#Virtual Robotics Course online for kids

[tinker-coder]

Tinker Coders Virtual Robotics Course for kids offers & Robotics Classes for Kids online an exceptional chance to explore with professionals in the convenience of your home.

[amalgamgooze]

the most annoying Smash Brothers character butterfly effects me into studying Japanese

(Big Earthbound/MOTHER 3 spoilers ahead!)

Back in December of 2018, Super Smash Brothers Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch had released. I didn't think much of it at the time--it was just a game that I'd end up playing with my cousins over Christmas break. It functioned great as a party game back then in that more innocent time, since we all sucked equally at it.

We'd most often play with the standard rule set, forcing ourselves to choose random characters so nobody could get good at using one spammy character.

It was this fatal mistake that introduced me to the character known as "Ness", otherwise known as the kid who screams "PK Fire" several times before exclaiming "Okeh!". If you know how to do this, he becomes a rather irritating character to play against in casual settings.

Fortunately for my cousins, they only suffered the wrath of Ness for one single game.

Unfortunately for everyone, I decided I would get better at playing Ness in Smash Brothers just for the fun of it.

Fortunately for everyone, I didn't really become much better than knowing how to use the shield button and following the PK Fire spam with a swift swing from his trusty wooden bat--which is still annoying to play against, but not terrible to avoid if you know how to.

Of course, when I got my butt handed to me repeatedly in Smash's online matchmaking, I stopped really trying to get better at the game. Even through that disappointment, though, there was still a nagging impulse to try Earthbound, the game that Ness originates from.

Fast forward to 2020, the year the world went weird. In the boring isolation of the pandemic summer, between bouts of working on a Minecraft mod that never got finished, wasting away on the servers of Team Fortress 2, and attempts to stay in shape for the upcoming soccer season, I started playing games on my 3DS again, sticking mostly to eShop-exclusive titles such as indie and Virtual Console games. (RIP 3DS eShop, you will be sorely missed by many.)

Of course, in the midst of indie titles like VVVVVV, Cave Story, and The Binding of Isaac, there lay Earthbound: the original Earthbound-inspired indie RPG. About depression.

I'm kidding, of course. Earthbound explores more existential/absurd themes as opposed to tackling depression. In fact, the only Earthbound-inspired indie RPG I can think of is OMORI. (I think Undertale ends up getting lumped into that category a lot too because of its substantial story--though at that point I'd rather just call the genre "Indie RPGs with interesting stories". But enough ranting.)

Surprisingly, I'd managed to play Earthbound without getting major spoilers about crucial story moments--which I think really adds to the experience of anything. Though, that's kind of obvious. Still, I think the story still lands and hits just as hard even if you know what's coming.

Earthbound, as mentioned earlier, is a 1994 SNES RPG produced by Ape Inc. and HAL Laboratory (yes, the masterminds behind the Kirby series!), written/directed by Shigesato Itoi and with (legendary) lead programmer Satoru Iwata. There's more interesting history behind the game and its development, but I'll leave that up to you whether you want to read into it more or not.

The story of Earthbound itself is built upon the quest for Ness (and his friends) to save the world from the evil alien Giygas--though the looming threat of world destruction honestly feels so minor in the quirky world of Earthbound. Sure, there's robots and animals that have been influenced by Giygas to kill you, but Giygas's influence ends up nothing more than a justification as to why otherwise peaceful entities go out of their way to chase you down on the overworld map.

There's so much to Earthbound to unpack that, again, I've only really got space to discuss my top-very-most-favorite moments of the game.

Perhaps one of the best moments of the game happens about a third of the way through its course--it's got no official name, but Earthbound fans know it as the "Coffee Break" scene.

After defeating a mound of ooze that's been terrorizing the curious Mr. Saturns, Ness's party takes a short rest in a hot spring while drinking coffee served by a Mr. Saturn. The screen fades to black, and an epic monologue begins scrolling in front of a psychedelic blue-and-green background. The end of this monologue is perhaps the most inspiring part:

One thing you must never lose is courage. If you believe in the goal you are striving for, you will be courageous. There are many difficult times ahead, but you must keep your sense of humor, work through the tough situations and enjoy yourself.

(Earthbound "Coffee Break" Scene)

Now, when I experienced this scene for the first time, I was nothing but a weird anxious mess of something between a middle schooler and a freshman, daunted by the world and its uncertainty. So of course this scene resonated well with me.

Four(ish) years later I'm in a much better place psychologically and these lines still inspire me. I've been fortunate enough to receive a print with those exact lines that's now proudly displayed on my dresser in my room.

This is just one example of Itoi's masterful writing in action--though unfortunately it's not the 'original original' text--it's been translated. I think the translators did an excellent job with these games--but no matter how good a translator is, it's just fact that you're not reading the original text and thus you might not be picking up on the author's true voice.

Anyway, continuing on with Earthbound's awesomeness, there's a scene much later in the game where Ness ventures deep into "Magicant"--a world formed from his own memories. This is where I feel like Earthbound's story's "coming-of-age" portion hits the hardest. It's a very literal representation of Ness reflecting on himself and continuing to grow throughout his adventure--especially at the end of the stage, where upon defeating "Ness's Nightmare", a short cutscene plays where our hero receives massive boosts to every single stat--much more substantial than after any other fight. It's to reflect him overcoming his fears and doubts, and growing immensely as a result--returning to that idea of courage again.

If I ramble any longer about Earthbound, though, I'll never finish this post.

So, moving on, after beating (and loving) Earthbound, I obviously searched for similar games to play next.

MOTHER 3 tends to be high up on these lists of "what to play post-Earthbound". Being another game written and directed by Shigesato Itoi, I obviously had to try it next!

Unfortunately, it's never been officially released in English. In fact, at this point, it's just comedic how Nintendo sort of refuses to mention the game to non-Japanese audiences outside of Smash Brothers. There's even a Robot Chicken skit about it!

Thankfully, there's a fantastic fan translation for the game (project lead Clyde "Tomato" Mandelin) that lets stupid Americans and other English-speakers play the game without learning a new language.

