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!