introducing: the finch

Introducing: The Finch

Introducing: The FinchWorkshop OutlineThe Story of the Finch

Finch Hardware

Software and Assignments

Time to Program!

The CSbots ProgramUsing robots as tools in CS EducationRetentionLearning

Modular approach to curriculum

NSF CCLI program

3

Design: Information SourcesPrevious studies

Instructor and Textbook Surveys

Participatory design with educatorsCommunity CollegesHigh schools

Design: Identifying ConstraintsIndividual ownership and home useLow-costPortableRobustSupport multiple platformsAesthetically appealingRichly interactiveShould Just workMinimal changes to existing coursesLow-cost Personal Robot

$99

Sensors and OutputsRobustness

Satisfying ConstraintsIndividual ownership and home useLow-costPortableRobustSupport multiple platformsAesthetically appealingRichly interactiveShould Just work

USB TetherMultiple sensors/outputsPlastic shell with input from students

That last constraintMinimal changes to existing courses

Assignments are aligned to traditional concepts

Tethering, portability, multi-platform support

Support as many languages as possible

ProgrammingGrades 3-6CREATE Lab Visual Programmer, Finch Dreams(based on Alice 2.2), Snap!(based on Scratch)Grades 7-9Finch Dreams, Python, Processing, Snap! Grades 10+Java, Javascript, Greenfoot, Python, Processing, Scala, C++, Matlab, Visual Basic, Snap!More languages are coming!www.finchrobot.comMulti-purpose site

Assignments

Software

Documentation/Forums Finch Uses in the ClassroomUse it to enhance regular assignmentsExtra challenge for gifted/bored studentsAdvertising to next years classDisplay student projectsDemo to visiting 8th gradersUse it to provide high school students tutoring opportunities to younger studentsTime to ProgramFirst step: Make it move and talk in Jython.

Next steps:Make Finch DanceMake a Finch alarm clock

After Lunch:Snap! with FinchWrap-up: TeasersSnap!

Finch wireless backpack (Freebird)

HummingbirdSnap! (formerly BYOB)In-browser javascript-based drag and drop programming environmentAdds making your own blocks and recursion to ScratchWorks with Finch!

Live DemoWireless backpackWill work on existing FinchesWill work with existing softwareAndroid too!Adds ports for distance sensors, prototyping, and encodersAnticipated Cost: $99 for backpack, $35 for rangefinders, $35 for encoders.Live DemoHummingbird Robotics KitKit with a robot controller, LEDs, sensors, and motorsMake robots out of arts and crafts materialsAimed at ages 11+ (13 w/o supervision)No technical/programming experience required$199www.hummingbirdkit.com

The End!Buy (another) Finch today!