Introduction to Flowol
- 2. Visual programming tool No syntax to remember Allows you to create control programs
- 3. Flowol supports: Sequences of instructions Branching using decisions Loops (infinite, based on a condition or count) Variables and simple variable manipulation Sub-procedures (parameters optional) Multiple parallel threads
- 4. Flowol can be used to create programs to control the following: Mimics Control boxes Microcontrollers
- 5. A mimic is a controllable picture. We can control the traffic lights in this mimic e.g. turn them on and off.
- 6. Used to connect: • Inputs – switches, temperature sensors, light sensors. • Outputs – LEDs, bulbs and motors. Connect to the computer via COM or USB ports. Protect the computer and interface from damage by incorrectly connecting devices.
- 7. Low-cost microchips which can control the same devices that control boxes can. Great for Key Stage 3 and 4 where electronics forms part of the course. Flowol will compile and download the flowchart to the chip. The microcontroller can then be run remotely from the computer.
- 8. Flowol can be easily introduced as an extension to flowcharts as it uses the same basic symbols.
- 9. We can drag and drop these symbols on to the Flowol canvas to create our own flows.
- 10. Students of all ability levels can be given tasks to understand many computational thinking concepts, without the need to remember syntax. A range of mimics are available to provide more difficult activities. Hardware can also be used to further engage the students.