Mak-Trace provides an environment in which the user can program a character to move and draw on a grid. In the first release the grid is 10x15 and the character can only be programmed to go forwards or backwards (of one side of a square at the time) or to turn 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise. The characters can be dragged on the grid to choose a starting position and then they will leave a trace mark as they move according to the steps the user programs. Programmed sequences can be saved as "macros" and added to the possible commands to give to the character. Different backgrounds can be chosen for the characters to draw on. At the moment there are three types of backgrounds: free, mazes, or with proposed traces to program. To transition to a more "coordinate-looking" environment the characters' size can be reduced to a point and the transparency of the background increased to 100%. Some may recognize Mak-Trace as a simplified version of Logo. My aim was to create an environment accessible to young children, by offering an intuitive iconic programming language.

Mak-Trace

BACCAGLINI-FRANK, ANNA ETHELWYN;
2012-01-01

Abstract

Mak-Trace provides an environment in which the user can program a character to move and draw on a grid. In the first release the grid is 10x15 and the character can only be programmed to go forwards or backwards (of one side of a square at the time) or to turn 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise. The characters can be dragged on the grid to choose a starting position and then they will leave a trace mark as they move according to the steps the user programs. Programmed sequences can be saved as "macros" and added to the possible commands to give to the character. Different backgrounds can be chosen for the characters to draw on. At the moment there are three types of backgrounds: free, mazes, or with proposed traces to program. To transition to a more "coordinate-looking" environment the characters' size can be reduced to a point and the transparency of the background increased to 100%. Some may recognize Mak-Trace as a simplified version of Logo. My aim was to create an environment accessible to young children, by offering an intuitive iconic programming language.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11568/830439
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