Agen T Readme

AGenT AGenT stands for Automated Genetics Tutor. It is a computer program written by Bill Sofer of the Waksman Institute at Rutgers University and Alan Gerstein of Pharmacia/LKB Biotechnology. It has been designed to supplement a “module” – a set of laboratory exercises – entitled “Molecular Aspects of Gene Activity"“ that was developed under the auspices of an NSF/Merck-sponsored grant to Bill Sofer and George Pallrand of Rutgers. AGenT is SchoolWare. See the note below for information on ordering AGenT and the complete module. AGenT (like the module that it supports) is intended for high school students, although there is no reason that younger pupils – even grade school students – could not make use of it. Although a single individual can use it, we envision that most schools will encourage groups of 4-6 students at a time to gather around the computer with one student at the keyboard/mouse and the others directing him/her (there is little premium on manual dexterity - this is not a video game). The program runs on the Apple Macintosh II series of computers and requires at least 8 bit color (256 colors) capability. Programming AGenT is written in the SuperTalk language (a part of the SuperCard environment). Supertalk is like HyperTalk (the programming language of HyperCard) – it is a so- called scripting language – but is much more powerful. For example, it is possible to produce a true stand-alone program with its own icon in SuperCard, so that students do not have to buy either SuperCard or HyperCard. In addition, the SuperCard environment makes use of draw graphics and color to a greater extent than HyperCard. Finally, SuperTalk has many additional commands for animation than HyperCard. We have decided to program in SuperTalk rather than Pascal, BASIC or C – more traditional programming languages – because of the rapidity with which programs can be fashioned. On the other hand, SuperTalk is interpreted, and therefore it runs more slowly than compiled languages. General characteristics AGenT is part simulation of a laboratory exercise, and part adventure game. In addition, it contains elements of a tutorial. Through it all, the student (or groups of students working together) try to solve a problem in biochemical genetics by exploration, trial and error, and by the use of simulated scientific tools and abstract reasoning. The program tries to strike a balance. On the one hand, we try to prevent students from being frustrated by the difficulty of finding a solution to the problem posed. On the other, we want to provide a sufficient challenge so that they have a Page 1 reason to explore the subject matter, and learn to use the tools provided, and thereby solve the problem on their own. The program – a brief descripti…