Skip to content

Customize Toolbox Categories and Blocks Plugin #2693

@loretod

Description

@loretod

Check for duplicates

  • I have searched for similar issues before opening a new one.

Component

Deprecated toolbox block customization plugin

Problem

When working with younger students they struggle with locating and managing the full set of categories and blocks in the toolbox. Assistive technology users also need to navigate through extraneous blocks and menus using their devices which takes time away from the current activity or lesson.

Request

Greetings! I would like to request a plugin feature that would provide developers the ability to add the feature of customizing (hide/show) the categories and blocks in the toolbox. This would allow educators to create more customized learning environments similar to how the Makecode tutorials provide lesson specific tools. In addition, to supporting instruction and cognitive load, this feature would also help assistive technology users as it would provide less items to navigate through using either keyboard/ switch or screenreader. I believe there may have already been such a plugin available in the past that was deprecated?

Alternatives considered

I have tried modifying the pxt.json file to hide show blocks and menus but running into issues of figuring out the names of each block and sometimes there are category naming syntax issues (math vs. Math). It's been a lot of trial and error. Teachers less familiar with this process might also not be as comfortable with modifying this file and troubleshooting as needed.

Here is the function being used:
"toolboxFilter": { "Extensions": "hidden", "blocks": { // list blockIDs here. Example: "device_print_message": "hidden" }, "namespaces": { //list menu categories here. Example: "logic": "hidden", } }

Additional context

No response

Metadata

Metadata

Assignees

No one assigned

    Type

    No type
    No fields configured for issues without a type.

    Projects

    Status
    Todo

    Milestone

    No milestone

    Relationships

    None yet

    Development

    No branches or pull requests

    Issue actions