So I'd tried this fan patch that same summer. Unfortunately, I got stuck right before the best part of the game started, so I never got further than the beginning of Chapter 4.

And it stayed that way for years.

Until last summer.

Towards the end of the summer last year, I'd picked my now-modded 3DS back up again and decided to hack the MOTHER 3 fan translation onto it.

I know I said the game only gets good after Chapter 4, but that's not because the beginning of the game is terrible. It's just sort of slow--at least in my opinion. The story for these sections are fantastic too--it's very good exposition, in my opinion. Somehow, though, the later story manages to dwarf that excellent exposition with how well it's done.

There's so much else I could rave about this game too--but again, in the sake of finishing this today, I've got to stick to my favorite parts.

First, the hardware upgrade. The graphics and soundtrack for MOTHER 3 are permitted to be much more expressive because of refined console capabilities. Every single animation is so expressive--from the cutscenes to the gameplay, everything just exudes personality. Perhaps the expressiveness of it all makes it an excellent case study for the idea of "show, don't tell"-- something I've noticed quite a few modern games lacking in.

Shigesato Itoi obviously does a wonderful job of tackling emotional themes again in this final installation of the MOTHER series. This game's story jumps from character to character at the start of the game, eventually focusing on Lucas's response to the rampant urbanization of his once-peaceful hometown--as well as his dead mother, missing brother, and mourning father. His ragtag party grows to include his dog Boney, the assertive princess Kumatora, and the limping thief Duster.

There's a scene late in the game where the party washes up on the shores of Tanetane Island and consumes psychoactive mushrooms, leading to a miserable trip filled with hostile hallucinations. At points, people important to the party members end up ridiculing and threatening them. There's an incredibly memorable moment where Lucas hallucinates his brother and his father threatening to beat and flog him. It's easy to see this scene as just "Generic Drug-Fuelled Hallucination Scene #87", but in reality it confronts these very real (and sometimes rational) fears of being betrayed by those closest to us.

Again, I could go on and on about MOTHER 3, but for the sake of time, I have to move on.

After beating MOTHER 3, I started reading into a lot of media regarding it--stuff I'd avoided beforehand to avoid any more egregious spoilers than the ones I'd already unfortunately received. One of the most interesting pieces of media, in my opinion, were the lead translator's "commentary" on the process of translating the game. (These notes can be found here, if you're interested!)

Being an aspiring story-rich-game developer myself, the notes were incredibly fascinating to me, with all the minute changes and creative liberties that were taken in order to preserve the original intents of the game while preparing it for Western audiences. If I remember correctly, the team needed a programmer to modify the text scrolling methods the game had in order to print English text properly!

This ultimately inspired me to start learning Japanese myself, in hopes of trying out the original, untranslated MOTHER 3 and experiencing the differences for myself.

After weeks of literally studying just the characters of Japanese hiragana and katakana, I'd finally started actually "studying" Japanese with the help of Duolingo and my friend who'd been part of a Japanese exchange program before.

Just over 200ish days later, here I am with a 199-day streak on Duolingo spending hours earlier today studying how to discuss public transport and houses in Japanese. It's a slow process, but if I keep studying my textbooks and learning vocabulary, I'll become more and more fluent until I can play MOTHER 3 untranslated.

And to think this all began with the worst character to play against in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate.

…

Thanks for reading ALL of this! I know it's SUPER long, so I really appreciate it!

See you later!

…

(PS: There's probably issues with my post. Unfortunately, I'm a little pressed for time right now, so I can't really go back and proofread right now. Sorry!)

[thelediz]

Sonic Underground episode 40: Virtual Danger

AKA: THE FINAL EPISODE

I’m watching Sonic Underground in search of inspiration to finish a fic I’ve been writing forever. It’s a sad state of affairs. See the recap of the first three episodes here, if you're interested!

The Plot (for want of a better word): Sonic and Manic have been training their piloting skills with a virtual reality game, but it turns out their online friend is Robotnik in disguise! Can they escape the trap he’s set for them, or will they be trapped in cyberspace forever?

An interesting factoid, before we begin. The creators of Batman Beyond and The Justice League mentioned that they learned a lot from doing Batman Beyond, and one of the important things was that it doesn’t matter what your series is doing or how well it’s going (or not), the season finale should ALWAYS feel important. It should wrap up a storyline, it should set a full stop on a sentence. That way, no matter what happens, your fans will be satisfied with it.

As we all know, this series was not intended to be viewed in any particular order, so you can't expect this episode to wrap anything up properly.

However! This episode does KIND of wrap up a storyline that’s been running throughout the series, about the Resistance skimming supplies. It shows up in most Cyrus episodes. You probably wouldn’t have noticed it, but hey! Credit where due!

We open on the boys playing a VR game. They are just about to defeat their 'online friend' when Sonia walks in and pulls the plug on their game console. They’re late to a meeting.

CYRUS.

If you remember episode 12, you will remember the zombie robot, which allows a pilot to take remote control of a machine. It’s back. Yay. The boys apparently want to prove their skills have improved, because they’ve been playing video games. And they do pass the test, so it turns out video games ARE good for you, any parents who may be watching and still doubting whether their kids should be allowed to buy a Sega Saturn/Dreamcast in a couple of years.

Robotnik is going to be doing an audit on his supply ships, which means he’s definitely going to notice that the Resistance have been taking them. So they’re onto plan B: steal ALL the supply ships before Robotnik can change strategy.

There are three left to take over, and Cyrus assigns Sonic the last one. Sonia objects, because the last one is the riskiest, and she’s the best pilot. The way it’s framed, this isn’t arrogance so much as her being worried about Sonic. Combined with looks she was giving him a few episodes ago, it makes me wonder if they wanted a mini storyline of Sonia worrying about Sonic taking too much of the risks… could’ve been a good one!

Sonic does indeed get caught, but turns it into a kamikaze flight, turning his ship back on Robotnik’s palace for a crash. He barely misses Robotnik himself by like a half-metre. But the point is, all the supply ships are now out of Robotnik’s reach and he has to re-orient his factories to rebuild. Successful mission all round, and the triplets are given a few days off.

