[Promotion-technology] Code Jumper project

[rjaquiss]

Hello Colleagues:

 

     A while back on this list, there was a note about a forthcoming product
called Code Jumper.

 

On January 31, 2019, at the ATIA conference, I attended a demonstration of
Code Jumper a project developed at Microsofft and now soon to be marketed by
APH.

The purpose of Code Jumper is to teach students basic concepts of computer
coding.

The system consists of a base unit and several different modules which are
connected to each other using 3mm connectors like those used on earphone/mic
sets for iPhones. 

The base module is controled by a PC. 

Each module contains an integrated cord ending in a plug. The plug carries
the output signal. Modules also contain one or more 3mm jacks 

which serve for inputs.

The modules are:   

ACTION; An action module performs a task. The type of task is selected by
rotating one of two knobs on the action module. The speed of the 

action is set by rotating the second knob. The action selector is smooth and
the speed control is knurled. 

LOOP; The Loop module is connected to a sequence of one or more Action
modules. A knob on the Loop module sets the number of times 

the loop is to iterate.  

IF or conditional branch; The If module contains one input and two outputs.
The branching is controlled by adjusting knobs on the module.

The base unit sets a theme for the program. In the demonstration, a cowboy
theme was selected. The action modules could select various 

sounds such as a "yee haw", horse etc. The demonstration set up an Action
module to play "yee haw" connected to a Loop module which 

played the sound three times. After the loop was completed, another Action
module played the sound of a horse.

The demo was modified to include an IF module. Adjusting the knobs on the IF
module allowed the program to either play a horse sound or piano sound.

Code Jumper is intended for primary children. No files can be saved and no
code is actually generated. The system is expected to sell in the 

$1,000 range.

A lot of time and expense was used to create Code Jumper. Given the apparent
limitations, I can't imagine students spending a lot of time with Code
Jumper except for early primary school children.

 

Regards,

 

Robert