Meet the Bot: Ozobot

Ozobot

Ozobot is a small, beginner-level robot that introduces students to the idea of coding and robotics. There are two different types of coding that students can use with Ozobot. The first is with screen-free color codes in which students use colored markers and white paper to create a path for the robot. The robot uses a color sensor to read the markings, and performs a different task with each color. The robot comes with coding cards that can be accesses online. These cards indicate which color combinations make the robot perform various tasks. This is an example of some of the "speed" color codes:

Using the screen-free color codes can be a great introduction to robotics for students of any age. It is user friendly and easy to operate for both teachers and students, and it does not require additional equipment such as iPads or computers.

Ozobot also allows students to practice on-screen Scratch coding using Ozobot Blocky. Students can use computers, iPads or Android Tablets to explore with Ozobot Blocky. It allows students to use drag and drop word blocks to have the robot perform different tasks. This is a step up from the screen-free coding, but is still a great entry-level robot to use with students who are just getting in to robotics and coding. This is what a sample code could look like using Ozobot Blocky:

The Curriculum

There are a lot of opportunities for teachers to incorporate Ozobot in to their curriculum or create a new one. Here are some concepts that Ozobot can help introduce and strengthen with students:

Loops: Introduce first graders to the concept of loops
Advanced Sequences & Loops: Expand on basic concepts and focus second grade students on logic, reasoning, and advanced sequencing and loops
Conditional Statements: Introduce third grade students to the concept of conditional statements and how to apply them to solve coding challenges
Functions: Introduce fourth grade students to functions and how to utilize them in programs
Variables: Introduce fifth grade students to variables and how to utilize them in programs

Pros and Cons of Ozobot

Pros (for teachers):

Useful for all subject areas and grades
Builds creativity and coding
Lesson plans, activities, and challenges readily available
Ozobot lesson library, an OzoBlog, and professional development
Great way to reinforce something that may seem abstract
Collaboration is easy!

Pros (for students):

Can learn both at home and in school and with and without a screen
Basic understanding of coding with color --> block coding
Uses creativity in addition to coding
Students earn experience points for every action
Can bring the object to life- virtual reality MetaBot

Cons (for teachers):

Programming Evo requires the app and a web browser
Adding a data transfer step that could be frustrating for students
Lessons only in English
The Bit by Ozobot and Bit OzoGroove apps are for use with Bit on Apple tablets
Can be expensive

Cons (for students):

Moving up to the next level of coding, requires additional technology
Lessons only in English
Cannot have a student account made for them

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