Manic dozes off to have a dream about playing more video games, but this time, Sonia has decided to play too. And of course she is immediately better at it than them. Whether this is just how the show functions or a sign of Manic's low self esteem, we will never know.

The Song: Don’t let your guard down. A very strange 80s/early 90s pop song, running a bit light on lyrics – mostly just “Don’t let your guard down. Keep your shield up, you gotta be ready”. Which, again, propaganda sure, but… not much for a good song, guys. Perhaps this is just proof of why Manic isn't the band's lyricist.

In the ACTUAL game, their 'online friend' offers them a mod, and promises a better one later. Because cyber security is not yet a common thing, the boys do not think twice about downloading and installing both files, no questions asked.

But once they’re in the new mod, their online friend is revealed to be Robotnik, and this has all been a trap! Now the… Okay, I’m not entirely sure how this happens, but they get zapped into the game. And apparently, if you die in the game, you die in real life. And… Look. Shadow the Hedgehog did this too, so I have to accept it as a thing that can happen in the sonic universe, but I will never not think it’s a little silly.

The point is: the boys are trapped and Sonia sees it happen.

Sonia calls Cyrus, who creates a program to allow Sonia into the game virtually, and pull Robotnik in physically. Don’t question it. While Sonia’s trying to rescue her brothers, Cyrus is going to try to hack Robotnik’s satellite to disrupt his connection, which will apparently win the game for the hedgehogs. Seriously, don’t question. Just accept.

Surprisingly, Sonia’s amazing piloting skills do not actually save the day. Cyrus cutting off the satellite dish does. I am legitimately surprised.

The episode ends with the triplets sending the now unloaded cargo ships back to Robotnik’s palace, further damaging it. Sonic declares it “Game over, Buttnik!”

And that’s it. That’s the end of Sonic Underground.

Sure was an episode, huh?

Look, it was incredibly underwhelming and very much Just An Episode, but on a meta level, it was actually a pretty good culmination of the series. There was the weirdly fluid animation that was absolutely not quality checked. There was the random disjointed plot that barely hung together. There was the odd character relationships and motivations that were generally fine but also kind of illfitting. There was the conflict and resolution in the final five minutes of the episode.

There was no Sleet or Dingo, and the song was barely an attempt, but OTHERWISE.

This was Sonic Underground, for all its faults and wonders.

Come back tomorrow for final thoughts, if you’re interested!

[tmisaccidentreportbook]

MAG034, Anatomy Class

Case #161207, Dr. Lionel Elliot Release date: September 1st, 2016 First listen: 6th November, walk home. Definitely remember crossing over the canal bridge.

The Anatomy Students… I love them… I think in the late 20s early 30s episodes, this podcast went from, ‘oh this is interesting, I’m enjoying this’ to ‘… oh this is really good… oh no… this may be a problem…’ And I was right! The Anatomy Class episode was one of those moments that really stands out in my memory.

- Off the bat, we’ve got a live recording, so that helps us with the time frame a bit more. Recording taken on the 12th July, and looking back MAG022 was recorded 12th March… Martin’s been living in the institute for 4 MONTHS?!? The worms have been happening for 4 months!??! How many stomach ulcers are in the making right now? Good grief, no wonder everyone is exhausted, they’re all stressed out of their minds. Wonder how many times Jon has glimpsed Martin in his pants?

- While it’s refreshing to not have someone instantly condemn the tape recorder, and as someone who still uses a filofax I appreciate it, I don’t much care for his tone when talking about the advancements being made in medicine with the use of robotics. It’s well above my understanding but I always enjoy listening to my sister and her fiancee talking about new methods and techniques. These fields are all about saving lives and while this doctor may want to ‘feel that pancreas’, his patient will most definitely want to be alive to use that pancreas, and the body may not survive a full ‘popping of the bonnet’ shall we say. I’m just getting a bit of ‘OK boomer’. ‘Meh, devices, mehmeh.’

- I know there’s a bit of a stereotype with surgeons of jumping immediately to the slicing and dicing… but I don’t think it is unwarranted.

- It’s getting to the stage where the worms are being noticed by visitors, yikes. Also, ‘Bitten? They’re worms.’  Mate, when was the last time you handled an infectious diseases or parasitology case, huh?

- ‘Where, where do you want me to start? The bones? The blood? The… uh… the fruit?’ … Well, that smacks of both divinity and butchery…

- ‘Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology… At King’s College, London.’ So I looked up the module course online and it does exist. It may have been different in 2016, when this was releases and presumably written, but this happened to Dr Elliott ‘in early 2016’. The website sates that this module is taught in the autumn semester.

- Now, I’m looking at this 8 year, Christ 8 years?!, in the future and we are in a post-lockdown/continual-Covid world, so teaching methods have changed, but I’m looking at the module summary and I don’t know how Dr Elliot would take it:

‘The use of computer-assisted learning (Anatomy & Physiology Online, Primal Pictures) during tutorial sessions will enable the students to learn using virtual 3D representations taken from the Visible Human data set … There will be 2 lab sessions that will be assessed from the experimental write-ups. Also there will be 2 sessions in the dissection room to facilitate learning about the skeleton and the cardiovascular system.’

Think it’s a little more remote learning then he’d be comfortable with… comfortable with any other year than 2016 that is.

- ‘I get tired of… squeamish students’… These kids want to learn, are putting themselves in financial straits to do so and I will hear no judgement against them. You build a resilience to this sort of thing, heavens knows I did, and it takes time and exposure. Don’t be rude.

- ‘Spillover class’. points at the academic schedule not making sense and then back at this paragraph Ooooh, cool, it’s covered in universe. ‘… the system had accepted more students for the course than there were places’, sooo this kinda happened to me, but with accommodation rather than tuition. So I spent first year in international, post grad halls… That sucked…

- ‘I have a lot of research due shortly and, well, you know academia – never enough hours in the day.’ I can only imagine, what sort of haggard wreck Jon is starting to look like at this stage in the series. He’s not got the iconic scars yet, but I bet he’s not been looking after himself. He possibly felt a little bit of camaraderie with Dr Elliott, clinging to veil of academia the way he does, but knowing how prickly Jon can be, he could just as easily take affront at the over familiarity.

