Greenfoot - An introduction
- 2. Background ⢠Developed by University of Kent for school age learners (suggested age 13 upwards). ⢠Teaches object-oriented programming and Java in a visual and interactive way. ⢠Develop 2-D graphical applications, such as simulations and interactive games â comes with a range of scenarios.
- 3. Introduction ⢠Interesting (unique?) idea to teach novice programmers object-oriented concepts. ⢠Hands-on approach, coming back to the theory later. ⢠Make programming âinteresting, relevant and enjoyableâ.
- 4. Programming model ⢠World class (screen area) ⢠Actor class (objects can be programmed to act independently). ⢠Programming a âscenarioâ consists mainly of implementing act methods for the scenario's actors. ⢠Greenfoot offers methods to easily program these actors, including methods for movement, rotation, changes of appearance, collision detection, etc. ⢠Greenfoot also provides methods for animation, sound, randomisation, and image manipulation. All standard Java libraries can be used.
- 5. Computing concepts ⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠Abstraction Class/object relationship Methods Parameters Object interaction Inheritance
- 6. Pedagogy ⢠Motivate learners with a highly interactive environment using graphics, sound and gaming challenges. ⢠Encourage exploration and experimentation. ⢠Based on constructivist and apprenticeship approaches. ⢠Experimental learning ⢠Hands-on program development
- 7. Teaching support ⢠Greenfoot â Download, support, tutorials ⢠Greenroom - The Greenfoot Educators Community ⢠Joy of Code provides an excellent set of video tutorials introducing Greenfoot.
- 8. Technical stuff ⢠⢠⢠⢠Version 2.3.0 Open-source (free!) Requires Java 6 or Java 7 JDK. Runs on all platforms
- 9. Summary ⢠Teaching young people Object Oriented programming, rather than a traditional procedural language. ⢠Making programming fun by creating games. ⢠Allowing students to explore what is possible. ⢠Full Java libraries available so extension activities are endless.