Project AXIS::When gaming is learning.....
A project which must be included in OLPC project, as it is so useful for children to develop there language abilities.A game which will help to increase the vocabulary of the students using it.
Ultimate Goal
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A game which will help the vocabulary of the students using it.To design a program for OLPC which will be as below.
About the Project
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User Login | Save Word and Meaning | Save Game | Help | Exit (iv)
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Hi [USERNAME], You have [XXX] points now
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| -Workspace- (ii)
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-BLOCKS OF A-Z- (i) |
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| -Meaning-(iii)
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I am sure you might be quite confused about my project.
Let me explain it to you.
i. A Drag and Drop window of alphabet, that is A,B,C,D up to Z.
ii.A workspace,where these letters can be dragged into.
iii.Meaning part will show the meaning of the word created by the user.
iv.Here necessary link like to save progress, change account, exit etc.. will be provided
Rule Set
Meaning part will show no meaning till a meaning full word is shown.
For each meaningful word user will be awarded with X points.
As game progress, number of letters for the word to get maximum points increases,level of game increases.
Planning for a timer will also help.
Hints like Suggest are also preferable.
Everything will be funny and kiddy (but core will be serious)
I think I am clear to you.
Advantages::
1.Great increase in vocabulary of the children. I can prove it.
2.Of course, on more game in OLPC, children would love it.[This don't have a size problem as the whole would take around 50-100Kb in all, without documentation.]
3.Increase logics and memory power of children.
Schedule
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Phase I :Define game plan as well as project plan generation(1 week)
Phase II :Dictionary set up and prerequisite clearance (2 week)
Phase III :Software implementation (2 weeks+ 1 week for GUI)
Phase IV :Bug Tracking (1 weeks)
Phase V :Performance optimization and final touch ups (2 weeks)
Emergency :1 week.
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Total :10 weeks (From May 2 to mid of July.)
10weeksx7daysx12hours=847~800 hours of work.
NB:A average is taken into account.
-I bet I will complete this.
Why you should select me for this project???
1.I proposed this project.
2.I have past experience in this level of program development.
Past Experiences
I have following experiences
C,C++(7 years)
java(3 years)
python(1 year)
I have done some small projects myself like File Encoder and Decoder, Benchmarking Software, media streamers etc...
Why it to be OLPC
Students are the primary focus of my project,and so OLPC is the best firm to reach children, I feel.
Few words About Me...
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Name :Anoop Thomas Mathew(atm)
Email :atmb4u@gmail.com
atmb4u@ieee.org
Time Zone: India,GMT +5:30
The reasons I put in front of you to select me :
1. I believe that I have that capacity of being patient, work on the system continuously,for a specific goal.
2. I have really strong determination in doing things,especially in correct time.(not joking, after all this is not the place for joking)
3. I know the following languages well: c,c++,java(certified)
and is aware of: python,c#,perl(self study)
NB:well doesn't means I am a veteran in it,but know at my level(19 year old boy)-but is willing to study to any level to complete some jobs.
4. I really support free software movement.
5. I've done small projects individually like file encoder and decoder using specific algorithm,a benchmarking software, streamed media transfer and more.
6. I'm doing this for my pleasure not for money(really).Because to work for a company like your's is much prestigious to me.
7. I think i have the capacity to think DIFFERENT(imaginative).
8. I am 100% open minded.
9.I'm having 3 months semester gap from May 1 to July 30.When I could focus completely on the project.
10. I am always connected to Internet.
11. At last but not least, I am 100% DEDICATED to the work I do.
12. I am confident in my C++ and python skill which would be a plus point for me.
Educational Qualification
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Doing my 2nd year Computer Science and Engineering.
Has done parallel course on java.
C,C++ and java was included in my curriculum.
If everything went right, I will have a brand new game for OLPC project in my hand for you all at OLPC on or around 20th July.Now as I have stated my ideas,pros and cons,it's up to you to decide whether I should be a part of OLPC, Google Summer of Code 2008.
Yours truly,
Name:Anoop Thomas Mathew
e-mail:atmb4u@ieee.org
atmb4u@gmail.com
For more info on me
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My bio can be viewed at::http://atmb4u.googlepages.com/cv
Additional Info::
Do you have experience working with open source projects?
No, actually I am taking part in GSoC for such an exposure and experience.
Have you designed and carried out an entire (software, hardware, other) project before?
Yes.[mentioned above]
We work with a number of languages from every part of the world. What human languages and scripts do you read and write?
English ,of course , then Malayalam ,Hindi(All read and write).But for my software, English language is the essential one, I think.
Would you be able to visit Boston once during the course of the summer for a gathering with other interns and developers?
No.I don't have such a set up to go around.
Updates:
Answers for M.Klein's Questions
How would children be able to modify the game, or add their own vocabularies?
The student cannot be given the permission to modify the dictionary as he may tamper around it.So, an Administrator password will be provided which will be set by the teacher or other adults.
If you are saving progress or switching accounts, what kinds of statistics would be kept?
User name and Password, obviously. Then about how much each user have advanced in the game. The words that have spelled correct will be added to his account. Then also how many words child has spelled correct and which level he is on. Additional informations can be included as we discuss through for a better gaming experience. Options are many, how much of them is to be implemented is to be discussed.
More Updates:
Technical Challenges
Q.How to integrate with sugar?
A.The whole program is made to be written in python.So it is easy to integrate with XO.
For GUI I will probably use some tool kits like wxpython or Glade as i am accustomed both.
Q.How it will be organized?
A. More details on Phase II and Phase III (5 weeks)
Modules
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main -used to design whole GUI
login -used to manage different user profiles.
manager -used to manager the program(number of hinds, auto complete used,score,bonus,level etc...
drag -used as a universal drag-and-drop module.To manage drag and drop.
dictionary-used for Dictionary look up(threaded).Compares letters at workspace to the dictionary.Produces match found once it finds a match in dictionary, adds it to user profile, produces its meaning, synonyms acronyms and what not. Also increases level gradually and not like stages.
enhance -used to insert new vocabulary(only accessible in teacher mode ie. logged in teacher account.
help -used to provide necessary help to students as well as teachers.
secret -used to program some EASTER EGGS within the program to make students interested.
Extra files
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i.A dictionary file.
Very carefully selected which can provide maximum details with minimum space requirements and fast in a Geode 500MHz.
ii.User info storage.
iii.Some images and animations to make the GUI look better and interesting for students.
I myself is apt in image editing softwares,so I could maintain a level on the graphics in
iv.Of course, GPL license file.
v.Documentation and installation/recovery instructions.)
A basic GUI is given at the picture below.
:- http://atmb4u.googlepages.com/basicGUI.jpg
Q.What will be the program called?
A.Project name is Project AXIS. Now I code named it as "Dragit". It will have a pretty good name on its alpha 2 release. I will post on OLPC forums for a good name which everybody likes or raise an opinion poll there.