Embrace the New School Year with New Coding Resources: Matatalab’s Tale-Bot Pro and VinciBot
In collaboration with Matatalab, Opinions expressed are my own
As we head into a new school year, it’s the perfect time to explore innovative ways to ignite students’ passion for learning while providing them with opportunities to develop essential skills for the future. An area that is in demand and can be brought into every classroom is STEM-focused curriculum and activities. One great example is exploring coding! In my STEAM course, we spend a good amount of time during the year learning about coding and talking about the importance of developing skills in these areas, especially for the increasing demand for coding skills in the future.
Finding the right resources is key and it is so helpful when you can find one resource that provides options for multiple grade levels and content areas. Matatalab ‘s coding resources are fantastic for learners of various age groups, starting as young as 3!
Tailored for Different Age Groups
Matatalab recognizes that learning needs evolve as students grow. What I love about Matatalab is that they offer two coding robots that are easy to get started within the classroom. Students can dive right in and learn about coding and have fun exploring the possibilities with these great options! Read about our experience with the Tale-Bot Pro and the VinciBot.
The Tale-Bot Pro is designed for Pre-K and above, while the VinciBot is geared towards students from the 3rd grade and up. Being able to bring coding opportunities to even the youngest learners is a way to spark curiosity and boost engagement in learning about these essential STEM skills.
Here are four of the highlights for using Matatalab products:
1. An Ideal Autonomous Learning Assistant
Diving into coding and learning how to create opportunities for students can take time. However, Tale-Bot Pro and VinciBot come equipped with challenge booklets full of activities for students to explore. Matatalab also provides additional learning activities that can be downloaded from their website. With access to a variety of resources, it ensures that educators and students have enough materials to dive into the world of coding and also be able to infuse student choice in learning. What I think sets Tale-Bot Pro apart is that it provides instant voice feedback and guidance for students. As students code, they can observe the response of Tale-Bot Pro and understand if they completed the coding challenge correctly. This then empowers students to take charge of their learning and encourages self-guided exploration. As students take the lead more, it enables teachers to take on the role of facilitators in the classroom and be there to nurture student independence in learning.
2. Endless Creative Coding Practices
When it comes to using Tale-Bot Pro or Vincibot, there are so many ways that students can create something authentic, meaningful, and fun! We want to spark creativity and foster problem-solving abilities in our classrooms and with Matatalab’s coding robots, we are better able to facilitate this for our students. The beauty of Matatalab’s coding robots lies in their adaptability and versatility. By seamlessly integrating with Lego building bricks, students are not just limited to coding on screen; they can bring their creations to life in a tangible and interactive way. Imagine the excitement of coding a robot to navigate a custom-built obstacle course or perform a unique dance routine. This hands-on experience transforms abstract coding concepts into concrete, real-world applications, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
As students experiment with different configurations and functionalities, they not only enhance their coding skills but also develop a strong sense of ownership over their learning journey. This not only brings in an element of play but it also nurtures imagination.
As we think about the benefits, as students create and share their unique robot projects, they have opportunities to showcase achievements, which helps to boost their confidence and promotes more collaboration in the learning environment.
3. Enjoyable Learning Experience
When you first open the box and get started with these robots, the fun starts right away. Students and teachers are excited to see the possibilities and amazed at how easy it is to create something. Coding can be thought of as something difficult that requires an extended amount of time or a higher level of knowledge, however, that is not the case with Matatalab. Their coding robots instantly make coding a more enjoyable and engaging experience for all students. It leads to more interactive learning with real-time feedback and is engaging for students. Being able to quickly code and see the results, helps students to understand coding concepts right away. These robots bridge the gap between learning and fun!
4. Future-Proofing Your Career
With technology and the need for STEM skills increasing rapidly, understanding coding is no longer an option but has to be considered a necessity. When we introduce coding at an early age, it helps students to develop skills over time. Whether by starting early with Matatalab’s Tale-Bot Pro and then advancing to the VinciBot, educators are helping students gain skills that will benefit them in the future. Tale-Bot Pro and VinciBot not only nurture coding skills but also instill a growth mindset that is essential for adapting to the ever-evolving technological landscape. As students engage with these robots, they cultivate resilience, adaptability, and the ability to embrace challenges-all attributes that are highly sought after in any profession.
There are many “in demand” skills developed through coding such as collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are transferable across various fields. As students master these skills, they not only enhance their academic skills but also set a strong foundation for future career success.
If you are looking to get started with coding and worried that you don’t have enough time, or that your learners are too young, then it is time to explore Matatalab’s coding resources, particularly the Tale-Bot Pro and VinciBot. These options provide students with a chance to dive into coding and learning and appreciate the process involved.
About the Author
Rachelle Dené Poth is a Spanish and STEAM Educator at Riverview High School in Oakmont, PA. She is also an Attorney, Edtech Consultant, Speaker, and the Author of seven books about education and edtech. Rachelle is available to provide PD on Artificial Intelligence, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Coding, SEL and STEM.
Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions for your school about Artificial Intelligence, Coding, AR/VR, and more!
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Originally published at http://rdene915.com on September 12, 2023.
