Putting Robots to work in the Classroom

There are several types of robots which have become popular in classrooms over the past few years.  They include Dash and Dot, Spheros and Ozobot.  Each of these has different benefits and your own creativity is the limit for how it might be used in your classroom, but here is some information on them and ideas for them to hopefully inspire you to try something new.

Robot	Pros	Cons	What you need
Sphero SPRK+	Has a toggle between “Drive” mode and “Programming” mode Fun to drive Virtually indestructible Very easy to turn on and connect App comes with challenge ideas An “educator kit” comes with 12 spheros and chargers, measuring tape, protractors and stickers “Programming” mode allows kids to try out coding on their own	Need accessories for more advanced usage, such as outdoors Controls can be difficult for younger kids Better for using on the floor	Lightning Lab app (iOS/Android) Device with bluetooth to control it (iPad or other mobile device) Teacher Account and student accounts (if you want to save your students’ programs) on Lightning Lab To email Theresa and ask her to borrow them! :)
Dash and Dot	Great for younger kids Two-parts allows for greater use Teaches a simple type of coding, exposing kids to this growing STEM field Speak and make sounds to accompany actions Senses objects around them Reacts to light and sound	Needs accessories for more advanced options Pricier than other robots Should be used on the floor preferably	Mobile device with bluetooth One of the four apps to operate Dash and Dot (more info here).
Ozobot Bit	Control with block-based programming and coding that is also color-coded Play with multiple LED lights for different effects Very small - only 1 cubic inch (good for table top play) Charge and program with a computer Follows lines and detects colors Much cheaper than other robots	Smaller and more fragile Must use the website to program it Has a one-time upgrade fee of $9.99 Works best with the starter kit	Ozoblockly website Computer with USB port for charging Set of markers for color detecting

The strength of these devices is in their ability to allow students to experience inquiry and project-based learning.  They can be used in a variety of ways, from being a pawn that moves through a review game, to an exercise in communication on the steps involved in a process.  Consider the concepts you are teaching this year and ask, “How could this be a tool in my classroom?”

Two middle school students program their Sphero to follow the line

Not every kid needs to learn to code.  Not every kid will work in STEM fields someday.  But every kid is inspired when you use 21st century technologies in their learning.  If you are interested in using the Spheros set of 12 that we already have in the library, please let me know and I would be happy to loan them to you or work with you on using them in the classroom.