Assignment 10

Editing Sprites needs to be completed with care, particularly in this game, as the purple dot in front of the pacman must touch the green pathway in order for it to run. When the purple dot is positioned too far away from the Pacman, the creature gets stuck more easily in the gap between the path and blocks, as well as in turning points. This image is an example of the problem:

When editing the Sprite, another issue which frequently arises is the removal of the background. If an remnants are large particles, it creates an untidy image in the game. The player is also restricted to viewing the PacMan as an image (reinforced by the surrounding dots from it's previous background), and can not imagine it as an interactive character.

The size is also an significant factor to take in consideration, as if the PacMan is too large, it can not fit through the maze pathway. If the PacMan is too small in size, it will barely be visible, therefore deterring the viewer from playing, and having a detrimental effect on the quality of the game. 

Assignment 9

Adding sound to the game contributes to the fun of the play. Therefore, it is imperative that I add a 'jingle' to elevate the atmosphere of my game. As this sound will replay continuously, it should be in the script of something that does not change. Therefore, the sound will be added to the script of the Stage which remains the same through out the Pac Man game. 

Assignment 8

A problem I faced when creating the Pac Man game was when the Pac Man did not recognise the pathways of the maze, but simply moved over it like an image. This completely overules the point of the game. After many attempts of fixing this, I realised that but adding move ten steps, to the operation of the  button, I allowed the Sprite to move over the paths in the maze, and over the image. So, by altering this, I managed to fix the problem. 

Assignment 6

I am making steady progress on my pac man game, but in order to make use of the exercises we completed in class, I attempted creating some other games ,including this simple ball bouncing game, and the Jump game.

By creating these games, I grasped the concept of this program, and have become slightly more used to the commands to give.  Some problems I have overcome when completing these games  include the case of the terrain sprites in 'The Jump Game'. Here , I struggled to command the sprites to move (creating the effect of moving scenery, and obstacles). After adjusting the numbers of the command, I resolved the situation. The resolution was quite logical, and taught me to take a logical viewpoint when using Scratch. Another predicament I faced was the movement of the ball, and the co-ordination of the paddle with the clicking of the button.The location of the ball was written incorrectly in the command, which also affected the paddle.  Again, logic largely contributed to the resolution. This exercise gives me a background knowledge of Scratch, and so now I feel more comfortable to continuing creating my Pac-Man game.

The Jump Game

Assignment 7

Why did I choose PacMan?
The Pac-Man game seemed the most interesting, when compared to the other games I have made in Scratch. It also seems on of the more challenging Games available to create.
Here are some images of my Pac-Man game, which is now nearing completion.

The second image is of the various mazes I have made, each creating one level. As you can see, their complexity increases according to the advancement of the level.

Assignment 5

Progress so far:
This is a post updating my progress on the Assignment. I have completed the script for the Pac Man Sprite, as can be seen below. I can not be sure as to whether this script will be completely successful, until I complete the project. That is a negative aspect of the Scratch games.

As I am still attempting to work on the colour issue of this script, and add any instructions where needed, this is a work in progress image of my script of the Maze Sprite.

Assignment 4

Time Management
Time Management is a contributing factor to my performance in this assignment, and so  I have to take it into consideration. Along with study for exams, and extra curriculum , I planned my timetable in order to ensure that I  efficient complete work. Balancing time involves assessing my performance and confidence in this assignment so far. As I discussed in my earlier post, this Exercises provided on Student Net assisted my understanding of Scratch, and boosted my confidence. This had an effect on my timetable, and overall time management of this assignment.

Assignment 3

I have now successfully completed all the exercises provided in the PDF files on Student Net. They give sufficient knowledge, with which I can progress through this assignment more confidently. As these exercises cover a wide variety of games, it gives me more thorough knowledge with which to operate Scratch. Though many questions are still unsolved, the knowledge gained will help me when continuing with this assignment.

Assignment 2

As I have mentioned before, configuring the script is difficult. Many issues were encountered . However, as I could not identify the root of the flaw in the script, I had to resort to the step of restarting my project a few times, in order for some predicaments to be resolved.

One includes the elusive number, which keeps changing as I trial the game.
After a number of games, I realised that as the 'uip' or 'down' button is pressed, the number alters. The reason is still unknown.
These situations are usually solved based upon trial and error, taking up time, and energy, making me understand the complexity of programming a game. 

Assignment 1

I began my project today, and encountered some difficulties regarding the instructions. The fact that they have to be simple and straight forward is hard to phrase when programming the game.
Some other problems encountered include the colour tagging as part of an instruction. When the Sprite is multi toned in colour, choosing the exact colour is again difficult. An example is this, which was predicament faced when working on my Pac man game :

To overcome this problem, I ensured that the Sprite had a single colour tone.

Scratch

This lesson I have begun the tutorials in order to learn Scratch. Scratch is a program which allows amateurs to create games. This program is quite difficult to operate, when initially learning it. I am now going to attempt the harder tutorials.

This is an attempt to follow the program as instructed by the PDFs files provided in school. The file name is Keep Score. The video tutorials are too blurry to comprehend without listening to it through headphones. Unfortunately I did not bring headphones today, and so decided to follow the PDFs files.

Sample Flowcharts

Questions on Flowcharts

For each of the flowcharts below describe in words what you think they will do.

The First Flowchart:

This flowchart gives instructions on how to label a set temperature.

The Second Flowchart:

This flowchart gives instructions on how to time a one second response of a switch. 

Convert one of the algorithms you have created in the previous task into a flowchart, e.g.  opening a door, moving through a traffic light.

Scratch Tutorial



Control Panel



 This Scratch Tutorial will demonstrate how to use Scratch, as well as the ease of use.

This is the control panel, seperates the possible motions, looks, sounds and other options which can be applied on the Sprite. The blocks which create the program must specifically state what the Sprite should do.





Stage Menu, as well as Start and Stop





The Script allows you to program the actions of the Sprite

The Costumes change the appearance of the Sprite



Add caption



Computers never do what you want them to do, they only do what you tell them to!

1.       Algorithms

Algorithms is method expressed in a finite list of well-defined instructions, for calculating a function.  Algorithms are used to process calculations, data, and automated reasoning.

2.       Pseudocode

 The pseudocode is a compact and informal heigh-level description of the operating  principle of a computer program, or other algorithms.

3.       Machine Language

 Machine Language is a system of atomic instruction executed directly by a computer's central processing unit. Each instruction performs a very specific task, typically either an operation on a unit of data, of a jump opertion.

4.       High Level Computer Language

 A high-level programming language is a programming language with strong abstraction from the details of the computer. In comparision to low-level programming languages, it may use natural language elements, be easier to use, of be from the specification of the program, making the process of developing a program simpler and more understandable with respect to a low-level language.

5.       Flowchart

A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents an alogrithm or process, showing the steps as boxes of various knids, and their order by connecting these with arrows, giving a step-by-step solution to a given problem. 



A flowchart of how use a non-functioning lamp



6.       Sequence

An infinte sequences of real numbers (in blue). This sequence is neither increasing, nor decreasing, nor convergent, nor Cauchy. It is however bounded.

 A sequence is an ordered list of objects (or events). Like a set, it contains mebers (also known as elements or terms), and the number of terms (possibly infinite) is called the legnth of the sequence. Unlike a set, order matters and exactly the same elements can appear multiple times at different positions in the sequence. A sequence is a discrete function.

7.       Selection

Selection is where you make a choice between options. It usually contians 'if': such as IF the green light is still on.

8.       Repetition

Repitition is the act of repeating a process, or single task/job.

 

Then with the aid of class discussions, write an algorithm for the following processes;

1.       opening a door and entering a room.

Turn 180 degrees. Move two steps to 90 degrees right. Grasp the door handle. Turn the door handle 90 degrees right and hold this position. Holding the previous position, push the door.

2.       Negotiating traffic lights as you drive down a street.

Whilst driving towards the traffic light check the colour of the light about 20m before reaching the traffic lights. If the light is green continue at the same speed . If the light is orange gradually slow down to stop at the traffic lights. If the light is red, quickly slow the pace of the vechile, to ensure that you halt at the traffic lights.

In your algorithm write each step of the process on a new line. Remember not to assume the computer knows anything.

Assignment Post 7: Overall situation

Overall, I continue to to face difficulties in some aspects of my Assignment, although I thoroughly enjoy the topics I have the opportunities to learn. I still have the questions which I addressed a few posts ago, and am now facing a time restraint. Therefore I am attempting to work on the assignment at home more often, and though it is quite hard to manage it with other subject tasks, seems to be productive.

I would just like to publish some of my findings, as they surely are extraordinary!

Displays:

In the future, there are expansive possibilities for Display Screens.

'E-paper' Displays are currently being improved upon. This type of display screen technology are formed to possess flexibiltiy,transparency, stretching ability as well as augmented User interface.

 Yet another developing design, which is being constructed by TAT, a Swedish software company, will respond without someone physically touching the device. It will also stretch and send messages. 

I enclose a video which will demonstrate what the functioning of this prototype are.

An invention which enables the viewer to see the screen in 3D without wearing 3D glasses is also arising, and is gradually being improved upon.

Wifi:

Though I understood the key concept of 'Wifi', when researching it in depth, I found interesting information. The idea of having a network, and how this system functions was very interesting, and particularly the devices used to TRANSFER this information. Here are some images explaining the idea:

These are two different equipment, which transfer information by various methods:

Bluetooth car device
Belkin

Router
Another more common and reliable form of internet

Assignment Post 6: Problems in Wix

The website builder/creator Wix is causing some problems as to layout of our website, and when we upload information.
1. The area provided for adding textboxes are minimal, and as of yet, we have not found a solution to increase their size.
2.As the area given to add images for a specific page are yet again minimal, resulting in the addition of minute images, which the user will have to zoom in to get a clear view.
3.The video animation I have attempted to add PROLONG the loading of our group website. This may be considered a negative aspect by Mr Lennon when marking, and therefore, I have avoided any such animation.
4. Upon asking Mr Lennon for feedback on the current set up of our website, a main area to fix was multimedia. Mr Lennon advised us to add more images and videos, in order for the website to fulfill the criteria of the task. However, there is only an extent up to which I can add photos and videos into the website, as I and my group members are restricted by the space available to do so. If we cross a square, then the photo or video will remain on the Masterpage,which is undesirable. This places a rigid rule of keeping the multimedia (video or photo) within the square, and therefore prohibits the space available.
5. The speed of our school internet, combined with the slow loading of Wix results an almost SLUG-PACED speed in my work. This problem leads me working on my assignment at home, and therefore restricting my  time, which must be distributed to other assignments as well.

Assignment Post 5: Information Confusion

I am unable to secure  relevant information to answer some questions in the assessment task.
Answers for an comprehendable, simple explanation of Displays, CPUs and Software seem scarce. The future for such technologies are also confusing me , as some articles and websites report near future aims, or achievements. The answers I can obtain from these reports,  do not relate with other sources who indicate long-term ambitions for that field of technology.
I plan to ask Mr Lennon of what I should do.

Assignment Post 4: Internet Speed Problem

There seems to be a drastic slow down in speed of our school internet. As my computer is usually slow due to this, I have been unable to complete my work, and am finding this very inconvenient. Wix is quite slow, and on some occasion fails to load. I could still have continued my work if not for the slow pace, of the web server altogether. Currently Mr Lennon is directing us to do speed tests on our computers and the results as quite slow. He has instructed us to print-screen (or snip tool) these results and send them via email to certain members of the staff in the school. We are awaiting further improvements in the speed of the internet, as it is very temperamental. I hope that the internet resumes normal speed so we can re-commence our ICT assessment. 

Assignment Post 3: Useful websites

I have now commenced working on researching and answering the questions given in the Assessment task. As I have uploaded all my information in the website, I will not publish it in my blog. However I will list some useful websites, which I have procured a lot of information from , for particular topics:
Software:
1.http://www.techterms.com/definition/commercialsoftware
2.http://www.coffeecup.com/help/articles/shareware-software/
3.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeware
4.www.dictionary.com


CPUs:
1.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_processing_unit
2.http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/C/CPU.html - A really good site
3.http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/homepage.html
4.http://www.amd.com/au/Pages/AMDHomePage.aspx
5.http://www.howstuffworks.com/microprocessor.htm

