Ozobots with Noelle Pepin
At Nusdeh Yoh elementary school today, the teacher candidate from my cohort were introduced to another fun, engaging, use of technology in the classroom using Ozobots. These mini robots introduce children to the idea of coding in an engaging ways. It is interesting to see how coding provides children with a tangible interface that bridge the physical and digital world. Ozobots offer flexible environment that is easier for young children to navigate.
Noelle was able to explain how this works in the classroom for their students. She set up the class, and gave everyone in the room a clear play surfaces sheets and the ozobots sheets samples. This help some of students that were first time user like me, as we were all in groups of three. One volunteer went to get the robot and the markers and have their name sign off. This is to ensure responsibility so that the students that sign in and out their names to get the Ozobot and marker, ensure they have it returned. There was an illustration how to turn it on and off and usage. The entire class starts the exploration of coding using the black, blue, green, and red marker.
I was able to explore and observe that the Ozobots changes color as soon has it runs on the color small square boxes and it moves well on the thick dark lines. It was a really learning experience for me. I notice the level of engagement and creativity that came out of it, just watching each member of my cohort using these little white robots. There were lot of creative drawings of different shapes and style that the Ozobot was able to navigate.
The collaboration to complete the robot designs and programming task were amazing. I see Ozobots helping students shift their mindset moving form being primarily consumers of technology to being producers and innovators. It will open the mind of students to critical thinking skill that will introduce them to the world of coding, which allows them to acquire skills to help them be 21 century learners. Another reflection I had over the Ozobots is that it engage students in fun play and also benefit team in problem-solving, collaboration, logical thinking, creativity, and communication. It is tactile, hands-on, miniatures robots that keeps their mind inquisitive and curious to explore new ideas and innovation.
In conclusion, as the world keeps changing in technology and the way our children learn. It is important that an educator find strategies that works well for their children learning style. Ozobots has shown that students can benefit from programming, and programming can begin at an early age. It teaches students patience, attention to detail, and logical thinking. The team work is equally outstanding. My final thought is that exposing students Ozobots creates an engaging classroom activity that is priceless.