1. The Slug!
Learning Introductory Programming through Storytelling: Characters
Project by: Anastasia Oldham
Mentor: Dean Zeller
Frontiers of Science Institute, 2016
University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639
Oldham Family Scholar
Abstract:
The goal of this project was to explore the artistic value of computer programming, through the Python programming environment. Working in a team to produce an interactive story, this project explored the art of character design. Using programming, a slug character was created with multiple color and pose parameters. The end result was four color parameters and seven pose parameters, resulting in over 300,000 possible different poses.
Introduction:
Art through programming
Encourage programming
Worked in a group
Made main character from an existing template
Results:
Color parameters
Ears
Arms
Eye Shape and Pupil
Mouth
As the linear story required a scene for the slug to appear bloated after eating lots of food, a special pose parameter was given to the body.
Discussion:
Encourage learning programming
Over 300,000 poses, millions possible
Collaboration with team
More Poses
No pose is repeated on this poster.
The actual number of poses is 307,200
Works Cited:
[1].. "USING STORYTELLING TO MOTIVATE PROGRAMMING." 50.7 (2007): Web. 21 June
2016.
[2] Kelleher, Caitlin, Randy Pausch, and Sara Kiesler. "Storytelling Alice Motivates Middle School
Girls to Learn Computer Programming." Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems - CHI '07 (2007): Web. 21 June 2016.
[3] Moskal, Barbara, Deborah Lurie, and Stephen Cooper. "Evaluating the Effectiveness of a New
Instructional Approach." SIGCSE Bull. ACM SIGCSE Bulletin 36.1 (2004): n. pag. Web. 21 June 2016.
[4] Markey, Donna. "How to Use Scratch for Digital Storytelling." Web log post. Common Sense
Graphite, 12 May Web. 21 June 2016.
[5] "Creating a Character." Digital Storytelling with Scratch Programming. N.p., n.d. Web. 21
June 2016.
[6] Make Human Team. Make Human, Open Source Tool for Making 3D Characters. Make
Human, Web. 21 June 2016.
[7] Black Desert Character Creator. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2016.
[9]DAUM. "Black Desert Online." FREEMMOSTATION.com. N.p., 9 Oct Web. 21 June
[10] "FUSE." Fuse on Steam. Mixamo, n.d. Web. 21 June 2016.
[11] Dawson, Michael. "Character Creator for a Role Playing Game." Code Review. N.p., 29 Jan.
2015. Web. 21 June 2016.
[12] Wade, Charles. "Character Creator Python Program." GitHubGist. N.p., Web. 21 June
[13] Mudbox. Computer software. Vers N.p., n.d. Web
[14] Maya. Computer software. Vers N.p., n.d. Web
Methods:
Draw reference sketch
Draw pixel-based coordinate system design
Abstract window system template
Acknowledgements:
Many thanks to the Oldham Family and Lori Ball, whose funding and support made this experience and project possible.
Thank you to Dean Zeller, whose guidance and mentorship throughout this experience has been invaluable.
Thank you to UNC for hosting the FSI program, and providing this wonderful experience to young scholars.
Thank you for supporting me!
Thanks for coming!