Wi-Fi:
1.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi
2.http://www.howstuffworks.com/wireless-network.htm
3.http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wireless-network1.htm
4.http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/W/Wi_Fi.html
5.http://www.shopbot.com.au/wifi-router/price/australia/187557
6.http://www.shopbot.com.au/routers/networking/australia/128
7.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_router
8.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth

Displays:
1.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_light-emitting_diode
2.http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/oled.htm
3.http://www.samsung.com/au/consumer/pc-peripherals/monitor/led-monitor/index.idx?pagetype=subtype_p2
4.http://www.cnet.com.au/should-you-wait-for-an-oled-tv-339278536.htm
5.http://www.samsung.com/au/consumer/pc-peripherals/monitor/led-monitor/index.idx?pagetype=subtype_p2
6.http://www.thefreedictionary.com/LED
7.http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=LCD&i=45973,00.asp
8.http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/L/LCD.html
9.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_crystal_display

Assignment Post 2: Understanding the website builder

This Assessment task requires thorough knowledge of the website builder  chosen; our group selected www.wix.com .Though I have completed the Task specifically designed to provide this understanding, I initially devoted  lesson time to familiarise myself with the website builder's options.
Here are some tools available in the Wix:

 These were the fundamental options which allowed the user, me, rearrange, crop, save, preview as well as alter any other settings in  our website.

 The Page Manager assisted me to organise the Masterpages, and add sub-pages to them. This option will help sort out the various questions answered by the members in our group, allowing us to ensure that is remains clear for the viewer.









This tool namely 'Add' will allow the user to add a various extras to their website. Some options include adding text, pictures, Photo galleries/power points, music and video (from a URL in youtube), page layout, and page navigation.

Assignment Post 1

The Assignment is name 'Multimedia eBook' , Sue on the 9th of September.  I am in a group with Chelsea Ly and Angela Arora , and we are forming a a website (after justifying to Mr Lennon) .The porject is on  various topics equally divided among us, one selected from each colour, with the colour options being Blue, Pink Yellow and green.

Blue

1. Displays - LCD, LED, OLED, Plasma pros and cons of each. Full high definition, high definition?- Aishwarya Venkatesan
2. Netbooks-Angela Arora
3. Hand held devices ( e.g. smartphone, iPod, iPad, PSP)-Chelsea Ly

Pink

1. Piracy and Copyright- Chelsea Ly
2. Software License types (commercial, shareware, freeware)- Aishwarya Venkatesan
3. Social Networking- Angela Arora

Yellow

1. Primary storage: including- Angela Arora

RAM (amount, types, cost) -
ROM

8. Secondary Storage: choose at least two, eg.- Chelsea Ly

Hard Disk Drive
Flash Drive (eg. USB memory stick)
DVD and Blu-ray Disks

9. CPU’s – eg. dual core, Atom- Aishwarya Venkatesan

Green

9. Wireless broadband
10. Bluetooth-Angela Arora
11. Cloud Computing-Chelsea Ly
12. Wifi- Aishwarya Venkatesan

Justification

 How will an online tool benefit my project? 23

1.  Online programs (http://www.wix.com/) provide a variety of options to edit the website. We are given the oppurtunity to explore these options, which will further improve our page, as well as improve our knowledge on operating a website. We become aware of how the convinience of a website surpasses the presentation
2. We learn how to create a website, which will help us in future projects.
3. We are given secuirty options, to make sure that it will be as private, as if it were a powerpoint project, overcoming the school's main concern. There is an option to secure your website, by setting a password on it. This will obscure the website from search engines, but also permit ONLY passwords holders.

 Here are some options:



Wix provides privacy settings, which will only allow someone/anyone to access the page with a password.



 

Assignment Post: Evidence of research into multimedia presentation Tools

Versatility – what media does it allow me to use (text, images, video)?  

Prezi allows the user to use multimedia such as videos (with access to www.youtube.com given), and images. The program accepts various image formats, with the extra feature which allows users to upload PDFs. It also has several fonts from which to select, and can overall be classified as versatile.

Wix is the other program I chose to analyse and evaluate. Wix allows me to upload most multimedi, including videos, photos, as well as animations and video animations. Wix has a wide variety of fonts, and sizes for the text. This is another advantageous point in this free software.

