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
Design: Information Sources• Previous studies
• Instructor and Textbook Surveys
• Participatory design with educators– Community Colleges– High schools
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
Low-cost Personal Robot
$99
Sensors and Outputs
Robustness
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
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
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!
www.finchrobot.com
• Multi-purpose site
• Assignments
• Software
• Documentation/Forums
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
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
Wrap-up: Teasers
• Snap!
• Finch wireless backpack (Freebird)
• Hummingbird
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
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
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
www.hummingbirdkit.com
The End!
• Buy (another) Finch today!