Learn to code in the classroom with Ozobot

Ozobot is a small robot with simple and fun technology, aiming to teach the basics of programming thanks to its color sensors.

The educational use of robotic is increasingly popular because it encourages learning programming while promoting academic motivation. It also helps develop many skills in young people.

In this sense, do you know Ozobot? It is a small robot with simple and fun technology, aimed at teaching the basics of programming. Of educational activities for primary and secondary levels, following a progressive learning, as well as guides for using the robot are available free of charge on the company's website.

How it works?

Ozobot is a small robot with a color detection system. It is able to decode the paths traced with colored markers on a sheet of paper or to follow the paths on an electronic tablet. A specific action is associated with each color sequence (black, blue, red and green). Depending on the order chosen, the robot can accelerate, turn, turn around, light up, zigzag, pause or slow down. Each line must start and end with a black line. This short video explains the basic operation of this robot.

Ozobot in the classroom

The use of this type of technology in the classroom allows the students to create the paths that the little robot can then follow. The student becomes familiar with the algorithms in a concrete way by manipulating the robot. The student draws a path on a white sheet, using felt-tip pens, following models or following the instructions of his teacher. The guide to the different actions that Ozobot can perform helps visualize the multiple possibilities of actions and routes.

The many lessons courses, designed by teachers, address different aspects of programming. For example, one of the lessons offered on the site allows you to understand how the robot chooses the actions to be carried out and to understand why it backs up, moves left or right or decides to turn around. It is also possible to print out ready-to-use routes with Ozobot or to use self-adhesive labels with pre-entered color codes.

Students therefore learn to code and create simple algorithms without having to master a more complex programming language.

Skills developed in students

Programming with Ozobot promotes the development of several skills in students. In addition to acquiring basic notions in computer science and mathematics, students can exercise their logic, reason, work in a team, solve problems, design routes, learn about geometry, explain and justify their choice of programming. . More advanced Ozobot functions are also possible for high school students.

Are you interested in this new class mascot? We can get a basic kit at a cost of 59 $US.

To learn more about coding in general, the book Vibot the robot by Professor of Educational Technology at Laval University, Margarida Romero, is designed to introduce children to the world of robotics and coding.

Photo : Maurizio Pesce, via Flickr