Using variables in Speedernet Sphere

In Speedernet Sphere, it is now possible to use variables. They offer various possibilities of scalarization, such as the setting up of a score, inter-scene actions or the evaluation of the learner's progress.

A variable can be a name or a shortcut that is used to store any value, which can change over time. In Speedernet Sphere, there are currently 4 different types of variables:

• Boolean (true/false)
• Number (positive/negative, with / without decimal point)
• Text (unlimited possible values)
• Enumeration (unlimited possible values)

You can define a default value for each variable.

The use of variables is quick and easy.

Creating variables

Variables are accessible by clicking on the following icon  on the left side of the screen.

Open the Variable manager window and click the "Create a variable" button:

Here you will find the 4 abovementioned types of variables:

Choose one of the variable types from the drop-down list by clicking on it.

The variable is defined by its name, its type and one or more default values. It is of course possible to delete it by clicking the following icon .

In this window, you can edit the variable according to your needs. It is also possible to change the type of a variable after its creation.

The choice of a suitable name for a variable is important, as it will be used in the different conditional systems. Define the value of the variable according to its intended use.

Now, you are going to be able to define interactions, which depend on the value of a variable (a change of aspect, an animation...) or which can modify it (a click, an answer to a quiz...). To do this, we will open the "Conditions” page.

Interactions and consequences of changing a variable

Create a new conditional once you have opened the conditionals window. Conditionals can read the value of variables, compare them to another value, or even to another variable (of the same type). The possibilities vary depending on the type of variable. Let's take the example of the "Boolean" type variable we have just created.

The variable conditionals allow a large number of numerical comparison operations to be performed.

For texts and booleans, it is possible to test equality, difference and change of values.

For example, for enumerations, it will be possible to check whether a particular value is contained in the variable or not. In addition to the consequences already present in Speedernet Sphere, it will be possible to change the value of a variable.

In the case of a number, standard numerical operations will be available, as illustrated in the image below:

As for the consequences linked to variables, it is of course possible to trigger them by performing an action on an element, such as a click on an image.

See you soon for the next tutorial!

We also invite you to consult the following tutorials:

• Enumeration variable
• Boolean variable
• Numerical variable