Getting Started Beginner Level

 

In this hands on lab, you will become familiar with the basic features of Alice 3.

You will navigate and use basic features in both the Scene editor and the code editor.

Objectives

• Create and save a new project

• Add an object to a scene

• Code a simple programming instruction

• Use the copy and undo commands

• Run the animation to test and revise programming statements

Introduction:

If you've ever wanted to create your own interactive 3D animations and games, Alice 3 is the perfect platform to bring your ideas to life. Designed for beginners, Alice 3 provides an intuitive and visual environment to learn the basics of computer science and object-oriented programming. In this beginner-level guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to get started with Alice 3 and help you create your first interactive 3D animation.

Installing Alice 3:

Begin your Alice 3 journey by downloading and installing the software on your computer. Visit the official Alice website (alice.org) and choose the appropriate version for your operating system. Follow the installation instructions to complete the setup process.

Navigating the Alice 3 Interface:

Once installed, launch Alice 3 and acquaint yourself with the interface. The main window consists of various panels, such as the Scene Editor, Object Tree, Details Panel, Code Editor, and Toolbox. Take a moment to understand the purpose of each panel and how they interact with one another.

Creating Your First Animation:

Let's dive into creating your first animation. Alice 3 offers a wide range of 3D models and characters that you can use. Drag and drop objects from the Toolbox into the Scene Editor to place them in your animation. Experiment with manipulating object properties, such as position, size, and rotation, using the Details Panel.

Interacting with Objects:

Alice 3 allows you to make objects interact with each other and respond to user input. To achieve this, you'll utilize drag-and-drop coding blocks to create methods and events. Explore the available event blocks in the Toolbox to trigger actions, such as making a character move when a key is pressed or animating an object when the mouse is clicked.

Adding Logic and Control:

Logic and control are essential in programming, and Alice 3 provides an accessible way to grasp these concepts. Utilize control structures like loops and conditionals to create complex behaviors for your objects. With if-else statements, you can make objects respond differently based on certain conditions. Experiment and see how different programming concepts shape your animation.

Testing and Running Your Animation:

After creating your animation, it's time to test and run it. Alice 3 offers a preview function that allows you to see your animation in action. Use the play and pause buttons to control the playback and observe how your objects interact. If any errors occur, check the Console panel for helpful messages to identify and fix issues in your code.

Sharing and Exploring Further:

Once you're satisfied with your animation, consider sharing your creations with others. Alice 3 provides options for exporting your animations in various formats. Additionally, connect with the Alice community online to share your work, learn from others, and explore additional resources to expand your skills.

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