Our kids are growing up in a technology driven world that we never imagined growing up. Cell phones, virtual reality, and laptops were some sci-fi fantasy for us. However, for our children it is all reality.
So, how do we prepare our children for this new world? The key to unlocking the mystery of technology today is coding. Coding is the language computers, apps, devices, etc. use to communicate. If we know that language, we can understand how technology works.
There are lots of resources available to teach kids from a very early age to code. We have used several and have been happy with them. My children have learned the very basics of coding because of them. However, these resources had limitations.
Recently, I was introduced to a new resource that actually addresses the limitations of the other coding resources we have used and makes the learning fun, as well.
Meet Root
Root is a robot that actually teaches coding. It be programmed to draw, erase, play music, and explore its world using over 50 sensors and actuators. Root itself does not do the teaching. That magic happens when you use Root Squared, Root’s programming interface.
Root Squared allows Root to work for any coding skill level and any age programmer. It uses three levels of coding proficiency — graphical blocks, computational constructs, and text programming. The user can use whichever level they feel comfortable at and switch between each level as their coding skills increase.
This building of knowledge makes Root unique. Users can start at a low level of programming basic commands, move up through using “if-then” sequences, and finally learn to actually write text code.
The other great thing about Root is the hands-on application of code. Users can immediately see their coding in action with the Root robot. With over 50 sensors and actuators to use with Root, users will always be challenged to do something new. Root will not be a resource that gets used once and put on the shelf.
Check out this video of how Root can be used to teach kids to code.
Root Kickstarter
Help make Root a reality. Visit the Root kickstarter page to learn more and to be sure you are one of the first to get a Root robot of your own!
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