DroidScript FAQ for educators
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Dave Smart
Sep 4, 2017, 10:22:05 AM9/4/17
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What can DroidScript do?
DroidScript makes it easy for young people to make mobile apps for Android phones, tablets and Chromebooks, using the hugely popular (and industry standard) JavaScript programming language.
As well as allowing students to build games, utilities and novelty apps, it also provides full programmatic access to the myriad of gadgets and gizmos built-in to modern mobile devices, such as the GPS, Networking, USB, Camera, Bluetooth, Accelerometer, Text-To-Speech, Voice Recognition and more.
The app also provides a number of examples and downloadable plugins for controlling external devices, such as the BBC micro:bit, Lego Mindstorms and Arduino bases project boards, which encourages students to explore the world of 'physical computing'.
Why is it student-friendly?
DroidScript has been designed for students of 11 years and upwards and contains clear and simple documentation, a simplified JavaScript reference and a huge collection of examples. It generally takes 'programming by example' approach which allows users to get results fairly rapidly by copying and pasting code snippets from the docs and samples and then tweaking the code afterwards.
This approach reduces issues associated with a lack of language knowledge and reduces the occurrence of syntax errors that often frustrate newcomers to text based coding. Maintaining student interest at the critical early stages of learning with text based coding is important as more methodical and academic approach can often induce boredom and prevent further progress/interest.
What you can do for free, and what you have to pay for?
The app is downloadable for free from Google Play and the vast majority of the apps features are accessible in the free version. Plugins and functionality with an obvious educational value are also available for free as a matter of principle, such as Lego Mindstorms remote control and the BBC micro:bit plugin. Its only when users begin to advance to 'advanced hobbyist' or semi-professional level that extra features would need to be purchased.
How it could be used in the classroom?
One of the unique features of DroidScript is that it has a built-in code editor and documentation so can be used with or without an internet connection directly on your Android phone or tablet. You can literally 'code anywhere' with DroidScript, on the bus to school, in the playground or at home in your bedroom without needing a traditional computer and internet connection.
If you are using it in a coding club or school situation, you don't need to worry about arranging access to the school's WiFi network, you just print off some work sheets and hand them out. If you can provide cheap Android tablets or recent (2017) Chromebooks for students to use, then that's great, but it's even better if you can encourage students to bring their own devices from home; that way they can carry on experimenting and learning in their own time. They get a real kick out of creating apps for their own device and showing it off to their friends and parents.
If you do have access to WiFi however, then you have the option to use a PC, Mac or Raspberry Pi 3 to remotely control and program your Android device using DroidScripts WiFi IDE (which runs in a browser). Those who prefer a full sized keyboard and mouse will find this method more convenient for extended coding sessions.
What's an example of a really cool DroidScript project?
One of the coolest examples of a DroidScript project is the voice controlled robot rover with computer vision capabilities. This project shows off many of DroidScript most impressive features and can be found on the 'Instructables' web site:-
Also check out the video of controlling the BBC micro:bit:-
How do I get the app?
The app can easily be found on the Google Play store by simply typing the word 'JavaScript' into the search box as it is one of the most popular JavaScript programming tools available for Android.
Check out the "Game Flappy" sample inside the app for a clone of the famous 'Flappy Bird' game too.
How do I get help and support?
There is a large and active community of DroidScript users from all over the planet and plenty of help and information is available on the Google forum and Wiki pages:-
A tutorial pdf suitable for absolute beginners can also be downloaded from here:-
More resources can also be found here:-
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