The Root Robot recently appeared in the Wall Street Journal’s Best Tech Gifts of 2019 list and we certainly agree with that assessment. The Root Robot help children of all different ages learn key tech and programming skills by introducing them to coding gradually. The newly updated Root coding app helps students try coding in a few different formats, including using graphical blocks and progressing to the Swift language that has been created by Apple. Teaching and learning with Root, however, is much more effective when educators are masters themselves. So, the iRobot Education team has created Root Academy—an all-encompassing educator experience that serves as full-scale professional development for how to teach coding with Root.
As of now, the Root Robot is only compatible with iOS devices running iOS 10 or later. So, that means that Root Academy is also only compatible with iOS devices (iPhones or iPads) running iOS 10 or later. So, please do not invest your time and money into learning about Root Academy or the Root Robot if you do not have iOS devices in your school or classroom! Just a warning. Anyway, Root Academy helps educators to master the ins and outs of the Root Robot. It even serves as an interactive tutor, allowing them to gain key insights before rolling out Root lessons with students.
Besides seeing how to use the Root in coding instruction, educators can access various lessons and projects within Root Academy. These include access to exclusive learning worlds that those without the Root Academy subscription will not be able to find. Also, there is a simulation module for teachers to see how their Root would react in given situations when it's programmed in certain ways. There are plenty of ways for teachers to practice programming after learning the different ways students can code with Root. All of this helps ensure they’re ready to teach effectively once they bring Root into their classes.
More specifically, Root Academy helps teachers take part in step-by-step lessons to learn how to code with Root. They can also complete open-ended projects, use coding in games that apply their new knowledge, and run simulations to help them see how their code could be improved. When immersed in lessons, teachers can learn in the same ways as students, trying different code blocks and different combinations. And, this really helps them in the classroom, so don’t underestimate the value of first-hand experience.
There are a couple of different ways that educators can access Root Academy. Remember, you have to have an iOS device, but there are a couple of options for purchasing it. A Root Academy subscription is also available on its own for $60.00. The subscription lasts for one year and gives educators access to all the features we’ve discussed so far. When purchased, you'll receive one Root Academy ID for accessing Root Academy on a select number of devices.
There are essentially three levels of Root Academy: One with six seats, one with 100 seats, and one with 1,000 seats. This means that six, 100, or up to 1,000 users could access Root Academy on that number of devices. As you can tell, these options help make utilizing Root Academy in a class, a school, or a district possible. Also, the six-seat option is included with the purchase of a Root Intro 2-pack and Technology 6-pack. The 100-seat option is included with the purchase of the Root Classroom 12-pack. Finally, the 1,000-seat option is included with the purchase of the Root 30-pack.
With Root Academy, teachers can learn a lot about the Root Robot and programming. They can also equip themselves and their peers with some great insight when it comes to teaching with Root. To learn more about this PD tool and to purchase a 1-year Root Academy License from our store, click below. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, too, to make sure you’re always up to date. You'll find our latest product announcements, add-ons, and tricks for effectively integrating educational technology in the classroom!