- ‘I wasn’t responsible for any of the lectures…’ I wonder if those lectures were attended, or if they were ever even scheduled…

- ‘… but I don’t remember what they look like.’ mii theme song playing in the background Blank slates all of them.

- ‘…maybe because they were such an international group.’ I. LOVE. THEIR. NAMES. Fucking love this Jonny, you clever sod. - Erika Mustermann – German - Jan Novak – Czech - Piotr and Pavel Petrov – Russian - John Doe – English - Fulan al-Fulani – Arabic - Juan Pérez – Latin American Spanish All place holder names in different cultures, you clever, clever bastard.

- The fact that he says ‘14 eyes’ instead of ‘7 pairs of eyes’ is weird.

- ‘I got the oddest feeling they were judging my walk.’ Must learn from teacher. Observe, learn, imitate.

- I find the whole ‘building the interior as they learn about it’, just, so cool and clever concept. They can observe a person and get the build and the movement but learning how the components fit together and interact and everything? Excellent, brilliant, ugh I love it.

- ‘…their breathing deliberate and almost pointed.’  ‘Look. We have learned. Are we doing it right?’

- ‘How sharp are the knees meant to be?’  They’re babies. Teach and guide these abomination babies.

- ‘I just did my best to stop caring.’ How many statements are going to carry this sentiment? That at some point or another, the subject is just going to ‘nope’ right out and make it through? I’m going to have to start a tally.

- ‘Their faces, normally so neutral, were alive with… what was it I saw? Excitement? Curiosity? Hunger?’ THEY’RE BABIES!

- They are effectively playing ‘dress up’… with skeletal remains… I love them.

- They are such diligent students. There ever tutorial, ready to learn, even if the lecturer isn’t there.

- Hearts… Ooof… let the ‘sinister nonsense’ begin.

- ‘Maybe I thought they’d descend into some sort of feeding frenzy, but they didn’t.’ Well, that is both rude and hurtful. Actually, to be fair, I did once ask about taking pheasants we’d been dissecting in lab home for cooking… There were about 4 of us who were watching about 20 odd bird carcasses just getting discarded going ‘umm… I could curry that… sure I can’t take it? Oh, ok…’  

- ‘… that if I couldn’t see or hear it, I didn’t care.’ Very ‘child hiding behind a curtain, if I can’t see them they can’t see me’ mentality.

- Again, I ask, ‘Where does the blood COME FROM?!’

- I think the whole situation can be described succinctly as ‘horrible miracle’, I think Dr Elliott was right on the money there.

- ‘I asked Elena and, irregular as it was, she gave me the address.’ Well, THAT feels like a safe guarding violation…

- Kingsland Road in Newham. I thought for a moment maybe the Anatomy Students and Sarah Baldwin and the others taken by The Anglerfish all lived together, but Melanie picked Sarah up from Sydenham in MAG028, which is the other side of the river by quite a distance. ‘…and the details have disappeared from the college systems.’ Clean up.

- ‘I was about to reply when a muffled scream of pain came from somewhere deep inside the house.’ Oh God… I’d completely forgotten they’d gone in search of, umm, ‘additional educatioal material’. Oh dear… Bad babies…

- ‘And the apple, did you… eat it? / Do I look like an idiot? Of course not! I cut it in half, first, to check if it was… off.’ I can only hope you are speaking euphemistically and it was your morbid curiosity that prompted you to cut the apple open and that you had exactly zero intentions of actually eating it because GOOD GRIEF MAN!

- And again, human teeth where there ought not to be human teeth. To be fair to Jonny, teeth are fucking weird.

- ‘The first thing about this statement that makes me dubious is that it comes from a fellow academic.’ HA! Oh Jonathan, my sweet, self aware boy… Oh… Oh, I thought this may be a commentary on the ‘ivory tower of academia’ concept, but actually it’s because they’re so used to getting bullied by other nerds…

- ‘It seems strange to me that Dr. Elliott would fail to take note of this.’ And indeed this could be a point in the ‘the other nerds are being mean to us’ column, but I think it also may be down to how focused and, sometimes insular circles of academia can be, the fact that this was missed by Dr Elliott.

- ‘… but Tim seems to believe her.’ And we believe Tim. Tim is the best.

- ‘… they all seemed like healthy adult teeth, and most of them appeared to come from different people.’ Are they… umm… are they samples taken from the ‘samples’ that the anatomy students were sourcing?

- ‘… early last year, Dr. Rashid Sadana took his own life. There’s no direct connection, except that he taught the Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for Complementary Therapies course at St. Mary’s University…’ Well, they’re doing their studies, they went and got their pre-requisites…

[makers-muse]

Top 5 factors to consider when selecting a STEAM company 

In a world where STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education is becoming essential for preparing children for the future, choosing the right STEAM company is crucial. But with so many options available, how do you find the one that aligns with your child’s needs and your expectations? 

Let’s break down the top 5 factors to consider when selecting a STEAM company for your child’s learning journey. 

1. Curriculum Quality and Relevance 

The first thing to look for is the quality of the curriculum. Does the company offer up-to-date, comprehensive courses that align with the latest technological advancements? Ensure that the curriculum balances foundational learning with the development of real-world problem-solving skills. For example, are they teaching coding languages that are widely used, like Python or Scratch, and incorporating emerging fields like AI and robotics? 

A well-rounded STEAM company should also blend creative and analytical thinking, enabling children to explore science and the arts together.learn more 

2. Qualified Instructors and Mentors 

Great teachers make all the difference. Look for companies that have instructors with both academic credentials and practical experience in their fields. Ideally, they should be passionate about teaching young learners, as engaging mentors will inspire and motivate your child. Don’t hesitate to ask about their teaching methodology and how they support individual learning styles. 

