| Root is a fully programmable robot that helps students see their code executed in real time—sometimes even vertically. 1. The Root Robot can be controlled via the Root Coding app, which is only available for download on Apple devices with iOS 10.0+. |
If you’ve seen a robot traveling up and down a whiteboard drawing designs, I’d bet it was Root! Root is a one-of-a-kind robot in the educational space that combines coding with art on a vertical scale. Root has a ton of programmable features that will keep pre-readers and block coding masters entertained. You’ll find it’s outfitted with touch sensors, color sensors, optical sensors, line following, a speaker, and more.
Since Root was acquired by iRobot, you may have noticed some changes to the app and we’re here to take you through it! The Root Coding app can be found on the Apple App Store, as it is only compatible with iOS devices running 10.0 or later at this time. It is free to download and includes access to three programming levels, a code simulator, a library of project ideas, and games to put your coding skills to the test.
The three programming levels meet students at all skill levels. The feature we love most is being able to switch seamlessly between levels at any time to see how your code looks at each stage. Students are also able to edit the code they create immediately. The first level is made up of graphical blocks with no verbiage, serving pre-readers and first-time coders. The next level up is a hybrid, allowing for more precision in your commands and teaching variables, math, and logic. The third level is the Swift, Apple’s programming language. Students are still dragging and dropping the commands in, but they’re learning syntax as they type to edit their code along with advanced algorithms and math functions.
With the new app update, all users have access to the code simulation, which we highly value! It allows users to run their code in a simulation before they run it in real-time. This saves time and teaches debugging skills. You’ll also find a handy help menu that gives tips and defines block commands. Root organizes its app by projects you’ve created, tutorials, beginner and guided challenges, and ready-to-go code. These sections serve different purposes, supporting learners who want to start with a blank slate, those who need step-by-step guidance, and those who want to edit their final masterpiece. We found the ready-to-go-code to be very helpful in running demonstrations and showing an example project as inspiration. And of course, we can’t forget to mention the fun games, costume ideas, and storylines you can engage with too!
Lastly, the Root Coding app also houses Root Academy, a subscription-based library of premium content including project cards, whiteboard activities, printable resources, and standards-aligned lesson plans. This content is included with any Root Classroom Pack purchase and is available for a certain number of devices, but individual Root purchases require the subscription purchase separately.
If you already have deployed Root in your school or are looking for insight on whether it is the right robot for your students, we hope this blog gave you some helpful tips for moving forward! You can find Root and the Root Classroom packs on our store, as well as the Curriculum Guide, fold-out whiteboard, and Root Academy subscription. If you have any questions about the different versions of the Root Robot or would like to make a purchase, please let us know! Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter as well for more EdTech Tips & Tricks!