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Blocks-based ABM with NetTango

Danilo Oliveira Vaz

Programming and complexity thinking are key skills for approaching 21st century challenges. NetTango Builder is a tool that allows for the creation of blocks-based programming experiences based on complex systems models available in NetLogo Library. Thus, it makes it possible for teachers to create entry level programming experiences capable of introducing students to non-linearity, emergence, uncertainty and other complexity related phenomena.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Project Overview

Programming can be daunting. Pretty much everyone who has tried has had the sensation of being lost amidst uncountable lines of code. This is why the block-based paradigm has been develop. It has become a to-go approach for people interested in teaching programming to beginners. The most widely known tool to incorporate that is Scratch, and in this project you will learn how to use the same principles for the creation of NetLogo models.

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Know what's good

, what to watch for

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Taught by Danilo Oliveira Vaz, who is a recognized expert in complex systems modeling and NetLogo programming

Explores the fundamentals of block-based programming in the context of complex systems

Introduces key concepts of complexity thinking, such as nonlinearity, emergence, and uncertainty

Provides hands-on experience with NetLogo Builder, a user-friendly tool for creating interactive simulations

Offers a unique opportunity to explore programming and complexity concepts within a single course

Suitable for beginners with little to no programming experience

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Blocks-based ABM with NetTango with these activities:

Organize Course Materials

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Establish a structured system for organizing notes, assignments, and other course materials to enhance your ability to locate and review important information.

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Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials
Categorize and label materials based on topic or module
Periodically review and summarize materials to reinforce your understanding

Review Programming Concepts

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Strengthen your foundation in programming principles and algorithmic thinking to facilitate a smoother transition into block-based programming in NetLogo Builder.

Browse courses on Algorithm Design

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Review key concepts such as variables, data types, control flow, and functions
Practice solving simple programming problems and designing basic algorithms
Identify similarities and differences between block-based and text-based programming

Follow Video Tutorials on NetLogo Builder

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Enhance your understanding of NetLogo Builder's interface and features by following step-by-step video tutorials and experimenting with the provided examples.

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Search for and select reputable tutorials that align with your learning goals
Follow the instructions carefully and recreate the models in NetLogo Builder
Customize the models and explore different scenarios to deepen your understanding

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Explore NetLogo Models in 'An Introduction to Agent-Based Modeling'

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Deepen your understanding of NetLogo's capabilities by exploring agent-based modeling concepts and real-world examples presented in this foundational text.

View An Introduction to Agent-Based Modeling:... on Amazon

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Review the book's introduction and key chapters on NetLogo modeling
Study the provided NetLogo models and experiment with their parameters
Reflect on how agent-based modeling can be applied to your own research or interests

Practice Block-Based Programming

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Engage in repetitive practice exercises to enhance your understanding and proficiency in block-based programming in NetLogo Builder.

Browse courses on Block-Based Programming

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Create a simple model in NetLogo Builder using blocks
Experiment with different block combinations to explore their effects on the model's behavior
Troubleshoot errors and refine your code to improve model functionality

Collaborate with a Study Buddy

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Foster a supportive learning environment by partnering with a classmate to discuss concepts, troubleshoot challenges, and reinforce your understanding of block-based programming.

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Find a peer with complementary skills or interests
Establish regular study sessions to review course material and work on projects together
Take turns presenting concepts, explaining code, and providing feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Blocks-based ABM with NetTango will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze data with the intent to extract meaningful insights. NetTango Builder can help build a foundation for a career in Data Science by introducing non-linearity, emergence, and uncertainty. These are all complex phenomena that can be found in data sets. A Data Scientist must first understand them before they can extract the relevant information that benefits their clients or employers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Software Developer

Software Developers create computer programs. Block-based programming can help build a foundation for a career in Software Development, especially if one wishes to specialize in the creation of modeling software. Such software is used for a variety of purposes, including data analysis, simulations, and testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts study and evaluate computer systems to determine how they can be improved. Block-based programming can help build a foundation for a career as a Systems Analyst by introducing complex phenomena such as non-linearity and emergence. These concepts can help with understanding how changes or upgrades to a complex computer system may cause unintended consequences due to interactions between different components.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Engineer

Computer Systems Engineers design, develop, and maintain computer systems. Block-based programming can help build a foundation for a career as a Computer Systems Engineer, especially if one wishes to specialize in the development of complex systems. Such systems may be found in industries ranging from finance to healthcare.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Engineer

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use advanced analytical techniques to help businesses make better decisions. Block-based programming can help build a foundation for a career as an Operations Research Analyst by introducing phenomena such as non-linearity and emergence. These concepts are relevant for many of the complex systems that Operations Research Analysts study.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts study how businesses operate and identify ways to improve them. Block-based programming may be useful for a Business Analyst who wishes to specialize in the analysis of complex systems, such as supply chains or customer behavior.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts study consumer behavior and market trends. Block-based programming may be useful for a Market Research Analyst who wishes to specialize in the analysis of complex systems, such as the diffusion of new products or the impact of advertising campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts study financial data to make recommendations about investments. Block-based programming may be useful for a Financial Analyst who wishes to specialize in the analysis of complex systems, such as the behavior of stock markets or the impact of economic policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. Block-based programming can help build a foundation for a career as a Statistician by introducing non-linearity, emergence, and uncertainty. These are all complex phenomena that can be found in statistical data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk. Block-based programming can help build a foundation for a career as an Actuary by introducing non-linearity, emergence, and uncertainty. These are all complex phenomena that can be found in risk assessment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the distribution and patterns of health events and diseases in a population. Block-based programming may be useful for an Epidemiologist who wishes to specialize in the analysis of complex systems, such as the spread of infectious diseases or the impact of environmental factors on health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with human activities. Block-based programming may be useful for an Environmental Scientist who wishes to specialize in the analysis of complex systems, such as the impact of climate change or the behavior of ecosystems.

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Educator

Educators teach students at all levels, from elementary school to university. Block-based programming has become a popular way to introduce programming to students, and NetTango Builder is a tool that can be used to create block-based programming experiences for students of all ages. As such, this course may be useful for Educators who wish to learn more about block-based programming.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers develop and deliver educational programs. Block-based programming has become a popular way to introduce programming to students, and NetTango Builder is a tool that can be used to create block-based programming experiences for students of all ages. As such, this course may be useful for Instructional Designers who wish to learn more about block-based programming.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for computer software and hardware. Block-based programming can help build a foundation for a career as a Technical Writer by introducing programming concepts and terminology. This knowledge can be helpful for writing documentation that is clear and accurate.

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Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Blocks-based ABM with NetTango.

An Introduction to Agent-Based Modeling

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This manual provides a comprehensive overview of the NetLogo programming language and environment. It is an essential reference for anyone who wants to learn how to use NetLogo to create complex systems models.

Blocks-based ABM with NetTango

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

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Activities

Career center

Reading list

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