April 10, 2013

I was unable to attend my internship this week, but continued to work on my app.

For the tutorial aspect of my app, I have decided which pattern I will emulate and took a screenshot of each step as I created it.

March 13, 2013

I did not attend my internship this week due to RPI's break schedule.

I am continuing to work on my app and moving forward in a slightly different direction. The app will now also include some type of visual representation of the program and the software that will enable the app users to better understand what the program is designed to do.

April 3, 2013

This week at my internship meeting I worked out some new aspects that would be included in the app that I am creating.
Besides the informational component about the CSDT software and the "Algorhythms" program in general, I will also include somewhat of a tutorial on how to actually use a part of the program. I decided to focus on the Virtual Bead Loom, which is where you use algorithms to create multiple lines of beads arranged in a certain and specific pattern. The Virtual Bead Loom is a great introduction to the software and can easily be explained through pictures of each step and detailed instructions for how to create each aspect of the pattern. The app (I hope) will be a great benefit to the program and not only showcase the amazing software and the "Algorhythms" program but also give an insight to how App Inventor works and the possibilities apps provide.
I also worked on a rough outline of what the app will likely include when it is finished (there will continue to be tweaks to the design and exactly what information will be included as time progresses).

App Outline:

Informational Aspect of App and Layout

Algorhythms

I.               About

1.     CS4HS.rpi.edu

2.     Sponsor (MIT App Inventor, Google)

3.     CSDT.rpi.edu  (Culturally Significant Design Tools: Many cultural designs are based on mathematical principles. This software will help students learn standards-based math and computing as they simulate the original artifacts, and develop their own creations.)

4.     CSDT Curriculum (CSDTs facilitates the simulation of a wide variety of cultural arts on the computer screen, from cornrow hairstyles and breakdance to kente cloth and drum patterns using concepts shared between computer science and art. In the CS4HS workshop, participants will use a CSDT to simulate what they see reflected in a photographic representation of a culture. Then, they will use a CSDT creatively to design a freestyle pattern. Finally, participants will take this art and computing fusion a step further by physically crafting their virtual designs in the real world, using hands-on, art and design media.)

5.     Participants

6.     On the bottom: include links to each website and the actual software

II.             Artwork

1.     Name and picture of artwork

2.     Etc

III.           Tutorial and Explanation of African Beadlooom Software

*About, Artwork, Tutorial and Explanation of African Beadlooom Software all represent buttons that will present on the first screen. When each of the buttons is clicked, the user will be brought to a new screen that includes the corresponding information.

Tutorial and Explanation of African Beadloom Software

·      Show picture/design/pattern that should be emulated through the algorithms and multi-colored beads

·      Describe/define algorithms

·      Describe/explain how the software functions to create patterns

·      Step by step instructions

I.               Layout

1.     Screen-shot each step or process of creating the pattern with descriptions underneath

2.     Begin with what each option or button on the software does (point, line, etc)

3.     Goal: to have each picture somehow work like a slide show in the app

*If possible I would like to include a link to a video of someone actually going through the process. This would another visual to go along and aid the information included in the tutorial.

Here is a link to the software and more information about the program: http://csdt.rpi.edu/

February 13, 2013

During my internship meeting I continued to work on creating my app with the help of my mentor. I have been experiencing some difficulties in how the information I want to include is being represented on the actual app. My mentor worked with me to look over the app to try and find a solution. We ended up finding a completely new alternative to express the information that will hopefully work.
Developing an original app is difficult at times, but I feel like I am beginning to really understand the programming involved in App Inventor. The future of my app is still to be determined (whether it will be able to adequately serve the purpose we hope it will), but I am gaining an immense about of knowledge about all the different aspects of App Inventor and the details it takes to create or even emulate a functional app.

February 20, 2013

During my internship, my mentor showed me some of the work that has been created either using the CSDT program or with using the mathematical principals as inspiration. The art that has been sent in shows how much the program has stayed with the students who have participated in it. The art ranges from using the concept of dilation to create a 3D poster to using the principles of Native American beadlooms to create ceramics pieces with a certain design that could be created using a series of algorithms. The artwork is being displayed throughout the building on many of the floors. It was really great to see that side of the program and not just the actual math that they were learning (through the pre- and post- tests). After looking at all of the pieces, I spent some times looking over the CSDT program again to understand the connections between the art and the software. This will help me when developing the app and deciding how to describe and display the art that will be included.

In the future, my mentor wants to expose me to the work that undergrads and grad students are doing in the field of computer science. This will allow me to get a new perspective on the different aspects of computer science and how the app I am creating plays into into the individual areas.

February 6, 2013

I was able to attend my internship for a shorter amount of time than usual this week (about an hour). At my meeting I continued to work on creating my app and had a discussion with Professor Ron Eglash about the different types of software that are available to create apps with. With the software I am using (App Inventor) the apps will only be able to be run on Android device, which leaves people who do not have an Android unable to interact with the app.  The Professor told me about other programs, for example processing.org, that use software that could be run on Androids and on Iphones. That software uses javascript and the app can either be accessed directly as an app or can be formatted to be run through a url. App Inventor has its limitations but features a drag and drop system that makes the system easier to understand. With processing I would have to type in exactly the right code in order for the app to do what I wanted it to do; this is out of my league at the moment but is exciting to think about.
This is a picture of the emulator I use to test what my app will look like and do on an actual Android. When I am home I do not have access to a phone that would work, but App Inventor has software that allows me to have a "pretend" phone on my computer. It is important to use the emulator in order to make sure that the configurations are right and that the commands you want it to do are working properly before you move on to something new.