For a while, learning was largely online and, though many students are digital natives, navigating this chapter of their lives presented some very unique challenges. Getting into a routine, finding assignments, and struggling with not seeing their friends were all parts of the pandemic—along with a lack of hands-on STEM experiences. Everyone did a superb job but the reality, however, is that students missed so many STEM opportunities, particularly in coding. Thankfully, this is when online coding tools, like the Dash simulator, virtual Root Robot, and others emerged and really helped kids continue with their coding development. And, since these coding tools are more accessible because they don't require physical robots, they're also perfect for summer.
Coding within micro:bit Classroom
In what ended up being a very relevant time to release this platform, micro:bit Classroom launched during the pandemic. It provides students with remote support as they work on developing coding skills. It also helps make organization easier on teachers with a whole bunch of relevant content and resources. Most importantly, users don’t need a physical micro:bit with them in order to code within micro:bit Classroom. They can write code entirely online and see how it would play out virtually. It’s also very easy to access micro:bit Classroom and students can begin simply by creating an account. Once ready, they can name their activity, choose a programming language (MakeCode or Python), and launch the software straight from their browser.
Getting to know micro:bit Classroom and its coding activities.
Once signed in, there are five categories at the top: Instructions, Editor, Dashboard, Student Code, and Save Classroom. In the Instructions section, educators can find tips for completing code setup, sharing joining details, viewing live student work, and saving the classroom file. The Editor tab opens up the programming environment within which students can create their code. Here, you can see the different types of programming blocks and toggle back and forth between block coding and JavaScript. The basic blocks students can use include input, music, LED, radio, loops, logic, variable, and math blocks. Then, the advanced blocks help them explore functions, arrays, text, games, images, pins, serial, controls, and other extensions. Finally, the JavaScript tab features the same types of coding controls along with hints so students can begin experimenting with typing code directly.
The micro:bit Classroom teacher dashboard.
The Dashboard tab shows details teachers can send to students to help them join the classroom, including the URL, classroom name, and classroom pin. It also shows how many students have joined. Then, in the Student Code section, educators can view programs students create by switching between students in the class. Finally, in the Save classroom tab, they can download a file with all student work, end sessions, and resume the session once ready. There are also in-depth computer science project guides and instructional units broken down to make things more manageable. Finally, if you do want to pair an actual micro:bit with micro:bit Classroom, clicking the three bars above the editor will allow for that. So, if you’re looking for some great ways to continue computer science over the summer, check it out!
Using the Robotify Platform
Robotify is another online system students can use to practice programming by controlling the actions of 3D robots. It’s accessible for students as young as eight years old and helps them learn more about using the Blockly programming language to build a true computer science foundation. Robotify is available on both computers and tablets—all students need is a browser to head to the Robotify website. There, they can create an account (there is a cost but a variety of plans are available) and either parents or teachers can set it up for them. That’s right—if educators want to try Robotify in the classroom, it’s certainly built for learning and not just fun.
Coding and curriculum.
One huge benefit of students using Robotify to learn more about coding is the curricular content. The Robotify team has developed over 50 hours of interactive, virtual curriculum that aligns directly with CSTA standards. They also release new courses every month and each is geared towards a specific computer science theme. This helps students get used to hearing and seeing the same things consistently. Robotify is also highly interactive, allowing students to learn and retain more than they would with some other coding tools. The system provides real-time feedback so they know if they’re on the right track with their code or if there’s anything they need to fix—and why. This practice with debugging helps make using Robotify an even more authentic experience as students program virtual robots.
How teachers can maximize coding activities with Robotify.
As for teachers, Robotify offers certain valuable features for them, too. Educators can create classrooms with profiles for each student, which makes it easy to track their progress with important metrics. The platform also generates automatic assessments, so teachers can see how their students are progressing. This, of course, helps save them time in having to create assessments themselves. Ideally, Robotify helps educators supplement classroom coding curriculum that’s already in place and build on some of the core programming experiences students have had, which makes it a great summer learning tool. To check out Robotify more in-depth, head over to their website to browse the various plans, coding lessons, and more!
The Virtual Root Robot
Our partners at iRobot Education have made it possible for kids to code at home with their virtual Root Robot. Obviously, access was a huge problem for students during the pandemic and that lack of access wasn't limited to Internet-based tools. The percentage of students who had a physical robot to code with at their home was probably close to zero. With the virtual Root Robot, however, students can do a lot of the same things they've done with an actual robot, including seeing how their robot would respond to commands thanks to an on-screen animation. Although they would still need a computer, laptop, or tablet, programming a simulated Root is better than nothing.
