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Overview
The K’NEX Computer Control Software is a fully featured Control program. Designed for students
8 to 18+, it offers a simple yet powerful programming language that allows students to program and
control both sophisticated on-screen Simulated Control Environments (SCEs) and K’NEX models and
devices using the K’NEX interface.
The language is based on world wide standard flowcharting principals. Flowcharts offer a high level
visual development environment, being both easy to understand and powerful; students can quickly
achieve dramatic, positive and valid results.
In addition to the standard flowchart language, the software offers a side-by-side view of the program
as a traditional textually described program. This high level textual representation uses everyday
language and avoids the risk of errors caused by complex syntax and typing entry errors. Offering
both graphical and language views gives the student the best of both worlds!
Students are used to highly animated, highly visual stimuli (video games, TV, etc.). We need to engage
the students by matching their expectations within an educational context:
• to a control project that helps the student to understand a problem
• that the student can identify with, be it from first hand experience or via a subject area they are
interested in
SCEs offer stunning graphics and animations. They are offered in a group that forms a whole scenario;
this scenario sets the context, and offers familiar models to engage the students
The SCEs supplied
The K’NEX Computer Control Software is supplied on CD ROM and is designed to be installed on a
stand alone PC or a network of PCs.
When the software is installed, the following SCEs will also be installed:
• K’NEX Sliding Door Model
• K’NEX Oscillating Fan Model
• K’NEX Super Spinner Ride Model
• K’NEX Bascule Bridge Model
• K’NEX Elevator Model
The 5 SCEs offer a progression from the Sliding Door (4 outputs) up to more complex systems such as
the Super Spinner Amusement Park Ride (multiple inputs, outputs and motors) and finally the Elevator
(introduces the use variables).
Example control programs
The example control programs shown in the SCE guides are supplied on the K’NEX Computer Control
Software CD-ROM. They are not copied to the PC when the software is installed. If you wish to access
these files explore the CD-ROM and copy the ‘Example programs’ folder to your PC.
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