If you're using a tablet or iPad without a physical keyboard, you won't be able to use keyboard keys like the arrow keys in your project. Instead, we'll add simple on-screen buttons (using sprites) that you can tap to do the same things. This keeps your project working great! Just follow these steps wherever the lesson talks about pressing a key.
First, add a new sprite for your button:
- Click the "Choose a Sprite" button in the bottom right.
- Pick a simple shape, like an arrow or a circle. Make it small and place it on the screen where it's easy to tap, like the bottom corner.
Now, program your button sprite to make things happen when you tap it. Here's how it works for different situations:
Example 1: If the lesson uses a key to trigger an action on a specific sprite (like making something move, turn, or jump)
Instead of code like this on your target sprite:
when [left arrow v] key pressed
change x by (-10) // or any action
Or this:
if < key [left arrow v] pressed? > then
change x by (-10) // or any action
end
Add this code to your new button sprite:
when this sprite clicked
broadcast [do action v]
Then, on your target sprite, add this to receive the message:
when I receive [do action v]
change x by (-10) // or any action
Tap the button on the screen, and the action will happen, just like pressing the key! Use a unique broadcast name for each different action or key.
Example 2: If the lesson uses a key to change a variable (like adding to a score or setting a value)
Instead of code like this:
when [space v] key pressed
change [score v] by (1)
Or this:
if < key [space v] pressed? > then
change [score v] by (1)
end
Add a new button sprite. Then, put this code on the button sprite:
when this sprite clicked
change [score v] by (1)
(If the variable is "for this sprite only," make sure it's set to "for all sprites" so the button can change it.)
Tap the button, and the variable changes, no message needed since it's something shared!
Chromebooks, laptops, and PCs are crucial tools for coding and digital skills education. Chromebooks are ideal for web-based applications and collaborative projects, while laptops and PCs support a wider range of programming environments and software for more intensive tasks like software development and data analysis.
