7P5 & 6 Robots

For this portion of my Robot project, I had to pick a robot to work with and a function I wanted it to perform. For this I chose the iRobot to draw a flower. To make this project I used the iRobot app my iPad to create the code. I had to use the level 2 code setting which is more sophisticated and had the correct functions for my code. After my code was finished I connected to my iRobot. Once connected I used a white board mat to have the code run on. Finally when my code was made, the robot was connected and the mat was ready I inserted the blue expo marker to draw with. I started my code and as part of it after a section of it was complete I switched the blue marker to red for the pedals of the flower.

During this portion of my project I learned a few fascinating things about the iRobot and its coding. First, I learned with the iRobot app there are three levels of coding that you can use. Earlier in this project I had used level one. For this activity I found it much easier to use the second level, as for the third level I believe it is python and don´t think I will try that for a while given its complexity. Second, I learned that the simulation on the iRobot app is of create help when you know what you want to make but not sure how to make it. The simulation gives you a visual of what you are coding without having to use an iRobot yet. There was a lot to learn since I never worked with this robot before but these were what stood out to me. 

Of the 7 standards that Michigan Integrated Technology Competencies for Students has set  (Empowered Learner, Digital Citizen, Knowledge Constructor, Innovative Designer, Computational Thinker, Creative Communicator, and Global Collaborator) My project ties to Computational Thinker. I chose Computational Thinker because of being so new to this type of digital media, I had to problem solve from when I thought of this project, up to half way through the first finished copy video. In order to be a Computational Thinker I needed to explain my project creatively, which I have done when asked by my peers. At the beginning of the year my teacher, Mr. Renner, provided a explanation of all the class standards, for the Computational Thinker explanation he said we had to use technological tools I did this using my iPad to create a code on the iRobot app. He also made it a requirement to show understanding of automation, so I can relate this to how I used the automated robot, iRobot. I also had to have a sequence to the way I made my code. 

A challenge that I had to overcome in this long process was how to go about coding my design. I had a vision in my head that turned out differently than that visual, if it was good or not you´ll have to decide. The way the coding was set seemed a little daunting, given the fact I did not know how to make what I had decided on, but I soon discovered the simulator and that helped substantially. I also was on a time crunch I had to video and run my code by myself on two separate iPads. 

Given a chance to do this again, I would spend more time on the center of the flower. My original thought was to put a circle in the middle of the flower but I did not have enough time to complete that, so I shortened the code and went without that part. I also would have liked different colors for the stem and pedals.

The Hastings High School Career and Technical Education Program offers Agriculture, Business Management, Computer Programming, Construction Trades, Culinary Arts, Digital Multimedia, Engineering Design, Finance, Insurance, and Marketing. This project helped me propare for a job in the field of Digital Multimedia. This could help me work with machinery in factories, engineering computer software, coding and designing robots, and any job that needs experience with advanced coding knowledge.