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Topics this week: read, study, learn each of the items below:

Lesson 1: Introduction to CMSC100

Goal: Learn all of the skills necessary to succeed in this course.
Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Read the syllabus;
• Introduce yourself to your classmates;
• Join a study group;
• Watch the welcome video;
• Find the professors name and contact information in the syllabus;
• When are the professors office hours?
• Find how many quizzes and projects there will be in this class;
• Know what percent of the grade each quiz, discussion, or project is;
• Find what day everything is due;
• Find 2 places to get help;
• Read each section of Blackboard and find one SECRET to SUCCESS;
• Learn about grading and class policies.

Lesson 2: Introduction to Alice 3

Goals:

• Download and install the latest version of Alice and run it;
• Learn to navigate the user interface;
• Learn about some of the 3D models in Alice.

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Download and install Alice (or find a computer lab with Alice.);
• Select a template, such as grass, moon, sea floor, etc.;
• Toggle between the scene editor and the code view windows;
• In the code view window, locate each of the panels;
• Name 3 classes in the Alice gallery;
• Be able to search for an object in the gallery.

Lesson 3: Your First program: Hello World

Goals:

• Write your first program in Alice3;
• Be able to create a scene by selecting a template;
• Add a character and other objects to the scene;
• Create and edit code;
• Understand how to add comments and why they are important;
• Be able to debug simple errors.

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Write your first Alice program;
• You will learn to add code;
• Create and modify a scene in the design view;
• Select and add 3D characters to the scene;
• Select, add and modify people;
• Use the arrows to move, rotate, and resize the characters and other objects;
• Move the camera and change the angle;
• Add comments with your name and description of the program;
• Create code to have the character say "Hello World";
• Run the program, test, debug, and save it.

Lesson 4: The Software-Lifecycle

Goals:

• Learn how to use some tools for planning;
• Designing and managing larger software projects;
• Break the program into small manageable parts.

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Algorithms: Analyze the problem and determine the best way to achieve the goals;
• Pseudocode: Decompose the problem using step wise refinement;
• Storyboards: Create a graphical layout for the design;
• Flowcharts: Analyze the problem using standard symbols to illustrate the sequence of actions;
• Truth tables: Create a table of all possible combinations and the desired outcomes.

Due in Blackboard by Midnight, Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Initial post in discussions: 1. Introductions, 2. Reaction to Alice
First attempt at quizzes: 1: Syllabus, 2: Introduction to Alice, 3: The Software-Lifecycle

Due in Blackboard by Midnight, Sunday, March 31, 2024

Final Project Design: Step 1: Proposal, Step 1: Proposal, Step 2: Algorithm and Storyboard
Assignments: In Blackboard: Check major and submit Academic Integrity statement, Program 1: Hello World
Last chance to take quizzes: 1: Syllabus, 2: Introduction to Alice, 3: The Software-Lifecycle
Last chance to respond in discussions: 1. Introductions, 2. Reaction to Alice

Topics this week: read, study, learn each of the items below:

Lesson 5: Start, Save, Reopen and modify your program

Goals:

• Learn ways to start a new project;
• Modify, save, save as, and reopen your project;
• Set preferences.

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Instead of selecting a template choose other tabs: starters, my projects, recent, file;
• Use the arrows to move, rotate. and resize the characters and other objects;
• Move the camera and change the angle;
• Edit an existing project;
• Add parameters to commands;
• Set the preferences to see Java style code;

Lesson 6: Understanding the Alice Virtual World

Goals:

• Understand how objects view the world;
• Learn how to move objects in the Alice virtual world;
• Be able to move, turn and roll the objects that make up your scene;
• Gain a deeper understanding of objects in the Alice virtual world.

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Understand the basic principles of object motion and rotation;
• How Objects see the Virtual World: Video demonstrates move, turn and roll;
• Understand that each object has a sense of direction;
• Be able to add code to move, turn and roll;
• Use a sequence of actions to create a dance routine, or other complex action.

Lesson 7: Setting up the Alice Virtual World

Goals:

• Learn how to change the properties and position of the objects;
• Learn how to change the properties and position of the camera;
• Learn to fine tune your ability to position objects in the Alice virtual world;

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Use the handles to turn, roll, and move objects;
• View the scene from starting view, layout, top, side, or front;
• Use different camera views to position objects;
• Change the ground, opacity; add fog, light from above and below;
• Use one shots to move, turn and roll in design view;
• Be able to assign vehicles to objects.

Lesson 8: Posing Objects in Alice3

Goals:

• >Pose the 3D characters by positioning subparts such as arms,legs;
• Create poses using both design tools and code;
• Positioned subparts using turn and roll;
• Understand that you cannot move a subpart as that would separate it from its body;
• Position subparts at design time in the scene editor;
• Position subparts during execution using code;
• Understand that each subpart has its own orientation and sense of direction;
• Realize that the sense of direction for subparts may not be the same as its parent object;
• Understand that some poses and action may use several subparts.

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Use tools in design mode to move, turn and resize the 3D actors in the design mode;
• Write code to move, turn and roll the characters;
• Use tools in design mode to turn and roll the subparts such as arms and legs;
• Implement OneShots to turn and roll the subparts such as arms and legs.
;
• Be able to create a pose using several subparts.

