Andy TaylorComputer Games, Computers, Consumer Electronics, Education, Hardware, Mobile Apps, Mobile Games, Robotics, Tablets, Technology News, , , ,

Learning the Code with Tynker

For some of us lucky to have experienced DOS, we can appreciate the process of typing in a few lines of “Basic” coding and accomplishing a task. While the coding has become more complex, the ability to handle task can be created easily with the help from Tynker.

http://www.tynker.com

If you haven’t  become aware of what Tynker is, the Company develops programs to help teach children and adults alike to learn the processes of coding.  Students of the Coding Arts will experience everything from designing blocks to outputting code in JavaScript and Python languages. Visitors to the Tynker website will see courses for not only Children, they will view options for parents as well as educators.

The Coding education can take place in a classroom as well as self paced courses with those learning Coding while designing elements of minecraft or other games.

An announced collaboration today between Tynker and Parrot can now expand the learning to code feature to Drones manufactured by Parrot. According to the company those wanted to learn to code through Tynker and Parrot will learn;

  • Programming a drone’s flight path from takeoff to landing
  • Building a drone controller to pilot a drone in real time
  • Programming flips, turns, and other aerial stunts
  • Integrating loops and variables to make geometric patterns
  • Coding games such as Flappy Drone and drone racing
  • Taking an aerial photo and sharing it with friends or classmates

According to the Tynker website, 50 Million children in over 200 countries are experiencing coding through Tynker in educational system .  With Parrot Mambo Code, users will be able to create and easily understand the outcome of codes as they apply to a drone.

A Bundle has been put together by Tynker and Parrot which includes a Parrot Mambo minidrone and a six-month premium subscription to Tynker. The minidrone comes complete with a mini-ball launcher, grabber, 50 plastic balls, USB cable, and battery; the Tynker subscription includes eight mobile (iPad) coding courses, 18 online coding courses, over 350 puzzle levels, more than 100 tutorials, and a virtual drone flight simulation course. For More Information visit the Tynker website at http://www.tynker.com or Parrot site at www.parrot.com/minidrones/parrot-mambo-code

 

Andy TaylorLeave a commentConsumer Electronics, Entertainment, Mobile Apps, Robotics, Social Media, Technology News, TechtalkRadio, ,

HitchBOT – Traveling Across the US – Well that didn’t go too well??

It all began July 27th as Hitch-Bot, a project with success in Canada – Germany and the Netherlands, embarked on an impressive trip across the United States.

The Plan, Travel from Massachusetts across the United States to San Francisco and along the way stop in great United States treasures such as Times Square, Mount Rushmore and even the Grand Canyon with other landmarks suggested along the way.

The goal for this 3ft 25pound “robot” was, and I repeat, was to head across the states with the help of the generosity of people. Ride’s and Electrical Outlets would help take the HitchBot in this journey across the country.
Sadly, on the 1st of August – HitchBot’s journey across the US came to an end with this message posted on the HitchBit twitter feed

“Oh dear, my body was damaged, but I live on back home and with all my friends. I guess sometimes bad things happen to good robots! My trip must come to an end for now, but my love for humans will never fade. Thank you to all my friends.”

HitchBot was vandalized and left for dead, his head and limbs pulled off – reminiscent of the fate of C-3PO in The Empire Strikes Back a grisly photo was posted on Canadian Journalist Lauren O’Neil twitter feed

Photo of Hitchbox from Lauren O'Neill at Twitter
Photo of Hitchbox from Lauren O’Neill at Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

 

A message from the family was posted on the website for Hitchbox

hitchBOT’s trip came to an end last night in Philadelphia after having spent a little over two weeks hitchhiking and visiting sites in Boston, Salem, Gloucester, Marblehead, and New York City. Unfortunately, hitchBOT was vandalized overnight in Philadelphia; sometimes bad things happen to good robots. We know that many of hitchBOT’s fans will be disappointed, but we want them to be assured that this great experiment is not over. For now we will focus on the question “what can be learned from this?” and explore future adventures for robots and humans.

We have no interest in pressing charges or finding the people who vandalized hitchBOT; we wish to remember the good times, and we encourage hitchBOT’s friends and fans to do the same

Hopefully next time, Hitchbox can start out in Arizona