My Coding “Aha” Moment

By Katie Chirhart — Wonder Innovation Squad Member

I teach in an elementary iPad Lab. Up until a year ago, my students practiced coding using apps such as Tynker and Scratch Jr. These lessons were educational and the students seemed engaged. The basics of coding were covered and I thought I had done my job. Then, I discovered programmable robots such as Dash and Dot. Shortly after introducing these robots to my students I realized just how much these robots enhance learning.

Physical Play

Let’s face it, coding is a detail-oriented, time consuming task. Elementary students are known for their short attention spans and teaching this concept on a two-dimensional screen pushes many beyond their capabilities. For these students (and many others), learning is best introduced with physical, hands-on activities. Apps and websites that rely on 2-D methods fail in this arena. However, programming a robot brings the concepts of coding to life.

Writing Programs

The ability to write a program that causes a robot to move, speak, and light-up is empowering. The end result is completely different than coding that stays within an app or website. The eyes of students interacting with robots are alight with excitement and anticipation. Students can’t wait to find out if their program works and what will happen when “Run” is pressed. A willingness to persevere in the presence of challenges persists even in the most frustrated child.

“Aha” Moments

My “aha” moment came during a lesson with Dash, a robot made by Wonder Workshop. I asked students to program the robot through a maze. The “maze” was nothing more than a tape on the floor in a straight line with one turn. Prior to planning this lesson, my experience with Dash was minimal and I anticipated the lesson would be thirty minutes and the students would practice coding — the end. However, once I let the groups of fifth graders loose with an iPad and a robot I was flabbergasted. Something happened that had NEVER happened in my 20+ years of teaching — students asked ME to use a yardstick and protractor. It seemed like a miraculous event. If I had looked outside, I feel sure that a rainbow would have appeared above the school accompanied by a chorus of angels. I had a room full of fifth grade students voluntarily practicing mathematical skills! Come to find out, this was just the beginning. Soon, students came to me and asked for scratch paper so they could work out the exact number of centimeters the robot needed to travel! What’s more the children who had been arguing just two minutes earlier began working together like a well-oiled machine. I certainly did not anticipate this! It was then I realized that coding with robots was a disguise. What seemed like fun activities full of whimsy and fun to the students were actually lessons chocked full of mathematical practice, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Measurement and critical thinking skills are just the tip of the iceberg. Lessons focusing on science, social studies, and even language arts standards are possible. The Wonder Workshop website offers a plethora of lesson plans full of fantastic ideas.

Please understand, I am not saying that apps and websites such as Scratch are not relevant or necessary. They are cost effective, as they are most often free, and provide a wonderful way to learn coding. The programming lessons these avenues provide are great vehicles for learning. They are easy, available, and effective. However, if robotics are in your budget, I highly recommend incorporating them into your curriculum wherever you can. The educational benefits are substantial and worthwhile — not to mention your students will love you!