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Introduction to Programming and Animation with Alice

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Susan H. Rodger and Stephen Cooper

4.2

Based on 42 ratings

, see reviews

Susan H. Rodger and Stephen Cooper

This course is an introductory programming course that combines programming

with animation, using the programming environment Alice. You will first

learn to tell 3D animated stories by programming Aliceʼs 3D objects. In

particular you will learn how to set up a scene, to tell a story using

storyboarding, to move the camera, and how to move and rotate objects. You

will learn programming concepts such as writing your own instructions,

repetition, making decisions, and grouping similar objects together. In

the second half of the course you will learn how to combine the topics you

Read more

This course is an introductory programming course that combines programming

with animation, using the programming environment Alice. You will first

learn to tell 3D animated stories by programming Aliceʼs 3D objects. In

particular you will learn how to set up a scene, to tell a story using

storyboarding, to move the camera, and how to move and rotate objects. You

will learn programming concepts such as writing your own instructions,

repetition, making decisions, and grouping similar objects together. In

the second half of the course you will learn how to combine the topics you

have learned with event programming to build 3D games you and your friends

can play.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction

Producing Animated 3D Movies: Alice Basic Instructions

Welcome to week one! This week, you will learn....

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches basic programming concepts that are applicable to many other programming languages

Teaches object-oriented programming concepts like inheritance and polymorphism

Designed for complete beginners with no prior programming experience

Fun and easy-to-understand approach using 3D animation and interactive games

Provides a gentle introduction to computer science and programming

Prepares learners for more advanced courses in computer science

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

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Reviews summary

Introduction to programming and animation with alice

According to students, this course offers a largely positive introduction to programming concepts using the visual Alice environment. Many learners found it an excellent starting point for absolute beginners, praising its ability to make potentially complex topics accessible and engaging. The focus on creating 3D animated stories and simple games is a unique and enjoyable approach that resonates well with those interested in creative applications of programming. Students particularly appreciated the hands-on projects and the way the course breaks down concepts into manageable steps. While the Alice software itself had some minor reported issues, the overall consensus is that the course content and teaching methods are effective for building a foundational understanding of programming logic.

Alice environment has some quirks.

"The Alice software itself was a bit clunky at times, but the course taught me how to use it effectively."

"Installation was a minor hurdle, but once running, it was okay."

"Working with the 3D objects could be occasionally frustrating due to the software interface."

"I encountered a few bugs with Alice, but nothing that stopped me from completing the course."

Builds a solid base for future coding.

"This course gave me a solid understanding of programming logic and how code works."

"I feel much more confident tackling other programming languages now."

"The concepts like procedures, loops, and conditionals were introduced very well."

"It taught me *how* to think like a programmer."

Concepts are explained simply and effectively.

"The instructor explained concepts clearly and concisely, which was great for a beginner."

"Videos were easy to follow and the material was well-organized."

"I understood the programming logic thanks to the way the lessons were structured."

"The teaching style made complex ideas feel simple."

Projects make learning fun and creative.

"I loved creating my own animated stories and games! The projects were really fun."

"The assignments were engaging and allowed for a lot of creativity using Alice."

"Building my own adventure game at the end was a highlight of the course."

"Hands-on activities helped solidify the programming concepts learned in lectures."

Ideal for those new to programming.

"This course is an excellent introduction to programming for absolute beginners."

"It was my first time learning to program and this course made it very easy to understand."

"If you've never coded before, start here. It simplifies everything."

"Foundational concepts were explained very clearly for someone with no prior experience."

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 Introduction to Programming and Animation with Alice with these activities:

Follow tutorials on YouTube

Show steps

Provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to create your own 3D animations.

Browse courses on Coding

Show steps

Choose a tutorial to follow.
Gather the materials you need.
Follow the instructions in the tutorial.
Create your own 3D animation!

Follow tutorials on Instructables

Show steps

Provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to create your own 3D animations.

Browse courses on Electronics

Show steps

Choose a tutorial to follow.
Gather the materials you need.
Follow the instructions in the tutorial.
Create your own 3D animation!

The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography

Show steps

Help you understand the fundamentals of computer science including data encryption and Aliceʼs use of 3D objects.

View Fermat's Enigma on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book. Take notes on the different methods of encryption that have been used throughout history.
Create a timeline of the development of encryption methods.
Write a paper on the implications of quantum cryptography for the future of data security.

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Practice creating 3D animations in Alice

Show steps

Help you master the basics of 3D animation and improve your skills.

Browse courses on Coding

Show steps

Open Alice and create a new project.
Add 3D objects to your scene.
Animate your 3D objects.
Add sound effects and music to your animation.
Save your animation.

Solve coding problems on Leetcode

Show steps

Help you improve your programming skills and deepen your understanding of programming concepts.

