Agent-based end-user development

Abstract

Here, we describe how to facilitate EUD [4] by employing an agent-based approach as a means to create domain-oriented design environments (DODEs). We present two examples using the AgentSheets substrate:Domain-oriented languages. Domain-oriented end-user programming languages are used to define the behavior of agents; for example, creating speech-based Web interfaces that pragmatically analyze and summarize information.Domain-oriented agents. Agents can be used like building blocks in domain-oriented construction kits; for example, using agent-based design environments to allow people to learn about bridge design.AgentSheets initially grew from the idea of building a new kind of computational media that allows casual computer users to

Using scalable game design to promote 3D fluency: Assessing the AgentCubes incremental 3D end-user development framework

“…They should enable students to easily create simple content, but also allow the creation of more sophisticated content. AgentSheets [9,10], our 2D simulation and game authoring tool, has a low threshold and a relatively high ceiling, but AgentCubes raises the ceiling considerably while keeping the threshold low. Rich media such as audio, 2D images, and 3D models, a 3D environment with layers, and camera controls to switch perspectives (first person vs. bird's eye view), and sophisticated user-controlled animations enable the creation of 3D games.…”

AgentCubes: Incremental 3D end-user development

“…They should enable students to easily create simple content, but also allow the creation of more sophisticated content. AgentSheets [7,9], our 2D simulation and game-authoring tool, has a low threshold and a relatively high ceiling, but AgentCubes raises the ceiling considerably while keeping the threshold low. Rich media such as audio, 2D images, and 3D models, a 3D environment with layers, and camera controls to switch perspectives (first-person vs. bird's eye view), and sophisticated user-controlled animations enable the creation of 3D games.…”

“…Game design [4] and computational science [5] are gradually establishing themselves as application domains capable of balancing the educational and motivational concerns of IT fluency and attracting not only boys, but students underrepresented in CS such as girls and minorities. In fact, an independent study conducted by the Stanford School of Education using AgentSheets [6][7][8][9], our 2D authoring environment, suggested that girls and boys alike are interested in game design [10]. With the right combination of tools, curriculum and teacher training, game design can be employed effectively to teach IT to middle school students in a motivating way.…”

Broadening participation through scalable game design

“…AgentSheets [10] was an early incarnation of the now popular objects-first philosophy [8]. Built-in "rough and ready" drawing tools are similar to fat pen approaches used in architectural drawing design [15].…”

“…The objects-first [8] introduction to programming movement provides an early, positive example of this pedagogical reversal. Experience with Alice [9] and AgentSheets [10] suggest that it is possible and beneficial to reverse the transition from fundamentals to interesting projects. The challenge, however, is to balance motivational and educational aspects by aligning interesting materials with principled educational frameworks.…”