DroneBlocks Simulator

DroneBlocks Simulator

   Today in IDET 4300, I was able to explore DroneBlocks Simulator. DroneBlocks Simulator is a website where you can learn how to simulate and test your code with a virtual Tello drone. I have personally never used a drone, so this Drone simulator was very descriptive and informational of how to use a Tello. 

Introduction

The introduction of the Tello was basic information which consisted of how to launch and connect to Tello, as well as some tips and safety information before use. I found the tips and safety portion really important because it will not only keep me safe, but my classmates as well. Some examples of the tips and safety tips are making sure you are in a well lit area, Tello is not alway accurate, wear appropriate attire (goggles, long hair up), and to be prepared for collisions. I also found the CSTA Standards very important because this will guide me with which skills and which standards align with the lessons I teach. 

Tello Drone Programing

After the Introduction portion, I was able to actually learn three various lessons about how to actually code the drone to do specific tasks. Important terms are blocks, code, hover, pitch, and yaw.

Lesson 1:

The first lesson is called Hello Tello. This code was a basic code using the yaw block. Yaw is the left and right rotation of the drone.  

Lesson 2:

Lesson 2 is called The Box Mission which covers how to use DroneBlocks and Tello to navigate in a box pattern. I learned two different codes on how to move the drone in a box. The first code is a box mission with the nose pointed forward.

The second way to do a box mission code is to use the "Yaw" block. The difference with this coding is the nose of the aircraft points in the direction of flight for each side of the box.

Lesson 3:

Lesson 3 is called the Loop and Flip. In programming, a very important concept to understand is the loop. Loops allow you to repeat a sequence of instructions until a condition is met. A flip is just what you would picture in your head as an airplane doing a flip in the air. Here is the code to perform a flip using the loops block. Without the loops block, the code would have the same effect but would be really long. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, it was really interesting getting to know about Tello and getting some background knowledge of how to code Tello. Each lesson had a video to it as well which was really nice having a visual. I am very excited to get hands on with the Tello Drone and try out some of these codes. 

CT Standards

1d: Develop resilience and perseverance when approaching CS and CT learning experiences, build comfort with ambiguity and open-ended problems, and see failure as an opportunity to learn and innovate.

    2c: Choose teaching approaches that help to foster an inclusive computing culture, avoid stereotype threat and equitably engage all students.

    3b: Apply effective teaching strategies to support student collaboration around computing, including pair programming, working in varying team roles, equitable workload distribution and project management.

3c: Plan collaboratively with other educators to create learning activities that cross disciplines to strengthen student understanding of CT and CS concepts and transfer application of knowledge in new contexts.

To be Continued on a new blog...