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/