Mobile Programming for Nokia Smartphones

Rossum recently launched a course in mobile programming using Python for the Symbian OS. Students learn how to write programs for the Nokia cell-phones to control robots and devices. Python provides a easy way of accessing the functions on the phone, such as SMS, GPS, Phonebook and Internet.

Rossum on Hip2BSquare TV Show

Hip2BSquare featured the Rossum Academy on the 24th of November show. With the producers of the TV show we played around with the idea of creating a robot to place in studio which can be controlled by the viewers from home.

We decided to build the Fischertechnik 3-Axis Robotic Arm controlled by a cell phone and challenge the viewers at home to sms the correct instructions to move a drum on the table in the studio. During the few minutes that the competition ran, the cell phone connected to the arm received almost 600 sms’es from viewers at home.

The purpose of this demonstration was to showcase the new discipline of mobile programming which we are offering at the Academy. This new mobile programming course looks at how to write software in Python for cell phones running the Symbian Operating system. This course will form part of our holiday program at the MTN Sciencentre.

Holiday Programme at MTN Sciencentre

Rossum offers a holiday programme at the MTN Sciencentre over the December and January holidays.

Where :                    MTN Sciencentre in Canal Walk Shopping Centre
When :                     See schedule below for dates.
First session 09:00-10:30
Second session 11:00-12:30
Cost :                      R75 per session.
Bookings :               Essential to book in advance at neels@rossum.co.za or
sms to 082 3343 259

Introduction to visual programming - Robo Pro (2 sessions)

This is an easy introduction to computer programming for those who have never programmed before. Students will use of a visual flowchart style programming language called Robo Pro to create simple sequences to control lights and motors.

Age group :                       8 to 13
Prerequisites :                   None.
Level :                               Lego League participants should skip this and move on to ‘Visual Programming’.

Visual programming - Robo Pro (2 sessions)
A more comprehensive look at programming concepts and the building blocks such as sub-programs, variables and flow controls. It takes off from the ‘Introduction to visual programming’ to create more complex sequences using various methods of iteration and decision-making. Students will  write  programs to control more complex machines and create user interfaces for them.
Age group:                        8 to 18
Prerequisites:                    Introduction to visual programming (unless participated in Lego League)

Introduction to Python (2 sessions)
This  is an introduction to Python, a syntax based programming language and step up from visual programming. This is the start to real programming in a language that offers sufficient scope and depth to do the things Robo Pro or the NXT Programming Language  couldn’t. See www.python.org
Age group :                         8 to 18
Prerequisites:                   Visual programming or sufficient background.

Python Programming (2 sessions)
More building blocks for Python and a follow on from the introduction. Students will look at interfacing with the sensors, motors and other devices through Python; reading input from the keybord and dealing with dates and time.
Age group :                         8 to 18
Prerequisites :                   Introduction to Python

Python Sound and Graphics (4 sessions)
An introduction to working with sound and graphics in Python. Playing music files and writing images, shapes and colors to the screen. This is the starting point for students who would like to create their own games one day.

Age group:                        8 to 18
Prerequisites :                   Python Programming or sufficient background.

Mobile Python (4 sessions)
An introduction to writing programs for the cell phone platform to control devices, send sms’es and small applications in Python for Symbian Operating system.
Age group :                      10 to 18
Prerequisites :                   Python Programming or sufficient background.

2D Design in Google Sketchup (2 sessions)
An introduction to creating 2D designs using Google Sketchup with the aim of getting it cut from paper, vinyl or Perspex. Instead of printing with ink, the designs are cut from paper and vinyl. The starting place for students who are keen to learn how to design objects, buildings and projects on the computer and manufacture them using computer controlled tools. Visit the Google Sketchup site for more information on the design software. http://sketchup.google.com/
Age group :                       8 to 18
Prerequisites :                   None

More 2D Design in Google Sketchup (2 sessions)
More projects and practical work in designing and computer controlled cutting.
Age group :                       8 to 18
Prerequisites                     2D Design in Google Sketchup

3D Design in Google Sketchup (2 sessions)

An introduction to modeling real objects in 3D using the computer. Students who either would like to one day design cars, objects, furniture and objects for computer games should start here.
Age group :                       8 to 18
Prerequisites :                   None.

More 3D Design in Google Sketchup
Further tools, techniques and practical projects in Google Sketchup.
Age group :                       8 to 18
Prerequisites :                   3D Design in Google Sketchup