Parents and teachers sometimes shy away from introducing younger children to coding and robotics because they're under the impression that these subject areas are too complex for kids in the early grades. We're pleased, however, that, thanks to the revolution in educational robotics, there's no reason to fear exposing children to coding! Tech designers have caught on to the fact that students need certain tech and STEM skills. They've really taken this to heart when designing tools that incorporate simplicity, authenticity, and problem solving all in one. In no other EdTech product is this more true than with the Coder MiP—an incredibly interactive, robotics-based early introduction to legitimate coding.
The idea of STEM education and project-based learning is that we want students fully engaged with the concepts they're studying. When their hands, eyes, and even their feet are working, their brains, by default, are stretched that much further. The Coder MiP is a perfect example of enabling experiential learning rather than the learning most students are accustomed to—sitting at a desk, taking notes, trying to stay awake—you get the idea. Instead, the Coder MiP allows students to build on the robotics experiences they have had in the past. It truly empowers them to take these experiences to the next level with intuitive and powerful technology.
If you’re familiar with the MiP Robot or MiPosaur, the Coder MiP is the next progression of these pint-sized robots. When I took it out of the box, I noticed right away that it certainly is not very large. I knew this coming in, but seeing how small it really is made me realize it might just be on to something when it comes to use very early on in a child’s education. I took it out and powered it up, seeing how it balances itself just like the traditional MiP Robot.
Students could control the first version of the MiP using a connected device and a user-friendly app; students just press directional keys and can make the MiP complete basic actions. The Coder MiP, as I found out, actually requires students to write the necessary code to make the robot move—a pretty impressive update if you ask me! Students will need a device to create the code and any Apple or Android product should work just fine. In the app, students write programs with simple Blockly code by dragging and dropping the commands into the programming field. After that, all they have to do is press ‘Start’ to make the robot execute the actions. It really does help them see the ‘If This Then That’ nature of coding right before their eyes.
Another interesting nugget is that kids can compel the Coder MiP to begin moving by tapping its backside or swiping their hand in front of its face since it's able to respond to motion. Once activated in either of these unique ways, the Coder MiP will execute the program that students have created. It also helps them experience what it’s like to have programming power in the palms of their hands! If you’re wondering, I can tell you firsthand: this is a very active tech product. It certainly encourages hands-on learning, problem solving, and collaboration. It didn't take long for me to figure it out and the learning potential seems poised to be pretty big!
The Coder MiP is definitely something that has value in 21st century education as it breaks down both coding and robotics into an exceptionally simple and interactive game for kids to conquer with the help of technology. To check out some of the other innovative robotics tools we have, visit the Eduporium store!
If you have an idea for a product you'd like to see featured on the Eduporium Experiment, let us know by sending us a message on Twitter or Facebook! And, look out for next week's edition of the Eduporium Experiment coming at you a week from today. We'll be exploring the new Mover Kit from Tech Will Save Us!