Some of the most popular paths and effective approaches to preparing students for their future involve using robotics tools. A significant subsection of STEM education, coding robots and other types of programmable devices enable a large percentage of the STEAM learning that occurs in our schools. Using educational robotics tools, students from Pre-K to college can develop key coding skills. This is largely because, among these various robot kits, many are compatible with various programming languages. So, beginning in Pre-K, a child might use the Cubetto Robot in screen-free coding activities. Then, they might move on to the Bee-Bot or Blue-Bot for CS experiences that are slightly more complex. And, by the time they're in kindergarten or first grade, they have a legitimate foundation and they're ready to continue developing fluencies in coding, problem solving, and even computational thinking.
One reason robotics in education is so effective is due to various advances in robotics equipment for schools. Beyond introducing the absolute basics of coding early on (and without a screen), students can then progress to one of the most basic forms of coding, which you might know as Blockly. So many robotics tools incorporate the Blockly coding language along with their corresponding programming environment. In fact, the Ozobot Evo, Root Robot, Edison Robot, and Dash Robot are among the most popular elementary robotics tools. These help children build on coding and technology knowledge as they prepare for the next step—text programming. In text coding, they can use tools like the databot 2.0, NAO Robot, and most of the others we've mentioned. And, through these experiences, they can develop STEM skills in a tangible way while using robotics tools to do so.
Afterschool STEM programs and camps have been around forever but they’re sometimes mainly for child care purposes. Recently, however, we’ve seen shifts in kids actually wanting to participate in enrichment programs to continue developing their STEM skills outside of school. And, the best part is that they often truly enjoy these STEM experiences.
The benefits of robotics in education are far-reaching in both the short and long term. Of course, using robotics tools helps kids learn some of the most important coding basics in a way they can understand. Now, robotics is inclusive of almost all students and the features of classroom robotics tools more effectively meet both student and teacher needs.
The Root Robot from iRobot Education is among the most versatile educational robotics tools. With three levels of coding and something for everyone from pre-readers to veteran programmers in its iRobot Coding platform, educators can leverage impactful STEM projects, incorporate new coding concepts, and help students with their CS development.
For students, learning to code is both essential and accessible. With so many age-appropriate classroom coding tools available, helping students see the possibilities, benefits, and enjoyment they can get from robotics and coding education isn’t even impossible for educators to accomplish. Plus, the benefits of coding education are increasingly extensive.
Joining us from the Terrapin team were Bill Glass and Luis Noreiga, who led some interactive demos for attendees. If you’ve never tried teaching with the Bee-Bot, Blue-Bot, or Tuff-Bot before, we definitely recommend checking out the replay! You can learn all about the Terrapin robots, accessories, and online coding emulators. Check it out inside!
The compact and affordable Terrapin Robot Sensor enables students to add audio feedback and increased interactivity to their Bee-Bot activities or Blue-Bot experiments. It’s really easy to use and provides teachers with a great next step as they begin expanding robotics for elementary students, bolstering SEL connections, and explaining new technology.
Each of the UBTECH Education robotics kits—Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced—are very engaging for students, offering opportunities for hands-on engineering, coding, and problem-solving using the unique components and sensors. This week, we’re breaking down each of the kits, including what comes in the packages, the curriculum, and more.
As learning initiatives evolve and adapt to better serve students in the 21st century or, in recent months, to allow for effective learning at home, rest assured we’re always doing our best to gauge how we can help. We’ve even created a bunch of helpful content for district leaders, classroom teachers, librarians, and various education professionals.
The Ozobot simulator is accessible online through any modern browser. Whether they have an Ozobot robot with them or not, students can use the simulator to create and run programs. Especially with learning taking place in many different environments, this tool helps level the playing field and provides students with an accessible way to develop CS skills.
Students can use the Root rt0 without any prior coding experience or prior experience with the regular Root model. The rt0 is compatible with the iRobot Coding app, which students can access on iOS or Android devices as well as others. There’s also the iRobot Code platform, which students can use to practice programming without a physical robot.
