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In ECI 201 I learned how to use Sphero to better understand computational thinking and its benefits. In my educational journey, I have seen the STEM field as intimidating, boring, and difficult. Using Sphero has demonstrated to me the many benefits of coding in education.
An example of what the Sphero app looks like to make your own code
Sphero is a robot that we paired with iPads to control using a code we put together. Sphero can roll in any direction, talk, and even light up. My partner and I were given a map and instructed to code our Sphero to go through the map.
This is the map that my partner and I used to navigate our Sphero through
Why Sphero?
Why Sphero?
While using the Sphero was fun, I didn't realize until after class all that we had accomplished. I found it difficult at first to figure out how to code and recognize algorithms and patterns. My partner and I were often frustrated when our code did not work out perfectly. All this struggle, collaboration, and problem-solving was a direct result of how meaningful computational thinking is. While coding our Sphero we went through the four steps of computational thinking, decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking. The four steps are beneficial in many aspects of our life. Specifically, using Sphero can directly correlate to using a map as directions and having to backtrack if you take a wrong turn. I found learning to code very entertaining but also very beneficial and eye-opening to the positives and future of coding.
Future Use
Future Use
As a future educator, I plan on utilizing technology and computational thinking in many aspects of my classroom to promote problem-solving and critical thinking. Using Sphero in STEM classes can open students to a new world of learning that sparks creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and more. Students learn the four steps of computational thinking without even realizing it and are able to utilize these skills in any other problem-solving scenario, such as a math problem. I am excited to see what the future of coding holds and how I can use what I have learned in ECI 201 to further my own education.
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