Browse courses on Coding

Show steps

Choose a problem to solve.
Read the problem description carefully.
Come up with a solution to the problem.
Implement your solution in code.
Test your code to make sure it works.

Create a 3D animation of your favorite scene from a movie or TV show

Show steps

Help you apply the skills you've learned in the course to create your own unique project.

Show steps

Choose a scene from a movie or TV show that you want to recreate.
Create a storyboard for your scene.
Model your 3D objects.
Animate your 3D objects.
Add sound effects and music to your animation.

Create a 3D animation of your own story

Show steps

Help you apply the skills you've learned in the course to create your own unique project.

Show steps

Come up with a story that you want to tell.
Create a storyboard for your story.
Model your 3D objects.
Animate your 3D objects.
Add sound effects and music to your animation.

Write a blog post about your experience learning 3D animation

Show steps

Help you reflect on what you've learned and share your knowledge with others.

Show steps

Choose a topic for your blog post.
Write a draft of your blog post.
Edit and revise your blog post.
Publish your blog post.

Create a portfolio of your 3D animation work

Show steps

Showcase your skills and help you get hired for your dream job.

Show steps

Choose the best pieces of your 3D animation work to include in your portfolio.
Create a website or online portfolio to showcase your work.
Promote your portfolio to potential employers.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Programming and Animation with Alice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to run. Programmers work closely with both end-users and software engineers to develop a program that meets the user’s needs. Individuals in this role who have taken this course may be better prepared to program machines to create and animate 3D graphics and simulations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Animator

Animators create moving images by using computer software or by hand-drawing images. Those who have taken this course may be better prepared to work in 3D animation in a variety of settings, such as film production, video game design, and web development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Software Engineer

Software Engineers apply the principles of computer science and mathematics to design, build, and maintain computer software applications. Individuals in this role who have taken this course may be better prepared to work on projects that involve programming 3D graphics and simulations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. Those who have taken this course may be better prepared to design and develop websites that include 3D graphics and animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Video Game Designer

Video Game Designers create the concept, characters, and rules of video games, and they oversee the game's development. Those who have taken this course may be better prepared to work on video games that feature 3D graphics and animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Designer

Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. Those who have taken this course may be better prepared to work on projects that require the creation of 3D graphics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer

Art Director

Art Directors oversee the visual style of products such as magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and websites. Those who have taken this course may be better prepared to lead teams of designers who create 3D graphics and animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Technical Director

Technical Directors oversee the technical aspects of live performances such as concerts and theater productions. Those who have taken this course may be better prepared to work on live performances that feature 3D graphics and animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Director

User Interface Designer

User Interface (UI) Designers design the look and feel of user interfaces for websites, software applications, and mobile devices. Those who have taken this course may be better prepared to design user interfaces that include 3D graphics and animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Interface Designer

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the planning, development, and launch of new products. Those who have taken this course may be better prepared to work on products that include 3D graphics and animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products and services. Those who have taken this course may be better prepared to develop marketing campaigns that include 3D graphics and animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve sales goals. Those who have taken this course may be better prepared to work on sales teams that sell products or services that include 3D graphics and animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business needs and develop solutions to improve business processes. Those who have taken this course may be better prepared to work on projects that involve the use of 3D graphics and animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects to achieve specific goals. Those who have taken this course may be better prepared to manage projects that involve the use of 3D graphics and animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software products to ensure that they meet quality standards. Those who have taken this course may be better prepared to work on projects that involve the testing of 3D graphics and animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Reading list

We've selected 19 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 Introduction to Programming and Animation with Alice.

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Timing for Animation

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Comprehensive guide to the art of 3D animation and visual effects. It covers everything from the basics of modeling and animation to the latest techniques in rendering and compositing. This great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the field.

Timing for Animation, 40th Anniversary Edition

Timing for Animation

Timing for Animation by Harold Whitaker John Halas...

By Harold Whitaker - Timing for Animation (2002-02...

Unknown Binding

Timing for Animation, 40th Anniversary Edition

Cover image

Cover image

The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects

Save

This comprehensive guide covers the technical and artistic aspects of computer animation, providing a solid foundation for students interested in this field.

The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects

Cover image

Cover image

Learning Python

Save

Comprehensive guide to the Python programming language. It covers everything from the basics of Python syntax to the latest features of the language. This great resource for anyone who wants to learn Python in depth.

Learning Python: Powerful Object-Oriented...

Learning Python

Learning Python

Learning Python: Powerful Object-Oriented...

Coding for Beginners Using Python: A Hands-On,...

Audible Audiobook

Learning Python

Cover image

Cover image

Java: A Beginner's Guide, Tenth Edition

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Comprehensive reference for the Java programming language. It covers everything from the basics of Java syntax to the latest features of the language. This great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Java or who needs a quick reference.