The three levels of Root robot coding.
If you’ve ever explored the Root Robot or tried it out, you might know about its three levels of coding. Level 1 is strictly block coding with graphical blocks. This helps students learn fundamental logic skills as they drag and drop blocks into programs. Level 2 is a hybrid environment, offering a multi-tiered approach to coding in which they can use blocks plus a bit of script. Level 3 is full text coding, which helps students draw on their existing programming knowledge. They get the chance to use full text code and learn about both structure and syntax. To start with any of these levels, visit the Root Online Coding Dashboard or the brand-new iRobot Python editor to find the programming environment for virtual coding.
Coding with the virtual Root outside of school.
Students can build programs with event, command, setter, and flow control blocks in Level 1. In Level 2, they have the option of using math and logic blocks as well. Students can drag the blocks into the field and build programs to control the actions of the virtual Root on the right side of the screen. Since this is a virtual tool, however, some of the coding options might be limited, unfortunately. For example, they might not be able to include a command for the Root to activate its marker slot. Once students build their program, however, the play button on the left gets the virtual Root moving. Students will see the small representation of the Root respond to their programs, enabling them to continue coding all summer.
Scratch At Home
The popular Scratch programming language and environment is very accessible for kids looking to do some exploring this summer. It’s similar to the virtual Root software because students can create programs using blocks and see how the unique block combinations control the animations and actions of Scratch the Cat, who they can see on the screen. The Create-Along series on their YouTube channel also features specific ideas for coding projects kids can do at home. Tons of parents, teachers, and students have embraced at-home STEM learning recently, which is great to see, and, of course, kids have shared some pretty cool projects in their communities.
Finding Scratch coding activities.
On the Scratch website, the Scratch At Home page features projects and inspiration for students new to Scratch. In addition to Scratch coding resources, there are also activities for use with Scratch Jr., the early learning and more simplistic version of Scratch, for younger students (ages 5-7). The open-ended Scratch Jr. activities help keep kids engaged as they program increasingly unique stories and games. The projects also include tutorials so students can explore how to approach coding challenges. And, these starter projects definitely help those who may be unfamiliar with Scratch to jump right in.
Scratch coding activities at home.
There are nine Scratch activity guides on their website that students can try at home. Each activity features various resources, including a tutorial, a downloadable set of coding cards, and an educator guide. Some of the project options include Animate a Name, Make a Chase Game, Video Sensing, Make Music, Animate a Character, and a few others. Students can also download the coding cards as PDF files and there are additional starter projects at the bottom of the page. These include animations, like a dance party or a moving crab, games, like Pong or a maze starter, and interactive art, like painting and creating wizard spells. To use Scratch or Scratch Jr., just head to their website and enjoy the coding.
Wonder Workshop Virtual Robot
We’ve talked about new versatility in STEAM offerings resulting from the pandemic and learning from home. As such, the Wonder Workshop team helped lead the way in this area with their remote coding interface known as Dash's Neighborhood. They have also created a bunch of content on continuing STEM education from anywhere with plenty of recordings teachers and parents can view. These alone are very valuable for educators of all subjects and contain tips and insights for maximizing coding instruction. Their most exciting offering as it pertains to accessible CS opportunities, however, is the virtual Dash Robot and Dash's Playground, which allows students to program a virtual Dash Robot from anywhere.
Accessing Dash's Neighborhood.
To access Dash's Neighborhood, teachers need a Class Connect account and then they can share their class code with students or parents. With this software, teachers can create classrooms, manage student profiles, and keep tabs on each one’s progress with programming. Students can also use it to access the virtual Blockly environment and continue to practice coding—even during the summer. In the Blockly environment, they have access to all the traditional blocks for building programs with the Dash. Also, within Class Connect, teachers can use their teacher code to access the same environment. Check out these useful instructional videos for accessing Dash's Playground with Class Connect and staying organized.
How to find the Dash simulator.
With the Dash simulator, students can essentially program a virtual version of the Dash Robot using Blockly code right from their browser. Only Class Connect members have access to the Dash simulator, however, but this access comes with the Dash Robot bundles. Dash's Neighborhood is accessible through browsers or mobile devices. It's also Chromebook-compatible, which is great for students who use these devices. There is also an iOS app they can use to access Dash's Neighborhood. With Dash's Neighborhood, kids can still experience valuable coding lessons and see their efforts play out in a virtual environment. For that reason, it remains a great option for summer STEAM learning this year.
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