Dash & Dot: a robot that introduces children to programming!
As part of my work as a primary teacher, I am also involved in the development of computer science at school. Also, I recently received the mandate to offer purchases in order to develop our young people better knowledge on the technological level. For this reason, I do some small research on what is best in the market, in connection with robotics and programming in primary school.
I propose to share my discoveries in this area. My information comes from different sources that I will place in references, so if you want to know more, you will be able to consult them more widely. Let's start with a first model that caught my attention this week and I want to introduce you: Dash & Dot!
|Crédit : PAUL FOGUENNE|
Dash is a small interactive and educational robot, pre-assembled and ready to use, designed by Wonder Workshop in 2012. It is all blue and consists of two parts: Dash (the biggest one that rolls) and Dot (the little one who remain static). Dash's features allow him to move and dance, make sounds and sing, respond to voice commands, and even create new robot behaviors.
You tube video showing the robot in action with children
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1v8L1Jzl24
Target customers
The robot is aimed at a clientele from 5 to 8 years old and introduces children to the language of graphic programming from Blockly. This language is based among others on the use of symbols represented by blocks of colors in order to create well-defined commands.
|Source : LICK|
Dimensions
|Source : Wonder Worshop|
Use
To fully enjoy the features of Dash & Dot, it is imperative to get the basic kit, to have a smartphone or a tablet (Ipad or Android) and download one of the many fun applications. The connectivity between the robot and the applications is via Bluetooth. Here are the apps that can be used with Dash & Dot.
|Source : Le récit|
It is also possible to complete the kit by purchasing additional accessories such as the xylophone, parts to attach robots to each other or to connect them with lego constructions.
Price of this technological toy
62€50 ou 199$ CAN
Advantages
- Very solid
- Toy that will appeal to both girls and boys
- Allows to introduce the programming language at a young age
- Numerous and fun applications
Inconvenients
- Expensive
- Noisy ... even at rest!
- Not so intuitive applications ...
- Instructions only in English
- It is necessary to envisage large spaces to take full advantage of it
Conclusion
From all this information, it remains to evaluate whether this educational toy meets what you are looking for your child! For my part, I think for the little ones, it can be a nice fun introduction to programming in the school environment ... but I continue my research.
Hoping that you liked this publication!
Greenvago
References
So interesting innovation..!!!
Great creativity... Technology developed by the time... Now no need teacher..Robot is teach our child.. just awesome @greenvago
Thank you! Fantastic way to learm programmation!
Technology is upgrading day by day and it helps children learning about science.
This is a great way for kids to learn programming rather than learning it in schools and cramming it in their heads through textbooks.
Interesting. I don't know how effective it'll be, but I'm glad that there's enough of a market for educating small kids about programming and technology in general to develop and sell it.
I’ll tell you if its effective soon! I will try WEDO with the kids!
An interesting game for children. Previously, this was not. There was only a designer Lego. Also an interesting toy for children. Technologies are developing rapidly.
You are right... everything go Faster now anyway...