However Prezi possess one surpassing quality, when compared to Wix. Prezi allows users to upload PDF files as well, which is an option Wix does not provide.
Ease of use – how friendly is the user interface for the designers (you)?How easy is it to add components to my presentation? How friendly is the user interface for the user can visitors find what they need on your presentation?                                                                                                      

 Prezi is a fairely user-friendly program, and its layout is different to other such programs. The ease of use commencing from signing in, where only fundamental, but important details such as name (full name) and email are required. The site clearly presents me with the terms and conditions of my account, which allow me, as a user, to clearly comprehend my rights when opening this account. I found it simple to operate the program, as I was provided with a quick tutorial when opening the account. This concise tutorial saved me the hassle of otherwise learning the functions of the website. I was able to freely operate it , with a thorough knowledge of all the options given to me. Prezi's editing menu is visually easy to follow, as it 'branches out' according to the sub-section selected. This assisted my understanding, as a user, on the various categories of editing in the website. Yet Another convenient addition in Prezi is presented when I select 'New Prezi'. Here I am given various templates from which to select. This feature is advantageous, as the user can select a template best suited to the category at hand.  It was relatively easy to upload components to my presentation on Prezi, thanks to their tutorial, and simply navigation system. I found it quite convenient as the Menu was concise, with the confusion of too many options. When wanting to share this presentation, by clicking 'Meeting', I am provided with two options; To either send the URL of this presentation via email or IM, otherwise inviting friends to edit through the same form of communication.This program sets out the presentation in the format of a word map.

Wix is a website creator, and therefore has a contrasting layout, when compared with Prezi. Wix requests simaral infomation to Prezi at the point of registaration, with one additional restriction, of only accepting a g-mail email. Upon creating an account, we can click the page 'create' and will be presented various templates of website design, labelled under the different purpose they are constructed to suit. This aspect out runs Prezi's few templates, as the user is given copious designs from which to choose. After selecting an appropriate template, I continued editing the website.  Initially, the EXTENSIVE options given to me, are quite exciting, and creative. However when wanting to add text to a text box which already contains text, I faced an inconvenient predicament. When adding the text, the text already in the textbox will erase an underlines, colours, or italics. In terms of formating, this is an irritating quality, which extended the amount of time I spent on the presentation of the website. Another issue faced was the amount of space provided to insert a text box, image, or video, without it extending onto the Master Page. As Mr Lennon pointed out, this is a MULTIMEDIA TASK, and therefore, I had to resort decreasing the size of the textbox, in order to devote more space to multimedia. This inturn created a smaller problem, as the viewer now has to scroll down for more information, more often. Wix also takes a long time to load, as it contains immense data. Therefore, I can not work several lessons on my website. Uploading , which is affected by the school network internet, takes a very slow pace. This additionally slows my productivity towards our website in class.Though Wix does present me , as a user with several formating, as well as uploading issues, it compensates by provide innovative layouts, animations, accepting a variety of formats.

Overall Prezi, offers a more user-friendy program, when compared to Wix. Wix, however compensates it's lack of easy usage, by providing an extensive amount of creative options, which are not available in Prezi. Some of these options including animations, video animation as well as the advanced navigation system which includes Masterpages.

Collaboration – how well does the online tool allow me to work with my partner? Can we both work on the presentation at the same time?

There is no irritation or obstruction when collaborating with a partner online. We have no problem editing the same presentation as Prezi allows up to 10 users to edit at the same time. In fact, Prezi simplifies the process by providing a option to invite people to edit.

Wix allows me and my group members to collaborate from home at the same time. However, due to the school's internet, my group members and I are finding it difficult to collaborate, as the website Wix is simply not loading. In order to collaborate, as opposed to Prezi where we can simply invite on another from different accounts, the group created a group gmail, inorder to work on the same website.

 Prezi allows the groups to quickly collaborate, whereas Wix places us in a situation, where we should to create a group account. However after this, both the programs are comparable in terms of ease of collaboration. Wix does often slow down, or stop, when several group members allow access the website, let alone the same account. So this exterior influence, of the speed of the school internet does place me in favour of Prezi in terms of group collaboration. I strongly feel that Wix does however compensate with it's extensive innovative options, and navigation system.