3. Hands-On Learning Opportunities 

The best way to learn STEAM subjects is through hands-on projects. Companies that offer interactive, project-based learning foster creativity and critical thinking. Whether it’s building robots, creating animations, or experimenting with chemistry, hands-on learning helps kids retain knowledge and apply what they’ve learned in practical scenarios. 

Check if the company provides materials, kits, or access to virtual tools that enable kids to create and experiment beyond the classroom. 

4. Customization and Flexibility 

Every child is different. A great STEAM company will offer flexible programs that cater to individual interests and skill levels. Whether your child is a beginner in coding or advanced in robotics, the company should provide tailored learning pathways. Flexibility in class schedules, learning formats (online or in-person), and pacing is also important, especially for busy families. 

5. Proven Track Record and Reviews 

Before choosing a STEAM company, do some research. Look at customer reviews, success stories, and testimonials. Has the company helped students excel in national or international competitions? Do they have a record of fostering innovation and creativity in kids? You want to invest in a company that has consistently delivered positive results for its students. 

Start your child’s STEAM journey today! 

When selecting a STEAM company, taking the time to evaluate these five factors will ensure your child receives a meaningful, engaging, and future-ready education 

Explore our programs designed to ignite curiosity and foster skills for tomorrow’s innovators. Start your child’s STEAM journey with us today! 

[rhejac]

sword art online (2012)

This anime was one of my very first anime, so it was very nostalgic to watch it a second time. SAO seems to take a whole new perspective on how we view escapism and fantasy: is it really all it's cracked up to be? Video games and movies are an escape for many, and oftentimes you find yourself wishing to be a part of the adventure. With the developing medium of VR, it seems like that's all possible. I don't know if this anime's context only aligns with Japan, because globally, I see this need for escapism everywhere. As Kirito says in the very first episode: "In this world, a single blade can take you where you want to go." In the world of SAO, Kirito is powerful and influential, and that is probably why he and many of the players got hooked into it in the first place - of course before they all got trapped in it.

In the grand scheme of things, the players seemed to forget there was a real world to come to. The whole theory of post modernism suggests that the simulacra becomes so close to the real image that we can get tricked by what's in front of us. When Kirito is excited to dig into a rare rabbit he caught in the game, he doesn't stop to think that he can't even digest he food he is eating. When Asuna and Kirito lay in the grass and nap, they don't really sit upright and think about how it's all pixels and nerve signals tricking their brain. They feel the sensations but their body is not breathing in the oxygen around them. Well, it's not like they had a choice. Acknowledging the emptiness of their reality would not have gotten them far. Like in the real world, is it really fun to point out that everything we enjoy and consume in this day and age is just copies upon copies?

What's uplifting about this anime is that it shows that while the players are forced to live in SAO, a virtual reality game where you can actually die, the ability to love and to grieve is very much real. Asuna and Kirito's love transcends the virtual and real world, as we see in the end of episode 14 as Kirito limps out of his hospital room to find Asuna. Humans will always love and feel grief, even as a simulacra plays tricks on them. Yui was a good example of this, being made of code and software and still being dear to Asuna and Kirito, as if she is really their child. I still have some gripes about the fact that they are married and have a kid at 16 and 17, but I think they have gone through enough trauma and also get pass since they are still kids who probably don't know any better.

It really gets me thinking as we watch androids and robots, and how they purposefully resemble humans. The software and bolts makes it all meaningless, but we still recognize a person. Or, at least we are uncomfortable enough to acknowledge that it looks humanoid. Will we come to a point where we can't even recognize what a real human and what a fake human look like? We already sort of see it with plastic surgery, and photoshop, two forms of simulacra of what the human body should look like. Now, we reference pictures instead of actual humans. Now, it seems we get further and further away from the image of what humans are supposed to look like. But hey, this is just a little silly anime about sword fighting and fan service, so I might be reading too much into it.

[codekaroyaaroo]

UPCOMING PROFESSION FOR KIDS

In today’s world technology has revolutionized and is present in almost every aspect of our daily lives. From self-driving cars to robot-assisted surgery to online food delivery and social media everything requires significant coding and technology. As a result, it is now more important than ever to teach your kids this vital skill and help them become tech-savvy.

Learning to code can be an empowering experience for kids. As kids of all ages can become technology creators and it allows them to use their imagination and challenge their capabilities. It’ll help them utilize their potential to the fullest. No matter what industry a kid chooses to work in, whether it be technology, finance, retail, health, or another, they will have an advantage in life because there will be more job opportunities available to them in the future.

Benefits of Coding

Coding is undoubtedly the language of the future and a vital component of the digital revolution. Some of the benefits of coding for kids are:

Enhancement of Skills

Coding isn’t just about computers. Kids who learn to code develop critical soft skills such as creative thinking, and collaborative skills and also increase confidence in addition to learning different programming languages and platforms.

It assists them in developing communication, problem-solving, creativity, perseverance, and teamwork skills, all essential for working well with others. It is worth noting that coding also fosters computational thinking, which is the mental ability to apply fundamental concepts and reasoning derived from computing and computer science to solve problems in various contexts. Coding assists kids in solving a set of real-world problems.

Proficient in Technology

Understanding how to use technology effectively to achieve professional and personal success has become critical. A tech-savvy kid can use modern technology and use their skills to benefit from it. Thus, teaching coding to kids at a young age gives them a new perspective on the world and the objects around them.

For instance, it makes them aware of the backend of most of the games and apps they use daily. It also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills to handle other appliances.

Multiple Future Prospects

One significant advantage of coding is the variety of career options available. Contrary to popular belief, kids who learn to code don’t have to restrict themselves to coding as a profession.

It provides various opportunities in coding professions such as Software Development, Mobile App Development, and Game Development, as well as in areas such as Project Manager, Data Scientist, Machine Learning, Analyst, Entrepreneur, and others.

Thus, even if the kid has knowledge of coding but later does not find it interesting, they are still open to a list of options from which to choose without becoming demotivated.

Improves Mathematics

Math is the subject that most kids do not find interesting and for which they typically receive the lowest grades. Programming statements are a collection of mathematical expressions that must be resolved, so Math and coding are inextricably linked.

