Reading:
NO MORE READING
Tutorials (Due Tuesday, April 21)
On Friday, April 17 the class session will be devoted to developing a "reading" knowledge of Actionscript, Javascript and PHP.
If you choose to do your final project in Flash, will need to become familiar with the Flash environment. It is recommended that you spend some time in the next few days working through the basic Flash on line tutorial. Open "Flash", go to "help" then "flash help" and work through the "Using Flash" tutorial. SKIM the tutorial. Using Actionscript for your final project is optional. It is available in all of the Mac labs in Forcina and Holman Halls. You can also download a 30 day trial from Adobe. See the course requirements for this course for details on downlaoding "Adobe" products.
Javascript and PHP can both be learned from tutorials available on the web. As an exercise, research these on your own. Find a tutorial for one of them that works for you. Regardless of whether you choose to do your final project in one of these languages, find a tutorial on one, not both of them. You will need this for your final essay assignment next week.
Tutorials: (Due April 14)
Read the Wikipedia entry for "hyperlink" linked above.
On the TCNJ web site, research how to create a personal site. We will walk through this in class on 4/14. If you figure it out, show your classmates. If you are stuck, find some one to walk you through.
You are strongly encouraged to use Dreamweaver for these assignments, however you will need to learn to navigate that environment by following the tutorials provided with the software. Dreamweaver is available in all of the Mac labs in Forcina and Holman Halls. You can also download a 30 day trial from Adobe. See the course requirements for this course for details on downlaoding "Adobe" products.
You are expected to work through a number of online tutorials. I recommend the following, however you may use an alternative either online or in print form.
A good site for this is: http://www.htmlcodetutorial.com/
By TUESDAY, April 14:
On the site click:
Welcome to the HTML Code Tutorial. Our goal is to provide the most helpful and complete guide to creating web pages anywhere. If you're just beginning, start learning HTML here.
By FRIDAY, April 17:
CSS
Forms
Due April 3: Read about color in your textbook. Also check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RGB_color_model
Due March 31: Read the manual for the "Minim" library. You can find it at the Processing site under reference/libraries. Or you can go to it directly at: http://code.compartmental.net/tools/minim/ We played in class with loading and recording sound files, but what else can you do? REALLY dig through the documentation and the Examples/Libraries/Minim resources to generate ideas?
Due March 24: Read Chapters 9 & 10. Same idea as previous chapters.
Due March 17: Read Chapters 7 & 8. Same idea as previous chapter.
Due March 3: Read Chapters 4 & 6. But read for your own pleasure and edification, not like this was a textbook where you have to remember EVERYTHING for the multiple choice test. Make notes on what is interesting and what you might find useful in the future. Pick one example and try running it. Or run all the examples.....or some of them.
Due February 10: Read Chapters 3 & 5. Go to the Processing site (google processing) and download the programming environment. Also download the sample code for our textbook.
Due February 3:
Assigned January 27, due February 3: Greenberg, Chapter 2.
Assigned January 20, due January 27
Programming Assignments
Posted April 21: (Ongoing)
Continue working on your portfolio in HTML.
Begin your final project.
Posted April 14: Ongoing
Continue working on your portfolio in HTML.
Finish up whatever processing sketches you have not yet completed.
Due Tuesday, April 14
Two parts:
1) WORK ON COMPLETING YOUR PROCESSING PROJECT
2) Begin to flesh out your portfolio based on the template provided in class.
By April 14: Have a tentative structure for the web site using "under construction" pages as place holders. At this stage manage your site locally on your USB drive. On April 14 we will walk through uploading your site to your TCNJ directory.
By April 28:
1) Create a website as a portfolio of the work you have done for this course. (This is your opportunity to put it all in one place in a cohesive form - you should have been collecting it on your flash drive all along.) If you want to use your TCNJ site for more than this course, then make sure you link the home page to a page that is exclusively devoted to this class. You may decorate the page as simply or as creatively as you choose, but bear in mind that the goal is a page that is easily traversed to view your work for this semester (e.g. for Dr. Wolz to provide a final grade.)
You should have separate pages for the following: ( a full list of assignments is posted - updated through Nov. 11)
- Reflective Essays (it is suggested that you put all of the essays on a single page.)
- Scratch Project work (including links to the project itself on the Scratch site, the proposal, usability review and critiques, code critiques and final report.
