DroneBlocks Lab Experience

Summary

In this Module, I learned how to use Tello Drone through a series of videos. I then got to practice and play with the Drone Block simulation program. 

Learning about Tello

This Introduction to Tello Drone Programming included 7 lesson videos that modeled different ways to use the Tello Drone. Below are brief summaries that I put together based off the video to help me remember and use for future reference. 

Introduction

There are 3 different models of Tello Drones. Each is color coded (white, black, and red) and has updates from the previous model released. They are clever machines that can be used to amplify teaching. Tello uses sophisticated sensors and flight control logic to determine its altitude and distance.

The Box Mission

In this video the instructor modeled how to code and fly the Tello. 

Loop and Flip

Loops allows you to repeat a series of events. Loops are helpful to reduce the possibility of complex code to be out of sequence. 

Variables for the Win

Variables allow us to adjust the increments of the distances with each loop and make the code more manageable and allows the software to be easy to modify the code. 

Adding Logic With If/Else Statements

Using logic adds intelligence to code. With loops, variables, and logic, you can create powerful Tello missions.

Land in Your Hand

Create a simple code, get in position for Tello to Land in Your Hand.

Simulation

I visited the DroneBlocks Simulator and first viewed the "Minimal" simulation to see a basic example run. I then adjusted some of the code to see how it would alter the result. I then deleted half of the code and added new code that would get the drone to land back at the takeoff pad. When adding the new code, I also incorporated flips which the original code did not have. 

Above is the code for the trial run with my adjustments. I began to alter the code at fly backward 30 in. The line that meets in the center of the drone is the landing point and the line that meets with the drone's propeller is the starting point.

Above is a screen recording of my first drone simulation.

After some practice in the "Minimal" simulation, I then played in the "City" simulation to which I made my drone land at the Cafe. This was more fun because I had an objective and it was as if I was walking through the city. This practice did take me about 30 minutes but it was fun to do. I can see this being a class activity that can either allow students to choose where they want to go or having them figure out a way to get to a destination that the teacher wants them to reach. 

Above is my code that got me to the Cafe in the "City" simulation.

Standards 

5.4.a- Design CT activities where data can be obtained, analyzed and represented to support problem-solving and learning in other content areas.

Students create and analyze code to get the drone to move or display certain actions. Computational thinking, or problem solving is done in the process.

5.4.d- Create CS and CT learning environments that value and encourage varied viewpoints, student agency, creativity, engagement, joy and fun.

This learning activity allows students to show their creativity. They can personalize the actions that they want their drone and/or where they want their drone to go. This allows the students to have fun while problem solving in computing systems and programming.  

Wrap Up Q's and A's

• What coded flight script did you create from which tutorial?

I visited the "City" simulation and created my own flight code that included a combination of Navigation and Flips.

• How can you teach students about the coding scripts involved?

I could use my screencast as a model to show the action of the code. After, my students and I could do a practice run by reaching a destination together. In independent practice, I could give students the option to create a unique code that reaches a destination of their choice in the "City" simulation. Or, I could give students a destination to reach and have them figure out how to get to that specific destination.

• How can you facilitate the edition of code to provide quick coding experiences for students and family members?

I could have my screencast easily available along with other videos that show different trial runs. These videos will demonstrate the drone displaying certain actions or movements when certain code is going. I could also have a link to the DroneBlocks example videos that break down the code as well.