The J2code visual interface explained:
Adjusting the difficulty level:
J2code visual has 3 varying levels of difficulty. As the levels increase, the number of block categories increases too. Visual will open in level 1 as default. To change the difficulty level, click the dropdown arrow next to the sprite and select the appropriate level:
Adding a background
You don't have to add a background. However, if you choose to use one you must add it within the sprite 1 tab, which will add the background as the back layer. Adding a background follows the same process as adding a character:
Once the background is added, delete the original sprite by clicking on the "x" on the righthand corner of the sprite. Lastly, ensure that the "background" box is ticked:
Pro tip - Renaming your layers can make it easier for editing later. To rename, click on the dropdown menu on the sprite tab, and select "rename":
Adding a sprite
A default sprite (a penguin) will already be present. When learning to code, it is best to limit pupils to 2 sprites initially.
To change/add a sprite, click on the "add new costume" button, and select from the sprite bank:
Drag your sprites to their starting positions on the stage.
Adding a block/code
Each block contains an algorithm - an instruction for the program to follow. The blocks are organised into linking categories e.g. the motion category = blue blocks which include different algorithms responsible for making a sprite move.
To begin coding/add a block ensure you have selected the required sprite (careful not to code the background!) and open the coding screen by clicking:
Select the appropriate category, and drag the block onto the code area:
