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KaiBot
Pros: Enables progression from screen-free coding with cards, to Blockly, to text-based coding. Braille cards offer more accessibility.
Cons: Some of the lessons could be more consistently formatted, and some may be challenging for their targeted grade level.
Bottom Line: KaiBot integrates physical and digital realms to teach coding and robotics. It uses an innovative combination of coding cards, coding languages, and tactile learning tools.
KaiBot offers a versatile approach to teaching coding, starting with physical coding cards for a hands-on, screen-free introduction to basic programming concepts. The option to code with nothing but cards and the robot itself is what separates KaiBot from other educational robots. This method is ideal for younger learners (K–3) or beginners of any age, making abstract ideas tangible and comprehensible. All you need is the KaiBot and a set of coding cards (the robot receives instructions by scanning the card it is placed on top of). Teachers can scaffold their instruction by adding more advanced coding cards as students are ready. At first, learners may make a simple sequence where a robot navigates a small maze using the forward, turn left, and turn right cards. Next, the teacher could provide number cards, allowing the bot to move or turn a certain number of times.
This isn't to say that cards can't be used by more advanced learners as well: There are physical cards for loops, functions, if/then statements, other conditional statements, comparison operators, and more. Thankfully, the KaiBot website has several teacher resources, including digital images of the cards. Teachers can use these to make visual instructions to support their learners.
As students gain confidence, teachers can transition them to Kainundrum, a virtual environment where students can code with Blockly or a text-based editor. If students code with Blockly, they can toggle the Python button to see what the code looks like in text form. While students can still use the coding cards and the robot in Kainundrum, they can also control a virtual KaiBot within the virtual environment. Kainundrum and Kainundrum Lite have no extra cost, meaning that teachers can provide the full Blockly or text coding experience to individuals or groups regardless of the number of physical bots available.
For advanced students, KaiBot's compatibility with text-based coding in Swift (via the Kainundrum Lite mobile app) and Python offers an opportunity to engage with real-world programming languages. Teachers can use these features for complex projects, enhancing students' problem-solving and computational thinking skills. The tool's potential for cross-curricular integration allows teachers to incorporate coding into various subjects, demonstrating its real-world applications and making STEM learning more engaging and relevant. The KaiBot website has plenty of lesson plans, community projects to give teachers ideas, detailed manuals, and videos. Some of these lesson plans seem a little challenging for their assigned grade. For example, while much of the "Chomp" lesson is grade-appropriate (such as the math standards it addresses), using terms like "variable" and if/then statements may be difficult to comprehend.
Students start by physically arranging coding cards, each representing a specific command, which they use to instruct the KaiBot robot. For example, young learners may be challenged to see if they can get their KaiBot to move forward, turn around, and return to its starting position. This hands-on approach demystifies coding for beginners, turning abstract concepts into visible actions. Watching the robot respond to their card sequences helps students grasp the basics of programming logic playfully and concretely. If a student makes a mistake, the KaiBot (or the Kainundrum app) screen will tell the student that there is a bug and offer a helpful error message. For example, if a student creates a loop and tries to end writing the program without using an "end loop" card, the KaiBot will notify the student that it was expecting that card.
Kainundrum and its Lite version offer teachers a platform to engage students in interactive coding experiences. Kainundrum is a virtual 3D simulation environment where students can apply coding concepts through various interactive activities. Students can navigate mazes, solve puzzles, and participate in hide-and-seek games or escape rooms in this virtual world. More importantly, students can also create their own. Each challenge in Kainundrum incorporates elements like lasers, mirrors, gates, and other obstacles, providing a rich environment for problem-solving and strategic thinking. This platform is especially effective when paired with the physical movements of the KaiBot robot, allowing for a unique blend of real-world robotics and virtual simulation.
Kainundrum Lite is a streamlined version of the full Kainundrum experience, designed for use on iPads, tablets, or Chromebooks. While it offers a more basic interface and functionality than the full version, it still allows students to engage in coding activities and challenges. The Lite version is an excellent tool for teachers who wish to integrate coding into their curriculum without needing extensive resources. Both Kainundrum and Kainundrum Lite emphasize collaborative problem-solving and creative thinking, making them invaluable tools in a modern classroom setting where coding and STEM education are increasingly important.
The optional KaiTiles offer a flat surface for the KaiBot to traverse. While they aren't necessary, many activities reference them. The main benefit of the KaiTiles is that the KaiBot will turn properly and know what tile it is on. The sides of each KaiTile are magnetic, helping them stay together and making them compatible with magnetic toys like Magna-Tiles. If those aren't available, the KaiTiles magnets are strong enough to hold thick paper between them to create walls.
KaiBot is great for learning coding and promotes collaborative learning, inclusivity, and creativity in the classroom. The progression from programming with cards to blocks to written code supports the development of foundational programming and logical thinking skills. Group projects encourage teamwork and communication, while features like Braille coding cards ensure inclusivity for those with visual impairment, making coding accessible to all students. This approach enriches the learning experience and fosters a creative and innovative environment where students can experiment and explore their coding ideas, preparing them for future technological pursuits.