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.
Coding with the Bit can be done in one of two ways: Color coding and OzoBlockly (block coding). Color coding involves drawing paths on paper for Bit to follow and adding in color codes that tell Bit to do something, such as speed up, slow down, turn around, spin, and more. Keep reading to learn more about the original Ozobot
The variety of educational technology on our store is always increasing. As new tech tools are brought into the education market, we’re working hard to make them available to educators in one easy-to-find place and at exclusive educator pricing. That’s not to say that our store is overflowing with every single EdTech product in the world.
We have another EdTech grant awardee! We’re pleased to announce the recipient of September’s $500 EdTech grant is Scott Donnelly from Carnegie Elementary School in Carnegie, PA! Scott is committed to creating a true 21st century classroom for his students and will soon be able to add some Ozobot kits into the mix thanks to his award!
Microbric, the creators of the Edison Robot, recently released a new programming language for Edison known as EdScratch! With EdScratch, which is based on MIT’s Scratch language, students can practice drag-and-drop programming with a lot of functionality and we’re here to make sure you know about it and encourage you to give it a try!
The latest evolution in robotics education is here. Sphero has released its brand-new app-enabled robot, BOLT, and it’s the perfect tool for teaching robotics and programming! Bolster your school’s robotics program with all new ways to teach drawing, block, and text programming while creating endless opportunities for learning and fun!
Congratulations to Amanda Callahan-Mims from Spring Hill Elementary School in Knoxville, TN! Amanda and her students are in the process of transforming their school’s Technology Lab into a fully integrated STEM Lab and she’s using her background as an archaeologist to inspire her students to use technology in new ways!
While it may not be as bad as it was once thought to be, there will almost certainly be jobs lost to technology. While there will likely be jobs created in their place, however, there is no denying that technologies like artificial intelligence will have their place in our lives. They are already very much in it, in fact, with
This week in the Eduporium Experiment, we’re diving into Part 2 of the Sphero Mini. In the first Sphero Mini blog, we addressed the differences between the Sphero SPRK+ and the Mini. This week, we are going to discuss the various apps that students can use with the Mini and how to apply them in a classroom, makerspace, or at
In some parts of the country, school has already started, but for those who return back right before or right after Labor Day, there is still a bit of time to do some EdTech research and discover some new tech tools to potentially bring into the classroom for the new year! So, here’s some suggestions for tech tools to use
We’re introducing another new blog series for educators! Each week, we will take a look at an online STEM resource teachers can use to better their instruction with hands-on opportunities. In the first edition of Rising Resources, we’re exploring Robot App Store, a resource designed to help teachers learn more about robotics in a number of ways!