- Processing Project work (including links to the project itself as an exported applet, the proposal, usability review and critiques, code critiques and final report.)
- Your Choice: Processing/Actionscript/Applet (including links to the webbased version of the project, the proposal, usability review and critiques, code critiques and final report.)
- Programming Sketches including the formal assignments given in class for Processing and Scratch as well as any other interesting projects you have created.
NOTE WELL: For Friday you should have the general structure completed so that you can navigate "under construction" pages.
Due Tuesday, April 7
Two parts:
1) Create a very uncomplicated sketch using color. Experiment with either (1) HSB, (2) RGB, or HEXIDECIMAL.
2) WORK ON YOUR PROCESSING PROJECT
Due Tuesday, March 31
Two parts:
1) REMIX from at least one example in the Minim (sound) library. Replace the soundfiles provided with your own. You will have to place your file in the "data" folder for the project. If you don't have an mp3 handy then you will have to create one in Garage Band or Audacity. Or just use a different file format. Part of the purpose of this exercise is for you to think about file formats. How can you incorporate mouse control.
2) WORK ON YOUR PROCESSING PROJECT
Due Tuesday, March 24:
Once again you will be asked to create a simple sketch of your own based on the examples presented this week. Begin by working through the questions in the set of sketches presented in class. If you have trouble figuring something out, work with a classmate, post a question on the wiki, bring the question to class on Friday or email Dr. Wolz. Your sketch this week should include two of the following: typogrpahy, string manipulation and keyboard input.
Due Tuesday, March 17
Using the code we studied in class as a guide, create a sketch that explores using images in an animation. Concentrate on the code mechanics of variables and functions rather than the artistic complexity of your creation. If you take images from the internet make sure you cite them properly. To do this assignment please study each of the samples from this class and play with them until you understand what all the components do. You may extend the ideas presented in this class: for example explore the range of things you can actually do with a PImage.
Explore mixing vector graphics and images on the same page. Tell a story by loading a background image and putting other images over it. Take this project whereever your imagination goes. ASK QUESTIONS if you want to do things, but can't quite get there. Go look on the formums at the Processing website. If you find code examples there really critique them.
Due Tuesday, March 3
Using the code we studied in class as a guide, create a sketch that explores either animation or leaving a trail. Concentrate on the code mechanics of variables and functions rather than the artistic complexity of your creation. If you particularly liked the static drawing you did last week, feel free to incorporate it into your sketch. To do this assignment please study each of the samples from this class and play with them until you understand what all the components do.
Due Tuesday, February 24
Create a Processing program that uses the basic 2-D functions to draw a simple static picture. You may include any of the following: points, lines, rectangles, triangles, quadrilaterals, ellipses, arcs. You may work in grey scale or color.
Helpful references are:
http://processing.org/reference/index.htm
Due Tuesday, February 17:
Download Processing, find one example program on the pull down menu File/Examples, read through the code, run the code and example what it does. Submit your explanation in the same file as your reflective essay.
Due Friday, February 13: Final project
Due Tuesday, February 3
Start implementing your Scratch project and by February 3, be prepared to demo a partially working version.
Due January 30: Submit an electronic version of your design document. Use the templates mentioned above. Simply replace the prose with your own words. (e.g. remix the documents linked above).
Due Tuesday, January 27
Assignment 1: (please do this part by Friday, January 23)
Write a program in Scratch and "share" it on the Scratch website.
Add it to the gallery TCNJFall09.
Ask to become a Scratch friend to Dr. Wolz (momgeek)
Become Scratch friends with three people in the class who you don't already know.Assignment 2:
Part a: What I learned: Pick one command AND one technique that you want to learn more about. Find a friend who can help you learn a command and another friend who can help you learn a technique. Ask them to write you an experimental project that you can explore. Either through comments on the Scratch site or in person, talk to them about the concept.
Part b: What I taught: Pick one command AND one technique that you are comfortable with. Find a friend in class who would like to learn your technique and another who would like to learn your command. These friends may not be the same as those in part 1. Write experimental projects for them so they can explore your command or technique. Communicate with them through the Scratch site or in person.
Journal Assignments
Due Tuesday, April 28 (last journal assignment)
1) What characteristics make up a programming language and how is that different from scripting language? Give an example of each (don't use Processing for one of them) and explain how it is like or not like Processing.
