Root

Similar in both appearance and functionality to the original Root Robot, the Root rt0 allows educators to deliver hands-on STEAM experiences that are practical and relevant. And, although they do look similar, there are several key differences teachers should know. Once you are up to speed, however, it’s a fantastic addition to coding lessons throughout the K–12 grades.

The Root coding robot is one of the most versatile classroom robots in K–12 education. With three progressing programming levels and whiteboard climbing capabilities, it provides so much authentic value for both STEAM teachers and students—even helping introduce pre-readers to coding with its multitude of fun sensors and other programmable features.

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.

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.

We were joined by iRobot’s Anna Elzer and Daniella Bonazzoli, who shared the iRobot story, including how, despite being known for the world-famous Roomba robot, every member of their organization is also committed to education. With help from the audience, they discussed the Root robots, the tech within them, creating SEL connections, and more.

With three different levels, students can try block coding, hybrid coding, and text coding while controlling a variety of the Root’s features. There have also been updates to the Root, including new Android and computer or laptop compatibility. We’ll introduce you to the iRobot coding simulator as well and explore its amazing features!

Starting in early elementary, students can use the Root Robot to try block coding, move onto hybrid coding in upper elementary and middle school, and then use it to learn text coding in upper middle and high school. Since teachers and students now find themselves navigating remote learning, its newest features help make the Root even more appealing.

Starting as an iOS-exclusive robot, Root has just recently implemented an online coding platform which can be accessed on most major devices! With iRobot’s online coding platform, students don’t even need the physical Root to practice coding! Keep reading if you want to learn more about how students can code at home with Root’s Virtual SimBot.