in-class Workshop on Oct 21: ‘fun with moving colors’ w

in-class workshop during Oct 21 class, 8:30-11:20

by Morgan Rauscher

When we think about learning computer programming it can be really scary at first. Computers are these very complex and intimidating things that can do so much. How is it possible for ‘non-engineers’ to learn about programming when it is so very complex. The answer is simple, don’t try to build a computer for your first project! If you think of it in terms of painting, you would not think about painting a mater piece until you have first learned about what a paint brush is or what a specific type of paint can do.

The basics of computer programming and electronics hardware are actually really easy to learn and can be very useful tools for artists interested in exploring interactive work.

So what we will do together in the class is first talk about the simple idea of a program (with some fun examples). Then we will use the popular “Processing” (http://processing.org) program to build a small interactive visual program together. Finally, we will be making the program ‘work’ in real life by using an Arduino (http://www.arduino.cc/) microcontroller. If we have time we will combined the interactive “Processing” program with the Arduino hardware.

So we will go from simple idea, to a computer program and then to a working physical thing all together as a class. Students will have a chance to ask questions and get involved throughout the whole class. The underlining theme or title of the class is ‘fun with moving colors’.