Furthermore, coding teaches children to apply mathematics and its concepts in real-life situations. It also alleviates the Maths phobia that most children have. Thus, coding helps children improve their Maths skills and makes learning more engaging and enjoyable.

Coding is an essential language of the future. Learning to code can open up a world of opportunities for kids. With the increasing emphasis on technology in virtually every industry, coding has become a valuable skill in high demand.

Given the importance of coding, teaching coding to kids is very crucial and helps them to get a lot of exposure. On the other hand, learning has never been simpler, thanks to the online coding classes of CodeKaroYaro.

CodeKaroYaaro is an International Kids Coding School that offers specially designed courses for children aged between 6 to 15 years. Our objective is to encourage kids to learn computer fundamentals or basics through coding, develop their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and enhance their abilities. Coding has now become an extremely valuable skill to possess nowadays. A child who learns to code will have an advantage in terms of future employment opportunities, regardless of whichever industry they choose for themselves. Schools have recently started taking some programming sessions; however, what about those who do not have this opportunity? In that case, we are there to assist you.

CodeKaroYaaro has an incredible team of highly qualified instructors who are eager to mentor kids who are as eager as them to learn something new. They have the knowledge to help you understand core concepts and will be able to point your kid in the right direction if they run into a snag or get stuck. We have courses ranging from beginner to proficient level to meet the needs of any individual. E-learning does not have to be boring; sometimes it can also be fun. In fact, if you give us a chance, we can prove it. We strive to create an inclusive environment through live projects and other activities to ensure that children understand the concept in its entirety. It is an organization that brings together all of the skill sets needed to develop tomorrow's tech savvy.

Courses Offered by CodeKaroYaaro

There are 4 grade levels:

Grade 1-4: There are three courses under the range of Grades 1-4. Code Ninja, Code Creator, and Code Wizard, ranging from $69 up to $662.

Grade 5-7: For students in grades 5-7, there are three coding courses available, priced from $69 to $662: Code Ninja, Code Creator, and Code Wizard.

Grade 8-10: Students in grades 8-10 can choose from three courses: Code Ninja, Code Creator, and Code Wizard, which cost between $69 and $662.

Grade 10+: Grades 1-4 students can enroll in one of three coding courses, which cost between $69 and $662.

Here your kid will learn coding from the basics in 1:1 interactive online classes. The teachers are available 24/7 to connect to and ask queries related to the classes.

We at CodeKaroYaaro are trying to empower every kid to become a Computer Science Expert by teaching them to develop mobile apps, gaming apps, websites, web applications, and AI-powered mobile Apps.

The Future Of Coding As A Career

The future of coding as a career is very bright as the technology is advancing rapidly and creating a growing demand for skilled coders. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science have opened up new opportunities for coders, and the shift toward remote work has made coding an attractive option for those seeking flexibility. The rise of start-ups and entrepreneurship has also created new avenues for coders to create their own businesses and products. As funding and resources for entrepreneurs continue to increase, the potential for growth in this field is immense.

Some examples of industries where coding knowledge can be useful include:

Information Technology (IT): This is the most obvious field where coding skills are required. IT companies often hire coders for roles such as software developer, web developer, and database administrator.

Finance and Banking: Coding is essential for developing software applications used in financial analysis, risk management, and trading. Banks and other financial institutions also use coding to develop and maintain their online banking systems.

Healthcare: Coding is becoming increasingly important in the healthcare industry. Electronic health records (EHR) are now used in many hospitals and clinics, and coders are needed to develop and maintain these systems. Additionally, medical researchers use coding to analyze data and develop predictive models.

Manufacturing: Coding is used in the manufacturing industry to automate processes, monitor production, and analyze data.

Education: Coding is becoming an important part of education, with many schools now offering coding classes and programs. Coders can also develop educational software and applications.

Government: Many government agencies use coding for data analysis, software development, and cyber security.

Marketing and Advertising: Coders are needed to develop and maintain websites, mobile applications, and other digital marketing tools.

Media and Entertainment: Coding is used in the media and entertainment industry to develop video games, animation, and special effects.

These are just a few examples of the many industries where coding knowledge can be useful. As technology continues to advance, coding skills will likely become even more valuable in many other fields as well.

Conclusion

In today’s digital age, coding education is becoming increasingly important for children. Not only can coding help kids develop essential and fundamental skills, but it can also prepare them for the tech-driven future that lies ahead. With coding skills, children can unlock countless career opportunities and set themselves up for success in the future. So, whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply curious about the world of coding, consider introducing coding to the children in your life. Who knows – you may just inspire the next generation of tech innovators.

You can book a free trial for your kid at CodeKaroYaro to kickstart the coding journey now!

Your child is Just a Call away to become a Tech Leader of Tomorrow.

[clarajblogdsaa]

Do android dreams of recording songs?

Since I was a little kid, I was exposed to Japanese culture a lot and of course music was part of it. Growing up, sharing my music taste with people could be a little complicated as they did not really understood the appeal of listening to a language they could not understand but the case where I had the most surprised reactions where trough the voice of the virtual idol Hatsune Miku. Indeed, she nothing more than a fictional avatar for a software voicebank commercialised by Yamaha. Quickly, one question arose, what do people like in listening to a robot voice? It is perfectly understable as most people like singers and bands because of the emotional bond their music and voice create. Miku as no will of her own and her voice does not sound really human yet she is dearly cherished by many as she delivers a bond unlike any other human musical artist can do... 

She was created in 2007 by the company Crypton Future Media to be a part of Yamaha’s new software, VOCALOID2. This program has been developed in 2004 as a tool for music composer that can’t afford or find an interpret to their songs. The technology behind VOCALOID is actually pretty simple: a human singer gets their voice recorded in the desired language with each phoneme and diphthong separated and slightly adjusted to be cohesive. It creates a powerful tool where anyone can write lyrics which will get transform into a singing voice. Then, the voice can be tuned to the a specific tone and notes as often it is possible to recognized each composer by their way of tuning Miku’s voice!  

The Boxart for the first version of Hatsune Miku for VOCALOID2 in 2007, art by KEI © Crypton Future Media.

