Droneblocks是美国一家STEAM科技教育公司，基于大疆Tello无人机开发出了配套的手机APP、无人机课程和模拟器软件。本期收录的就是DroneBlocks开发的3D飞行模拟器程序的介绍。
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Sandbox (沙盒）
The exciting new update to our DroneBlocks Simulator does just that, by creating a virtual “sandbox” where students can experiment coding Tello drone missions in a vibrant, 3D, interactive environment. The simulator introduces students to an essential step in any real-world engineering workflow by allowing them to test and practice their flight before launching a real mission in the physical classroom setting. After creating and testing missions in the DroneBlocks Simulator, students can sync their missions through their account on the DroneBlocks application to use them for a live launch on the real Tello Drone.
DroneBlocks模拟器通过创建一个虚拟的“沙盒”，使得每一个学生可以在一个3D交互式环境里提前测试Tello无人机的程序（类似于大疆Tello飞行学校APP）。在DroneBlocks模拟器中创建和测试任务后，学生可以在DroneBlocks应用程序上的帐户同步他们的任务，以便于在真正的Tello无人机上进行试飞。
Coding(编程)
We’ve also included some features to aid students in the development of their coding skills. The Tabbed Canvas feature gives students the ability to work on more than one mission at a time, so as to easily test different sections of code in order to effectively problem solve, tapping into their higher-order thinking skills. Block-Highlighting works as an error analysis tool that assists students in identifying errors in their code by highlighting which line of code is being launched moment by moment. This also allows educators to freely walk around the classroom monitoring student progress and give swift and focused feedback. Beginning missions in the Simulator reinforce fundamentals as well as mitigate the potential for real Drone mishaps and failed missions (crashes) in the classroom ensuring a safe experience.
我们还包括了一些功能，以帮助学生开发他们的编码技能。Tabbed Canvas功能让学生能够一次完成多个任务，从而轻松测试不同的代码部分，从而有效地解决问题，利用他们的高阶思维技能。模块高亮显示是一种错误分析工具，它通过高亮显示正在运行的积木行来帮助学生识别代码中的错误。这也使教育者可以给出快速和集中的反馈。模拟器中的新手任务强调了基础知识的运用。使用模拟器开始新手教学可以有效减少教室里的潜在坠机风险。
Lift Off!（起飞！）
The drone coding simulator is designed using Unity, a familiar game design software, so most students will recognize similarities with some of their favorite video games and tap into their prior knowledge. The new launch features a bustling city environment that allows users to fly the drone on missions around virtual skyscrapers, trains, and the town mall. The city’s 3D map is differentiated to ensure success for all learners. The design creates enough open space for beginner test flights, as well as having the potential for creating a challenging drone obstacle course for more advanced students.
无人机编码模拟器是用Unity设计的。Unity是一个著名的游戏设计引擎，大多数学生将认识到模拟器与他们最喜欢的一些游戏的相似之处，并利用他们之前的知识进行编程。新版本的特色是一个熙熙攘攘的城市环境，允许用户在虚拟的摩天大楼、火车和城镇购物中心周围放飞无人机执行任务。城市的3D地图是有等级差别的：它为初学者创造了足够的开放空间，并为更老练的学生打造一个有挑战性的越障地图。
We’ve included some cool features that help students learn flight navigation basics, while also mirroring what they might experience during a live drone mission. The drone trail leaves a highlighted trail of the drone’s flight path, allowing the students to trace back their drone’s trajectory when problem-solving. The optional Grid gives an assist to students who must chart their drone’s path by measuring distance or plotting points. The FPV Window gives a view of the drone’s “camera” if the mission objectives involve snapping photos from the Tello Drone’s point of view. And last but not least, if the Drone collides with a building or tree in the simulator, it will wobble and crash…much like in the real world!
这个软件包括了一些很酷的功能，能教导学生学习飞行导航的基础知识，同时也包含了一些他们可能在实际操作无人机过程中体验到的东西。无人机的模拟器可以保留一个模拟飞行路径的轨迹，允许学生在解决问题时溯源。可选的网格地图则能帮助那些必须要通过网格和坐标来定位无人机运动情况的孩子们。FPV窗口提供了无人机的“相机”的视图，能重现从无人机的视角回传视频的效果。最后，如果无人机在模拟器中与建筑或树碰撞，它将和在现实世界中一样摆动和坠毁。
Accessibility（获取途径）
Firstly, the DroneBlocks simulator is web-based, which means it does not require any installation and it can be run on lightweight hardware such as Chromebooks or home computers. This ensures that all students can gain access to the simulator on school-assigned computers, in addition to practicing their Coding skills at home for fun, or as part of a homework assignment. The simulator also makes the perfect drone curriculum for remote learning, with dozens of built-in lessons to explore all from home. Another common problem we often hear STEM educators come across is an unfavorable Student-to-Drone ratio in large classes. With the introduction of the simulator, more students can gain valuable time and access to the proper amount of practice. Whether there aren’t enough drones to go around the classroom or if some students need more time to master their skills. The Drone Coding Simulator is included with the DroneBlocks Enterprise License, which allows an unlimited number of students to utilize the simulator.
DroneBlocks模拟器是基于网络的，这意味着它不需要安装任何程序，可以在chromebook或家庭电脑上运行。这确保所有的学生都可以在学校指定的计算机上使用模拟器，或在家里练习他们的编程技能。该模拟器还为远程学习提供了完美的无人机课程，有几十个内置课程，可以在家探索所有的课程。我们经常听到STEM教育工作者遇到的另一个常见问题是，在大班中，学生总比无人机多。随着模拟器的引入，更多的学生可以将宝贵的时间投入模拟器联系，获得适当的练习量。
文章来源：
https://www.droneblocks.io/blog/2021/11/30/take-your-drone-for-a-virtual-spin-with-the-latest-droneblocks-simulator-update
