The benefits of using robotics kits in education are far-reaching in both the short and long term. Of course, using robotics tools helps kids learn some of the most important coding concepts with methods kids can more easily understand. Now, robotics experiences are inclusive of almost all students and features of classroom robots more effectively meet everyone’s needs.
The Dash Robot is designed for students who are six and older, making it a superb option for kids who have never tried robotics or coding. It allows all students to use block code to bring the robot’s actions to life on their desk or their screen. Whether you’re looking for good robots for students to use in afterschool clubs or coding in the classroom, the Dash is a top option!
The highly interactive Dash Robot simulator from Wonder Workshop is very easy to access through their Class Connect platform and it enables kids to explore coding opportunities from anywhere. Perfect for summertime or as part of afterschool enrichment, this 3D environment provides students with virtual challenges and engaging STEM puzzles for robot-free coding.
For anyone who isn’t familiar with the Dash Robot, Tim started with a brief introduction. For its cost, the Dash is extremely high-tech, durable, and it’s built with a strong battery life. Elementary educators can use it across their STEAM lessons for up to three hours on a single charge, covering multiple class periods and incorporating SEL. Watch the full replay to learn more.
The Dash Robot is one of the most recognizable and effective STEM tools available to tech educators. Its friendly face, bright blue surface, and value in coding education help make it a go-to option in classrooms, STEM labs, and makerspaces in countless elementary schools. And, with plenty of fun coding features, teacher-friendly resources, and more, it’s easy to see why.
Many robotics tools also have virtual options, which help allow students to continue learning and programming while they’re at home or perhaps after school. In fact, many of those platforms often help improve accessibility of technology by removing the need for a physical robot, increasing equity in multiple ways. So, read on for our recommendations for virtual CS tools.
Though each is effective with the proper student age groups, they do have a few large differences. Starting with each one’s coding options, the Cue is a bit more advanced and it is programmable in JavaScript. Conversely, the Dash Robot is perfect for CS introductions thanks to its connections to the Blockly language and its unique options for digital programming.
The Cue Robot is similar to the Wonder Workshop Dash Robot in its shape and functionality, but there certainly are some key differences between the two. Most notably, the Cue is better suited for teaching teenaged students since it’s a bit more complex. It also has more memory, a better processor, more advanced sensors, and a text-based JavaScript coding environment.
Back in 2020, the Wonder Workshop team released their virtual Dash Robot environment, which allows students to program an authentic but digital version of the Dash. Typically, students and teachers can access this environment through Class Connect on a computer but there’s also another option for mobile coding—the Blockly iOS app.
Through this Sunday (Father’s Day), we’re sharing special savings on Dash Robot bundles and additional access to the Class Connect platform. There are a bunch of bundles that are part of this promotion and you can find them all on our store! Just make sure you select the one-year subscription length option for any qualifying sale product to save.