Due in Blackboard by Midnight, Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Initial post in discussion: 6. Motivation
First attempt at quizzes: 6: The Alice Virtual World, 7: Poses in Alice3

Due in Blackboard by Midnight, Sunday, April 7, 2024

Final Project Design:
Assignments: Program 3: A Comic
Last chance to take quizzes: 6: The Alice Virtual World, 7: Poses in Alice3
Last chance to respond in discussion: 6. Motivation

Topics this week: read, study, learn each of the items below:

Lesson 9: Scene Procedures in Alice 3

Goal: Learn how to create Scene Procedures and use them for top down design.
Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Be able to create a Scene Procedure;
• Be able to call a Scene Procedure;
• Use Scene Procedures for Top Down Design;
• Disable a call to a Scene Procedure to facilitate testing and debugging.

Lesson 10: Variables in Alice 3

Goals:

• Learn about variables and how to use them;
• Declare variables;
• Assign them values.

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Name the different types in Alice;
• Name variables and objects correctly;
• Declare a variable and give it an initial value;
• Use the assign statement to give a variable a new value;
• Select and use functions to ask the user a question and store the result;
• Experiment with the tools available in Alice3;
• Use constants appropriately.

Lesson 11: User Input in Alice3

Goals:

• Learn how to get input from the user;
• Store those values in variables;
• Ask the user for information such as his name and age;
• Use that information later in the program.

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Select and use functions to ask the user a question and store the result;
• Use functions to get information from the user;
• Use stored values in the code;
• Use input from users in the code.

Due in Blackboard by Midnight, Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Initial post in discussions: 3. Hello World, 4. Storyboard, 5. Variables
First attempt at quizzes: 4: Hello World & Scene Procedures, 5: Variables and User Input

Due in Blackboard by Midnight, Sunday, April 14, 2024

Final Project Design: Step 3: Scenery & Characters, Step 4: Interactions
Assignments: Program 2: Talk to the User
Last chance to take quizzes: 4: Hello World & Scene Procedures, 5: Variables and User Input
Last chance to respond in discussions: 3. Hello World, 4. Storyboard, 5. Variables

Topics this week: read, study, learn each of the items below:

Lesson 12: A Little Math

Goals:

• Learn to do simple math using arithmetic operators;
• Learn to use a counter;
• Learn to find a total.

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Use assign and math to assign a value;
• Create code to do math using just one step;
• Find a total, percent and other values.

Lesson 13: Boolean Expressions: true or false

Goals:

• Use Boolean expressions to make comparisons;
• Use the if/else control structure to create different paths or branches in the code;
• Perform tasks such as asking the user a question and tell if the answer is right;
• Gain a deeper understanding of objects in the Alice virtual world.

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Write code to input answers of various types from the user;
• Apply if/else control structures to tell the user if his answer is right or wrong;
• Implement a counter to display the score at the end;
• Use the function getBooleanFromUser to get true or false answers;
• Write code to compare values and take appropriate actions;
• Be able to use AND and OR in Boolean expressions;
• Use the function getHeight to find the taller of two animals.

Lesson 14: Creating Animation in Alice3

Goals:

• Learn use the control structure doInOrder;
• Learn use the control structure doTogether;
• Learn use the control structure count (a loop);
• Learn use the control structure while (a loop);
• Learn how to combine these control structures to create 3D animation;
• Learn how to create and edit markers;
• Use markers in the animation code;
• Use subparts in the animation code.

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Utilize control structures in your code;
• Determine which control structures to use for more natural movements;
• Implement loop control structures count and while to wave, clap, shake the head, and stomp the feet!;
• Use markers to move an object to a set position.;
• Edit object markers: add, delete, re-rename, and change the color;
• Create an animation that uses several subparts, such as walking.;

Due in Blackboard by Midnight, Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Initial post in discussions: 7. Poses, 8. Boolean Operations
First attempt at quizzes: 8: Arithmetic and Boolean Operations, 9: Animation

Due in Blackboard by Midnight, Sunday, April 21, 2024

Final Project Design: Step 4: Interactions, Step 5: Animations
Assignments: Program 4: Math, Program 5: A Quiz, Program 6: Animation
Last chance to take quizzes: 8: Arithmetic and Boolean Operations, 9: Animation
Last chance to respond in discussions: 7. Poses, 8. Boolean Operations

Topics this week: read, study, learn each of the items below:

Lesson 15: Class Procedures in Alice3: Reusable Code

Goals:

• Learn to create class procedures;
• Create procedures for an object to perform actions such as walk or jump;
• Understand the advantages of creating procedures;
• Use the procedure many times and for many objects;
• Decompose a program into functional subprograms;
• Use parameters to give the procedure information;
• Use parameters so that the same procedure can vary in speed, repetions, or distance;
• Use parameters to pass an object, such as a marker, or another object.

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Write code to animate a character, then convert that code to a procedure;
• Utilize parameters for flexibility;
• Decompose a program into subprograms;
• Make sure that myFirstMethod is mostly calls to procedures and functions.