Before Miku, few other virtual singers were released but the real change is that got a character design promoting her voicebank, which is most likely the reason she became so popular. She was drawn as a 16 year old girl in an anime style with Yamaha’s synthesizers iconic colors and design elements. This avatar paired with how easy it was to use her compared to her previous counterpart made her appeal to far more than the professional field. Quickly, amateurs musicians and japan otaku culture made original songs, cover, fan art and memes of Miku, spreading her mark all over the internet.  

Hatsune Miku became one of the biggest japanese musical phenomenon of the last decade. Crypton made sure to profit from this success and push her in many events and collaboration such as the sponsoring of the Good Smile Racing team for Grand Tour racing events! She is a huge soft power outlet use by Japan to promote japanese music and culture, a bit like the K-pop industry in Korea. Yet it’s not quite what make her so special... 

A Hatsune Miku mascot makes an appearance at Hatsune Miku Symphony 2017 with the Tokyo Philharmonic. ©Crypton Future Media

More than a weird robotic voice or a capitalistic icon, she is the representation of creative communities that expand online. The loves for her “work” come through the universes that composers make with her as their tool to connect with their audience. Crypton always kept Miku as a blank sheet, other than few staple elements of her design as her turquoise hair and eyes, anything else is left to the fan creation. The music featuring her voice range from every music genre and the topics explored can go in more difficult topics like suicide or abuse. It had help many to feel heard and find recovery in hard times as most of the work produce with her is not commercialized and thus more free with its form and message. Crypton have even created a legal license that fan can use without having to contact them to legally use Hatsune Miku’s brand in specific fan creation such as print making, cosplay and music creation!  

Hatsune Miku and many other virtual singers give people freedom of creativity beyond what any human singer could because their aims are different! Virtual singers are not human yet help the creation and humanity of musicians and artists to shine through and build together the future of their community. 

«Miku, Miku, You can call me Miku,   Blue hair, blue tie, hiding in your wi-fi,   Open secrets, anyone can find me,   Hear your music through my mind»  

are part of the first verse of the famous song Miku composed by the US band Anamanaguchi and interpreted by the virtual idol Hatsune Miku as to describe who she is to the world. 

[fortunerobotics]

Exploring AI Coding Courses for Kids: A Guide to Nurturing Young Tech Enthusiasts

Introduction:

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, introducing children to the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and coding has become increasingly crucial. AI coding courses for kids offer a unique opportunity to foster their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills from an early age. This guide delves into the significance of AI education for youngsters and presents an overview of some compelling AI coding courses tailored for kids.

Why AI Education Matters for Kids:

Future-Proofing: As AI continues to shape various industries, understanding its fundamentals equips children for the careers of the future.

Critical Thinking: AI courses encourage kids to analyze problems, break them down, and develop innovative solutions.

Creativity: Learning to code AI systems sparks imagination, enabling kids to develop applications that address real-world challenges.

Ethical Considerations: Early exposure to AI ethics fosters responsible and conscious AI development.

Top AI Coding Courses for Kids:

"AI Adventures" by CodeKids Academy:

This interactive course uses gamification to teach AI concepts like machine learning and neural networks.

Kids build AI-powered projects like image recognition games and virtual assistants.

"RoboCoder" by TechGenius Institute:

Geared towards younger learners, this course combines robotics and coding to teach AI principles.

Children program and control robots, fostering hands-on AI understanding.

"AI Explorers Club" by KidTech Academy:

With a focus on practical application, this course guides kids through creating AI-driven animations and chatbots.

Ethical AI usage and data privacy lessons are integrated into the curriculum.

"Junior Data Scientist" by FutureCoders:

Designed for slightly older kids, this course introduces data science and AI concepts.

Children learn to analyze data, make predictions, and create simple AI models.

Benefits of these Courses:

Engaging Learning: Interactive activities and projects keep kids motivated and excited about AI.

Real-World Applications: Courses teach skills applicable to real-life scenarios, boosting kids' confidence.

Collaboration: Group projects and online communities foster teamwork and peer learning.

Customized Learning: Courses cater to various age groups and skill levels, ensuring an optimal learning experience.

Conclusion:

As AI becomes an integral part of our lives, introducing children to its wonders through tailored coding courses is a forward-thinking investment. These courses empower kids to harness the potential of AI while cultivating essential skills that will serve them well in the digital age. Whether they aspire to become AI engineers, scientists, or simply want to explore the world of technology, AI coding courses for kids offer a remarkable journey of discovery and growth.

[eclassopedia22]

The Benefits of Online Tuition in Biology, Chemistry, and More

Elevate Your Kid’s IQ

Welcome to the future of learning, where studying isn't just about dusty textbooks and boring classrooms. It's about diving into the wonders of biology, chemistry, and more – all from the cozy corner of your room. Imagine waving goodbye to those early morning rush hours and saying hello to learning while munching on your favorite snacks.

Section 1: Dive into Online Tuition

Online Tuition is like having a classroom in your pocket. You don't need to travel miles to sit in a desk; your desk is wherever you choose it to be! Just imagine, you could be in your PJs, on your favorite bean bag, and still be learning amazing things. It's like the coolest clubhouse where the world's knowledge is at your fingertips. Want to learn about plants, animals, or even how your body works? Just a few clicks, and you're off on an adventure of discovery.

Section 2: Why Online Course Rocks

Now, here's the real magic: you get a personal learning genie – an online teacher! These are experts who know their subjects like the back of their hand. They're like superheroes, but instead of capes, they have an internet connection. Imagine you're puzzled by a chemistry equation that seems like a secret code. Your online course swoops in with a simple explanation, and suddenly, it's as clear as day! And guess what? You're not alone on this adventure; there are videos that bring lessons to life and virtual labs where you can mix things up without the mess.

Section 3: Super Online Teachers

Meet your new best friends – online teachers! They're like wizards of wisdom, and the best part is, they're just a click away. These teachers come from all over the world, and they make learning feel like chatting with a friend. Even though they're behind a screen, they make you feel like you're right there in the classroom, raising your hand and asking questions. They're the guides on your learning journey, helping you conquer mountains of knowledge and sail through the sea of information.

