2008 GCER Preconference
July 7, 2008
We are pleased to announce that the 2008 Global Conference on Educational Robotics will feature four preconference sessions! Preconference is scheduled for Monday, July 7, 2008. You can choose to attend ONE full day session on one of the following topics:
Pre-Conference sessions cost $60 per participant. Children 12 and under must be supervised by an adult who is registered for and attending the same pre-conference session. Each session runs from 9 am until 5 pm with a one hour lunch break. Please see below for details on all preconference sessions
Preconference Registration
Register online for preconference sessions.
Beginning Programming
Instructor: Charles Winton
This class features beginning programming topics using Interactive C and the XBC simulator. The class is designed for people with little or no experience with programming and requires the use of a laptop computer as outlined below:
Your machine must run one of these three operating systems:
- Mac OS X 10.2 or later
- Windows XP, 2000 or Vista
- Linux
It must also have:
- A CD Rom drive
- Privileges to install new software on the computer
Interactive Robotic Art
Instructors: Andrew Fagg and Adam Brown
How can we create art that can react to the behavior of the people that view it? This hands-on workshop will cover the basics of programming tiny computers that can sense the presence of visitors and respond with light and sound effects. We will emphasize interactive group approaches to creating computer science and engineering solutions to artistic problems. Minimal assumptions will be made about prior computing experience.
Simple Video Game Programming
Instructor: David Miller
This workshop assumes a working knowledge of the C or IC programming languages. We will use the KISS C programming environment, which includes a basic graphics library. Participants will learn how to program simple (2D) graphical objects, move them across the screen, determine if they are intersecting, and other basics of video game programming. Examples of some simple games will be provided that participants will enhance or use as a starting point for games of their own. Note that when imagining the type of video game covered in this class one should think of classic arcade games (Pac-Man rather then GTA).
Each participant must bring their own computer as outlined below:
- Mac OS X 10.3, 10.4 or 10.5
- Windows XP or Vista
- Many versions Linux
- Must have privileges to install new software on the computer
SolidWorks CAD Design
Instructor: Matthew Oelke
This class is designed for people with little to no experience using SolidWorks CAD software. The class will begin with a brief overview of SolidWorks followed by learning to create some basic LEGO pieces. After that, the complete 2008 parts library will be provided for participants to learn and practice the following skills: mating pieces, advanced mating, moving parts, creating assemblies, animating assemblies, photo realistic rendering, and creating movies.
This class requires the use of a laptop computer as outlined below:
- Windows XP
- Windows 2000
- It does NOT run on MacIntosh operating systems or Linux
- The software that will be available to class members will NOT work on Vista, however, if you have a personal copy pre-installed that will be fine.
It must also have:
- A DVD Rom drive
- Privileges to install new software on the computer