Lesson 16: Calculations and Functions

Goals:

• Know how to use builtin functions such as getHeight to retrieve information about an object;
• Learn to do calculations using functions;
• Learn to use counters using functions;
• Learn to find totals using functions;
• Learn to create functions.

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Build arithmetic expressions using functions;
• Use variables, functions, and assign statements;
• Create code to do calculations using multiple variables and steps;
• Write a function to do calculations;
• Create a function to get distance to move next to something;
• Use a loop to add numbers uses a running total: total=total + number.

Lesson 17: Random Numbers

Goals:

• Learn to use random numbers;
• Understand how random numbers make it possible to create games;
• Understand how random numbers make the movements of the characters more natural.

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Write code to generate random numbers in 2 different ways;
• Use random values in your animation procedures so that characters move more naturally;
• Use loops to create a number guessing game with hints 'too high' and 'too low';

Due in Blackboard by Midnight, Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Initial post in discussions: 9. Animation, 10. Calculations and Random Numbers
First attempt at quizzes: 10: Class Procedures, 11: Calculations and Random Numbers

Due in Blackboard by Midnight, Sunday, April 28, 2024

Final Project Design: Step 6: Biped Procedures
Assignments: Program 7: An Exercise Class, Program 8: A Soccer Game
Last chance to take quizzes: 10: Class Procedures, 11: Calculations and Random Numbers
Last chance to respond in discussions: 9. Animation, 10. Calculations and Random Numbers

Topics this week: read, study, learn each of the items below:

Lesson 18: Arrays: Working with lists of objects

Goals:

• Learn to declare and use arrays (lists);
• Understand how arrays can act on groups of objects together;
• Learn to create array of different types, including objects;
• Use the control structures that operate on arrays;
• Define parallel arrays and name ways to use them;
• Be able to use arrays of segments.

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Declare a variable to be an array;
• Create code to assign initial values to an array;
• Use subscripts or index to access the elements of the array;
• Utilize loop control structures to process all of the elements of the array;
• Create and process arrays of different data types, including arrays of objects;
• Understand the purpose of parallel arrays and ways to use them;
• Experiment with arrays of segments.

Lesson 19: Advanced Techniques: The finishing touches

Goals:

• Be able to create more interesting movies;
• Use vehicles;
• Download and use sound in your movie;
• Use billboards to display pictures;
• Add camera position to scene changes;
• Change the ground and visibility of objects;
• Use panels and text;
• Use asSeenBy to change the scene view;
• Add transitions to scene changes;
• Export and import procedures and functions;
• Add properties to a class

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Implement markers to move to specific locations.;
• Utilize vehicles to move two objects together;
• Add sound to an Alice project.;
• Create billboards and camera positions to change scenes;
• Use text objects to create headlines;
• Write code that uses the argument asSeenBy to show movement through the eyes of another object;
• Create scene procedures and change the ground and visibility of objects;
• Adding transitions to scene changes;
• Use camera markers to switch from scene on the left and one on the right;
• Add properties to a class.

Due in Blackboard by Midnight, Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Initial post in discussions: 11. Arrays, 12. Advanced Techniques

Due in Blackboard by Midnight, Sunday, May 5, 2024

Final Project Design: Step 7: Arrays
Assignments: Program 9: Arrays, Program 10: Advanced Techniques
Last chance to respond in discussions: 11. Arrays, 12. Advanced Techniques

Topics this week: read, study, learn each of the items below:

Lesson 20: Events: Responding to the Mouse and Keyboard

Goals:

• Learn to make your program more interactive using events;
• Understand that an event is something that happens;
• Add a listener to code what happens when an event occurs;
• Allow the user to control the action using the keyboard and the mouse;
• Detect collisions and write the code for what to do when a collision occurs;
• Use a timer;
• Create background sounds;
• Create background animation.

Objectives: In order to do this you will:

• Create code to implement event listeners for various events;
• Write code to determine which key on the keyboard was pressed;
• Write code to determine which object was clicked;
• Use control structures to specify which actions to take when an event occurs;
• Use addSceneActivationListener to create a continuous action while other actions take place;
• Play background music using initializeEventListeners;
• Write code the uses default model manipulation in event listeners to let the user drag and drop objects at run time;
• Use collision detection to make something happen when objects collide;
• Write code for the keypress event; for example typing a letter to make a selection;
• Add object mover for an object so that the user can move it with the arrow keys;
• Use the timer event to make an action occur at random intervals.

Lesson 21: Final Projects

Goal: In this unit, you will present your final project to the class
In order to do this you will:

• Add the final touches
• create an MP4 movie
• Present the movie in discussions
• Submit the a3p file in assignments

Due in Blackboard by Midnight, Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Initial post in discussion: Present your final project in Blackboard
First attempt at quiz: 12: Arrays, Advanced Techniques, and Events

Due in Blackboard by Midnight, Sunday, May 12, 2024

Final Project Design: Step 8: Events
Assignments: Program 11: Events (optional), Final Project
Last chance to take quiz: 12: Arrays, Advanced Techniques, and Events
Last chance to respond in discussion: Present your final project in Blackboard