We have now programmed in Scratch and Logo. Hopefully you've seen some similarity in those activities. Next we will program two different robots. While the languages will differ from each other a bit and from Scratch and Logo, the main concepts will remain the same. The true difference will be in the basic actions available to us. Additionally, robots introduce a measure of inexactness that was not present (or noticed) in Scratch and Logo.
There will be not graded "programming" component to this programming activity. There will be a PAC assignment however. And, there will be some final exam questions about robotics programming.
I have prepared some introductory information for each of the robots: the Dash robot and the Lego Mindstorms EV3 robot. Those information sheets should help you get started but are not really meant to provide detailed directions for everything you do. If you have questions or difficulties, ask..
You are not required to turn in any program for this programming activity assignment. However, it is important that you pay attention to what you program because there will be final exam questions based on this activity. In particular, you will have to provide pseudocode (paper and pencil version of a program) for at least one of the activities indicated in the Dash robot information and Lego Mindstorms EV3 robot information—move a particular distance, turn a particular amount (either left or right), turn a particular kind of circle, move in a triangular or rectangular pattern. (Some activity for each robot.)
Additionally, each group is to provide at least one comment regarding Dash and one comment regarding EV3 in the programming activity commenting (PAC) assignment. The group is expected to discuss the comments to be shared and identify the group members on those comments. Individuals may make additional comments if they wish.
I recommend that the group comments be made shortly after each experience with a particular robot, i.e., one comment after the first robot experience and another comment after the second robot experience. The due date for comments will be Friday, December 8 at 5:00 pm.