Section 4: Finding Your Online Tutor Platform

Now, imagine exploring a magical forest, but instead of trees, it's a forest of websites. You want to find the perfect spot where the adventure of learning can begin. Look for websites that other kids like – it's like getting secret treasure maps from your pals. And just like your parents want you to wear a helmet when you ride your bike, make sure the website is safe and friendly for you to learn and explore the Online Tutor Platform.

Section 5: Real Stories: How Kids Rocked Biology and Chemistry

Believe it or not, there are kids out there who’ve turned into biology detectives and chemistry wizards, all thanks to online learning. Imagine this: a regular kid just like you, who loves playing games and hanging out with friends, suddenly becomes a biology expert. They know how plants use sunlight to make food and why your heart goes thump-thump. And those tricky chemicals? With a bit of online magic, they've become master chemists, mixing potions like a scientist in a movie. Parents are amazed, and these kids are soaring high with their new knowledge. Who knows, you could be the next star in this story of learning triumph!

Section 6: Let’s Talk Worries

Now, you might wonder – is being online too much a bad thing? Just like having too much ice cream can give you a tummy ache, too much screen time can also have its downsides. But worry not, young explorer! Just like you balance playing and doing homework, you can balance online learning too. Keep your focus sharp, take small breaks, and you'll zoom through your lessons like a true champion. And if you ever feel a little stuck, your online teacher and your parents are there to give you a helping hand.

Section 7: Future Learning Fun

Imagine this: robots helping you learn math, or stepping into a virtual jungle to learn about animals. The future of learning is full of exciting possibilities! You could be solving math problems with a robot buddy, or exploring history by walking through ancient virtual cities. The world of learning is growing, and you're at the forefront of this fantastic journey. Just like a superhero, you're equipped with knowledge to conquer any challenge that comes your way.

Conclusion: Smart Kids, Bright Future

So, here's the deal – online learning isn't just a trend; it's a new way of exploring and understanding the world. Think of it as your secret portal to a universe of knowledge, waiting for you to discover. The adventure, the thrill, the "aha" moments – they're all here. Remember, learning is not about just acing tests; it's about discovering the mysteries that make our world fascinating. Get ready to embrace this digital adventure, young learners, and let your minds soar higher than ever before!

Embrace the digital wave and set sail on a journey that's as thrilling as your favorite adventure story! With online tuition as your trusty compass, you're navigating uncharted territories of knowledge, discovering the secrets of life, matter, and everything in between.

Article Source: https://medium.com/@eclassopedia22/the-benefits-of-online-tuition-in-biology-chemistry-and-more-f8a36e0d79d9

[alinagentry90]

Artificial intelligence course for kids | What is Artificial intelligence for kids?

Artificial Intelligence for kids

Artificial intelligence refers to the process of teaching a computer to learn. Students can train computers using programming, training processes, and testing. Using this progressive learning method, students can create their own worlds. Students can program robots, create artwork, and code games! Data science and artificial intelligence are demonstrated by robot vacuums, Siri, and Alexa. Coding has always been an essential part of artificial intelligence for kids. Artificial intelligence is simply the programming of computers to learn. Machine learning can be found in Netflix, video games, and self-driving cars.

The Advantages of a Children's Artificial Intelligence Course

Artificial intelligence has enabled us to create intelligent machines and systems that have changed our present and have the potential to change our future even more. Because of its growing importance, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been dubbed the skill of the century. Its use in our daily lives has become so common that we hardly notice it when we use GPS or give a voice command to a virtual assistant. Because AI is such an important part of our lives, an AI curriculum for children is essential. It is critical that the educational system evolves in tandem with the changing world to ensure that children succeed in the future. Previously, education infrastructure was solely focused on theoretical knowledge; however, this emphasis has now shifted to practical knowledge. Because of artificial expertise and machine learning, online learning is now possible; a physical presence in a classroom is no longer required; anyone with access to a computer and the internet can learn anything from anywhere. Learn more -  What is Artificial intelligence for kids?

[evednagupta]

Tynker

Tynker is the fun way to learn programming and develop problem-solving & critical thinking skills.

Tynker is a web-based platform that promotes kids' learning of coding from the most basic ideas to more difficult projects. Tynker is one of the few apps designed specifically for young children and is appropriate for children as young as 5 years old. It starts by instructing the students in the logic of code using basic building blocks before proceeding on to actual coding classes. With the help of games, this visually appealing app engages young minds. The platform covers a number of significant coding languages, including HTML, Javascript, Python, and CSS. It also teaches coding theory using blocks. This suggests that students can utilise Tynker to develop in a manner similar to how they would if they were actually creating a website. However, kids can do much more on Tynker, such as fun games.

Tynker teaches kids how to code from first principles through to real-life coding used to make games, virtual reality applications and websites or even control robotics and electronics. Hundreds of courses let kids choose their coding interests and build their skills through fun activities which lead to building real apps.

Tynker assists new users in choosing their best starting point and has options for kids aged five and above. The courses and activities are accessible through iOS, Android and multi-platform web apps. A limited free trial lets kids try out Tynker's features with a subscription unlocking the total experience, which includes two coding lessons and activities as well as creative tools for graphics and sound.

Tynker is used in more than 100,000 schools around the globe and offers standalone subscriptions for consumers in addition to its education products. Since launching in 2013, more than 60 million children have used the platform to create more than 120 million distinct applications. The company's mission is to ensure that all students graduating high school by 2033 are exposed to some level of formal coding education.

Computer coding courses for kids can teach children valuable skills to carry with them for life. By learning how to structure a computer program and working together with others, your child can learn communication and problem-solving strategies and strengthen their mathematical skills. Tynker offers many hands on courses to help set your child on the path to strong computer proficiency.

We hope your child has fun going through these sites.

Code Karo Yaaro can be contacted via the following sites for more details.

Website: http://www.codekaroyaaro.com/

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/67923520/admin/

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Email: http://parents.support@codekaroyaaro.com

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