eXpresser v1-2819a

The latest version of eXpresser is now released for further testing (download migensystem-1-2819a.zip).

This release comes configured to start with a familiarisation task that requires grouping.

This version addresses several of the bugs of the previous release (see expresser-v1-2775a post). In addition:

• It shows the potential colour of the tiles in the ‘General World’  to avoid confusions with the choice of colour for the rule.
• It shows building blocks of 1 tile in 16X16 rather than the old 32X32, to support the notion that tiles are what  is repeated.
• It allows overlaps of the same colour to be shown either as darker shades or as crosses (see configuration options)

Known (important) issues

• We are working on being able to name numbers while in the expression area (Issue 564). So far numbers can only be named while they are in a property list or on the canvas

eXpresser v1-2775a

After several iterations and user feedback, the latest version of expresser is released (download migensystem-1-2775a.zip).

This version includes

• Undo for deleted patterns.
  • we are working on undo for expressions
• Feedback (highlighting) for making clear which property list belongs to which pattern.
• Improved naming of variables
  • i.e. “Give name” has to be selected first in order to give a name
    (what do you think of the phrase “Give name” ?)
  • After that naming is compulsory and it has to be unique in this session of expresser
    (perhaps it should be unique across all users in a networked activity?)
  • Note that locked numbers -i.e. constants- can be named as well
    (what do you think about that?)
• ‘mirroring’ of user actions from “My world” to “General world”
  • e.g. property lists open in both worlds
  • we are working on mirroring actions on expressions on canvas
    (will also make more clear the change of the value of the unlocked number with the general one when dragged in the expression)
• Prototype of integrated task description
  (click the Task button near the Play button)
  • Treat it as an object to think with, it needs improvement so your feedback will be valuable.
  • e.g. we are working on being able to show below the pattern a variable changing values while the pattern is animated

Note: This version is configured for a classroom study and therefore doesn’t make available tiles of negative colours. This will be introduced in later sessions (if you want the default configuration use the Configure button when the system starts).

Known issues

• Names of variables should be mirrored on “General world” (Issue 548)
• Dragging an expression from “My world” appears behind the “General world“
  (this will be resolved when mirroring of expressions is implemented)
• Closing property lists in “My world” is not mirrored in “General world” (Issue 543)
• Opened property lists in the “General world” appear in the task description (Issue 553)
• Of course there are no other bugs