The Blue-Bot app has the same buttons as the Blue-Bot, which the learner uses to control the on-screen Blue-Bot that moves across the screen. Although the app is only available in English, educators can record narrations for the main buttons (forward, back, etc.) that play when students press the button. This at least provides an opportunity for different languages to be used. Another advantage of this app is that learners can see their commands in order and rearrange them without erasing them. The app has an extra button that allows Blue-Bot to rotate her 45 degrees.
Teachers can use Blue-Bot to teach 2nd grade learners Pre-K in a logical and methodical way. First, give the learner her Blue-Bot to understand how it works. Challenge the learners to see if they can get the Blue-Bot to avoid corners and simple obstacles. Once familiarized, create an obstacle course on the ground with chalk or painters tape and have the learner move through it. Emphasize movement in directions such as left, right, forward, backward, and backward. Students can create their own obstacle courses and challenge each other. If Blue-Bot doesn’t do what your students expect, use this opportunity to “debug” and discover what’s wrong. As the student’s commands become more complex, prompt them to take simple notes to record the movements they make and the obstacle course solutions. If you have other learning opportunities, take advantage of them. For example, if your learners notice that the Blue-Bot doesn’t behave as well on one side as it does on another, use this opportunity to experiment and measure the difference.
There are floor mats available for purchase, including simple roads, shapes, and alphabet grids in town. These are basically obstacle courses and mirror what is available in the free app. The app has several different activities such as moving from point A to point B, obstacle courses, fewer buttons, and random instructions.
Blue-Bot is a great opportunity for the youngest learners to learn programming skills. Teachers may be amazed at the depth of learning this simple robot can provide, but it is up to them to deliver that experience. There is a downloadable Teacher’s Guide that provides educators with many ideas and activities to get started around each feature of Blue-Bot. It’s probably best to introduce the app after the learner is very familiar with her Blue-Bot’s functionality. Not very useful in terms of supporting learners with limited English reading skills. Overall, the app adds some functionality, but it’s not required and may even detract from the experience for some learners.
Website: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tts.bluebot
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id957753068?uo=4&at=10laCG&ct=website
User’s overall consensus about the app
student involvement
Students will love programming Blue-Bots to navigate teachers, peers, and self-made obstacle courses.
Curriculum and instruction
The user manual provides activities to get you started, but be prepared for learning opportunities, such as measuring how far the Blue-Bot moves on different surfaces.
customer support
The manual and teacher’s guide explain all the features Blue-Bot has to offer. This app, which does not require the use of Blue-Bot, does not provide sufficient support for learners to use it fully without assistance.
