Traffic - Programming for Beginners

Traffic provides an introduction to basic computer programming concepts in a fun, goal oriented format. Players create short computer programs to instruct cars, delivery trucks, ambulances, stoplights, and other objects in a miniature world how to complete specific tasks. Players need no previous programming experience. The only prerequisites are an ability to read English and an interest in exploring creative ways to solve challenges!


Learning Objectives:
Traffic introduces players to general programming concepts that are common to almost all programming languages and environments. Concepts include:
- IF / THEN / ELSE statements
- AND / OR logicals
- WHILE statements
- Variables
- Subroutines
- Code reuse
Concepts are introduced gradually - as the player achieves success on lower levels additional programming tools are introduced and are required to complete higher levels. Players earn belts as they advance as a reward for demonstrating what theyve learned.

Please see this link for a detailed list of learning objectives for each level: http://www.scientia-software.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/Levels.127194516.pdf


What do computer programs look like in Traffic?
Instead of focusing on the tedious syntax of any single programming language, Traffic programs are constructed by assembling English words and short phrases. There is no code syntax to learn, and no need to type programs character-by-character.
For example, an “if / then” statement looks very different in C++ than it does in VisualBasic. Rather than using the specific syntax of either language, Traffic allows users to get experience with the “if / then” concept by simply constructing the following English phrase…
If the road turns right then
Steer right.


In-App Learning Support:
While there is no substitute for a real live programming instructor, Traffic has been designed presuming players will not necessarily have an experienced programmer in the room with them. Three main capabilities have been included to support the self-learning process:
- Help is available throughout Traffic in the form of question mark buttons that provide a video description of the selected topic.
- Cheat Mode is available so players can see a complete working solution to any level if they get stuck.
- Trace Mode highlights the portions of programs that are executing so players can clearly see what parts of their programs are or are not running. This helps the players debug their programs.


Age Recommendation:
Traffic is recommended for anyone 9 or older who wants to improve logical thinking skills and potentially discover new interests in computer technologies that could last a life time.


Parents & Educators:
Computer science and computer engineering are consistently rated among the “best careers” due to salary level, working conditions, work / life balance, and number of job prospects . However even if your student doesn’t pursue a technical career, logical thinking skills sharpened through basic computer programming can be successfully applied to many aspects of life.

Traffic was created by a parent with the goal of gradually building a foundation of computer programming concepts in a fun, goal oriented environment. Traffics level-based format is familiar to mobile device users, and it has been crafted to keep the students interest by incrementally adding content and rewarding accomplishments during the educational journey.

The first six levels of Traffic are free so you can try it without risk. The remaining levels can be purchased for a one time charge of $1.99 USD. Traffic contains NO in-app advertisements.


Traffic is optimized for iPad.


Please visit www.scientia-software.com/traffic or Twitter @TrafficPFB to learn more!