2) All semester we have been working in two dimensions. What additional functionality is required to create images in 3 dimensions?
Due Tuesday, April 21
Complete your final report for your Processing project.
Journal: Explain the difference between HTML and CSS. What benefit do "forms" provide in HTML? How does HTML, CSS and forms fit into the DAHLIA model?
Due Tuesday, April 14
1)THIS IS YOUR DRAFT REPORT Summarize the comments from your reviewers for your usability review for your Processing project. You should have at least 2 reviews. If not, please negotiate to get them, and if you are having trouble, please let Dr. Wolz know. How do the reviews impact what you will do to complete the project. Project implementation requires coming to grips with the fact that the eyes are always bigger than the stomach. Explain the difference between what your imagination projected your project would look like, and what your project became.
2) HTML is considered a scripting language. Processing, based on Java is a programming language. Characterize the differences. Where does Scratch fall within this characterization? Make a case for or against Scratch being considered either a programming or scripting language.
Due Tuesday, April 7:
1) Comment on how your project is progressing based on the reviews you received. Are you feeling as comfortable working in Processing as you did in Scratch. What can you do in Processing that you can't do in Scratch? What were you able to do in Scratch that you can't do in Processing? What suggestions have the reviewers made to improve, enhance or make your Processing project more interesting?
2) Explain the difference between additive and subtractive color. Why do we use additive color for digital graphics? Explain how the hexidecimal representation of color work.
Due Tuesday, March 31: So what all CAN you do with sound in Processing? What are the classes of objects that have been created for you and what can they do. (Yes, this is a very open ended question, and it will come back to haunt you on the final. Answer it now while you have time or try to find the answer while you are sleep-deprived during finals week.)
Due, Tuesday, March 24: Events are a big deal in user interactivity. Contrast the way events are implemented in Scratch and Processing.
Due Tuesday, March 17: What is the essential difference between vector graphics and bitmap graphics. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each. Refer to your textbook for details or simply explore these concepts on the web by "googling" them.
Due Tuesday, March 3: Constrast animation in Scratch with animation in Processing. What extra "stuff" do you have to go through in Processing to get something simple moving across the screen?
Due: Tuesday, February 24: Oh. I never posted a journal assignment. You win. Free points for everyone.... But... if you want think about the question (e.g. it could show up on the final exam): Characterize the major differences between the Scratch and Processing environments.
Due: Tuesday, February 17
The usability critique session last week was intended to give you a chance to have others look at what you have done to date. Comment on the effectiveness of this activity in moving your project forward. Also comment on how your role as critic either helped or hindered you in your own development as a programmer.
Due: Friday, February 13
Summarize the comments from your reviewers. You should have at least 2 reviews. If not, please negotiate to get them, and if you are having trouble, please let Dr. Wolz know. How do the reviews impact what you will do to complete the project. Project implementation requires coming to grips with the fact that the eyes are always bigger than the stomach. Explain the difference between what your imagination projected your project would look like, and what your project became.
Due: Tuesday, February 3
What is DAHLIA and how does it apply to the Scratch project you are developing over the next two weeks? How does it relate to your formal project proposal? Explain the difference between a designed and experimental project. Contrast the process of writing the small tutorial programs and working on your "Scratch project."
Due: Tuesday, January 27
Assignment 1: Write a short summary of your work including:
- Your "Scratch" name.
- Identify 3 classmates with whom you have become "Scratch friends"
- Identify 3 useful resources on the Scratch site for learning about Scratch.
- Identify a project on the Scratch site that you found interesting. Download it, study the code and comment in three short paragraphs on (a) why you found it interesting, (b) what parts of the Scratch code you understand - explain how it works, (c) what part of the Scratch code you do not understand.
Assignment 2: Summarize the experience of writing code for others and having others write code for you and the code you created for them.. Make sure you identify the friends, and include the urls to the code they created for you. Address the following Do you now understand the concept taught by others ?Were you able to successfully explain concepts to others?
Assignment 3: What is Scratch? Does your experience match the statement on the Scratch website about the goals of the creators? How does this compare with Dave Malan's description. Do you think you are learning to program. How do you see yourself using Scratch in the remainder of this course? What is your passion? Do you want to create a game, a tutorial, an interactive story?