Java: A Beginner's Guide, Tenth Edition

Java: A Beginner's Guide, Tenth Edition

Computer Graphics

Save

This authoritative textbook provides a deep dive into the principles and techniques of computer graphics, offering a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Computer Graphics: Principles And Practice, 3Rd...

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Cover image

Animation Mini: Runs, Jumps and Skips

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This classic book provides a wealth of practical advice and techniques for animators, helping students to develop their skills in character design, movement, and storytelling.

The Animator's Survival Kit: Runs, Jumps and Skips:...

Cover image

Cover image

Save

Comprehensive guide to the OpenGL graphics library. It covers everything from the basics of OpenGL to the latest features of the library. This great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use OpenGL to create 3D graphics applications.

OpenGL(R) Programming Guide: The Official Guide to...

OpenGL Programming Guide: The Official Guide to...

Opengl Programming Guide: The Official Guide to...

Official Opengl Library

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Cover image

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

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This classic novel provides a whimsical and imaginative backdrop for exploring the themes of programming and animation, making it a great choice for students new to the field.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (Illustrated): The...

Alice's Adventures In Wonderland

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (Dover Thrift...

Alice’ s Adventures In Wonderland (Annotated): By...

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (MinaLima Edition)...

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: 1865 Classic...

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: A Pop-up...

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the...

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Classic Stories)

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Cover image

Unity 3.x Game Development Essentials

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This practical guide teaches students how to use the Unity game engine to create their own 3D games, providing hands-on experience with game development.

Unity 3.x Game Development Essentials

(中文) Unity 3.X Game Development Essentials(Chinese...

Unity 3.x Game Development Essentials

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The Nine Old Men: Lessons, Techniques, and...

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This comprehensive guide covers the fundamental principles of animation, providing students with a strong foundation in the field.

The Nine Old Men: Lessons, Techniques, and...

The Nine Old Men: Lessons, Techniques, and...

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Crafting Interpreters

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Provides a collection of design patterns that can be used to develop games. These patterns cover a wide range of topics, from game mechanics to AI. This great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to create more effective and engaging games.

Crafting Interpreters

Crafting Interpreters

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Cover image

Game Engine Architecture

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Provides a comprehensive guide to animation for game developers. It covers everything from the basics of animation to the latest techniques in motion capture and facial animation. This great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to create more realistic and engaging animations for their games.

Game Engine Architecture

Game Engine Architecture

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Cover image

Learning Processing

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Provides a collection of examples that show how to use code to create interactive simulations of natural phenomena. These examples cover a wide range of topics, from basic physics simulations to more complex topics such as flocking and predator-prey relationships. This great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use code to create more realistic and engaging simulations.

Learning Processing: A Beginner's Guide to...

Learning Processing: A Beginner's Guide to...

Learning Processing: A Beginner's Guide to...

Learning Processing: A Beginner's Guide to...

Cover image

Cover image

Calculus for Computer Graphics

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the mathematics that are used in computer graphics. It covers topics such as linear algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. This great resource for anyone who wants to get a deeper understanding of the mathematical foundations of computer graphics.

Calculus for Computer Graphics

Calculus for Computer Graphics

Calculus for Computer Graphics

Cover image

Cover image

Objects First with Java

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This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to object-oriented programming in Java. It covers the basics of object-oriented programming, as well as more advanced topics such as inheritance and polymorphism. This great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to write object-oriented programs in Java.

Objects First with Java

Objects First with Java

Cover image

Cover image

Programming Game AI by Example

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Provides a collection of examples that show how to program game AI. These examples cover a wide range of topics, from basic AI techniques to more advanced topics such as pathfinding and decision-making. This great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to create more intelligent and engaging games.

Programming Game AI by Example

Programming Game AI by Example (Wordware Game...

Cover image

Cover image

Realistic Ray Tracing, Second Edition

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Provides a step-by-step guide to ray tracing. Ray tracing technique for rendering 3D scenes that is used in many movies and video games. This book great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to create realistic 3D graphics.

Realistic Ray Tracing, Second Edition

Cover image

Cover image

Head First Java

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Fun and engaging introduction to the Java programming language. It covers the basics of Java syntax and programming concepts. This great resource for anyone who wants to learn Java quickly and easily.

Head First Java: A Brain-Friendly Guide

Head First Java

Cover image

Cover image

Save

This beginner-friendly textbook provides a solid introduction to programming concepts and Java syntax, making it a valuable resource for students new to programming.

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Course image

Rating

4.2

Effort

Approx. 47 hours

Level

Introductory

Via

Coursera

Institution

Duke University

Instructors

Susan H. Rodger

Stephen Cooper

Language

English

Transcripts

Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches basic programming concepts that are applicable to many other programming languages

Teaches object-oriented programming concepts like inheritance and polymorphism

Designed for complete beginners with no prior programming experience

Fun and easy-to-understand approach using 3D animation and interactive games

Provides a gentle introduction to computer science and programming

Prepares learners for more advanced courses in computer science

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