STUDENT TOOLKIT
What is an add-on?
An add-on is a self-developed tool that can extend the usability of an existing application and sometimes more than one application. An add-on can also be a game, an interface between two applications, or even a new way of using a standard application—your imagination and skill are the only limits!
Why build add-ons?
The development of add-ons is motivated by a desire to streamline repetitive tasks, enhance the usability of applications, add functions, or to create entertaining interactions. Add-ons can take the form of games, macros, or the linkage of applications and data.
You may have an idea for an add-on you want to build and share with others. Or you may have an idea but lack the knowledge to build it. Ask your classmates or friends to work with you as a team on your idea. Advice and coaching is also available from add-on.helpdesk@eun.org.
Parents and teachers often have great ideas for add-ons. You could invite them to work with you to create an add-on or brainstorm with them to refine your own ideas. Building add-ons can help improve your creativity, problem-solving abilities, and logic skills.
Getting started
There are many possibilities for creating add-ons. You can see samples here.
Macros
Macros can be used in Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint or Microsoft Excel to eliminate tedious repetitive work and improve efficiency. Macros can be constructed directly in a programming language or they can be recorded using the tools Microsoft has built into the application.
To record a series of actions within Word, PowerPoint or Excel, use the Tools > Macro function, then save the sequence. They generate the code required to playback the sequence as needed. You can also open the macro directly and review the code as an example to get started building your own macro.
Role-playing games
If you enjoy role-playing games, you may be aware of different worlds, maps, or locations available within the game. You may also be able to create your own world or map. The method for doing this is explained in the game, as the approach varies from one game to another. After you have created your game add-on, you can exchange it with friends, or have game moderators upload it for access by others.
Changing presentation
- In a word processor like Microsoft Word you can change the presentation through the use of templates and styles. The same text document looks completely different without having to retype the text.
- On Web pages you can do the same thing with cascading style sheets. For examples of what is possible, visit http://www.csszengarden.com/. This Web site provides other useful information, such as creating CSS (cascading style sheets) and gives information about “creative commons”.
- There also are add-ons available to change the look of Facebook https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/ipnenhkngeiigfbhacdhadcnjjklhblm
- A challenging example for more experienced developers would be the creation of add-ons for the Mozilla Firefox browser. For more information visit https://developer.mozilla.org/en/Extensions.
Problem-solving with add-ons
Other add-ons can help in problem solving. You can do many exciting things using macros within Microsoft Office. More complex add-ons include conversion programs to transfer graphics, music, and video files from one format to another. Below is a list of sample add-ons.
- Uses basic Office functions such as formulas
- Temperature Conversions
- Polygot Tool
- Uses Office functions, macros, VBScript, and graphics
- Test Your Memory
- Fun with Voltages
- Crypto Phrase
- Touches
- Multiplication Challenge
- Creative Slideshow
- For more ideas see the collection of add-ons here.
Practical information
There are a few basic steps to creating an add-on:
- Get a clear view of the add-on functions
- Try to forecast the constraints and limits of the project
- Decide how you are going to create your add-on, for instance, by way of a template, macro, or form
- Create a sequence of steps outlining the add-on functions
- Translate the steps into functions using your development tools
- Save or compile the add-on
- Test the add-on among yourself and friends
Example 1
Create a header and footer layout for a report using a macro in Microsoft Word 2007.
Description:
- Click on the Tools menu tab
- Go to the Macro section and click Record Macro
- Add a name and short description and click OK
- In the header and footer section, click Header and pick a style
- In the navigation section click Go to Footer
- Click on the page number, click current position and select a style
- Click the button in the Close section
- Stop macro recording
- Remove the header and footer
- Click the View menu tab, go to the Macros section, and select and run your macro
Example 2
Creating an animated GIF image for use on a Web page is a fun way to get started.
Description:
An animated GIF is basically a set of small images with a GIF extension. These images are displayed as layers, in a sequence, on top of each other. The sequence can be repeated in a loop.
How to do this:
- Select images or draw your own images and save them with a GIF extension
- Define the animation sequence
- Use an animation creation tool such as the freeware tool UnFreez. In general, you should:
- Assemble the series of GIF images to be used in your animation.
- Set the options for loop animation and frame delay.
- Compile the animated GIF and save it with a descriptive name.
- Test the animation on an HTML page viewed within a browser using tags similar to this:
<img src="my_new_animated.gif" width="number" height="number" alt="This my animation" />
More ideas
There are many freeware tools available such as those at Snapfiles http://www.Snapfiles.com/freeware/.
Filetransit is a Web site for people who want to distribute their software. Distribution is free and Filetransit earns money from advertising. Many tools are available for free download at http://www.filetransit.com/index.php?action=faq.
Other examples include:
- TrackRecord is an easy-to-use application for transferring data from Polar RS200 or RS200sd heart rate monitors.
- MP3 Alarm Clock is an alarm clock program that supports many audio formats such as MIDI, WAV, and MPG, in addition to MP3. Unlike other alarm clock programs that only have a preset number of alarms; MP3 Alarm Clock supports an infinite number of alarms, each with customizable playlists, dates, and time.
- ShiftyGames Hangman is a game that challenges spelling skills in an old-west-style setting. You must guess the letters of an unknown word within seven tries or you lose.
- PuzzleTron is a cross platform tool to create Web-browser based puzzles from pictures. PuzzleTron works on Windows and other platforms and has a function to upload your puzzle to the PuzzletTon.com Web site (Web Publish) if you want to share your puzzle with others.
- School Calendar is a universal calendar for teachers and pupils from high schools and colleges, letting them track lessons and tasks, and organize studies.
Creative Commons
After you have created your add-on, it is a good idea to copyright it. Copyright covers the set of exclusive rights that belong to the author or creator of an original work. Go to www.creativecommons.org to learn more about which licence you should apply to your work, then indicate it clearly on your creation. You can let other people copy, distribute and/or adapt your work if you wish, but they still must reference you as the author and creator. Respect the rights of other creators and inquire about copyright protection before incorporating prior works into your creation.
Send questions to add-on.helpdesk@eun.org