOB)

• In-browser javascript-based drag and drop programming environment

• Adds making your own blocks and recursion to Scratch

• Works with Finch!

• Live Demo

Page 18: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

Wireless backpack

• Will work on existing Finches• Will work with existing software• Android too!• Adds ports for distance sensors,

prototyping, and encoders• Anticipated Cost: $99 for backpack, $35

for rangefinders, $35 for encoders.• Live Demo

Page 19: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

Hummingbird Robotics Kit

• Kit with a robot controller, LEDs, sensors, and motors

• Make robots out of arts and crafts materials

• Aimed at ages 11+ (13 w/o supervision)• No technical/programming experience

required• $199

Page 20: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

www.hummingbirdkit.com

Page 21: Introducing: The Finch. Workshop Outline The Story of the Finch Finch Hardware Software and Assignments Time to Program!

The End!

• Buy (another) Finch today!


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