![]() ![]() Blocks 1: Intro and Loops “This is a great place to start for most users, and can be used for the ‘Hour of Code.’ Follow the steps to get an overview of the app, learn how to create programs using block coding, and gain an understanding of loops and generators.” (Sphero Edu, 2019b).Draw 1: Shapes “This lesson introduces you to the Draw canvas by drawing shapes that represent code and executing that code using Sphero” (Sphero Edu, 2019a).If you are trying out the Sphero SPRK for the first time either for yourself or with your students, I recommend completing the introductory activities that help familiarize the user with programming the bot using the draw, block, or text features: Easy filtering by grade level and subject lets teachers find and tailor activities for specific learning goals (Sphero Edu, n.d.). In addition to managing a class and controlling a SPRK robot, Sphero Edu lets educators search through hundreds of activities created by Sphero, as well as those shared by other teachers. Some might find the time required a hindrance, but I think it’s an important part of developing inquiry and problem solving skills in students. As with most STEM activities or meaningful project based learning, significant class time needs to be set aside to allow play and discovery from students. Another setback for educators may be the learning curve some students have with using the app, and that teachers have with fitting this resource into their curriculum (Common Sense Education, 2016). While there are bulk and package discounts available to educators, or cheaper options like the Sphero Mini (Sphero, n.d.-a), the price tag can be high, and teachers and schools need to be clever about how they might fund a resource like this. An individual Sphero SPRK+ costs $129.99 (Sphero, n.d.-b). The main drawback that I gathered is the cost. While I have listed many positive benefits for using Sphero in classroom learning, I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention some of the cons. Sphero Edu provides activities to use with the SPRK that are aligned to content and ISTE standards.Sphero activities help integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) into classrooms.The tool can be incorporated into project based learning.Teachers can tailor the goals, pace, and content of activities to each student for personalized learning (Basye, 2018).The coding platform and robotics system can be used for measuring and gathering data to help develop a mindset for computational thinking (Rinehart, 2018).By incorporating Sphero into learning activities, students develop 21st century skills by participating in creativity, collaboration, critical-thinking, and communication.The Teacher Resource Guide from Sphero Edu (n.d.) gives six educational areas supported by classroom use of Sphero (pp. Because of the different avenues for controlling and programming the Sphero (draw, block, or text), coding becomes accessible to all students, including those in the younger grades (Common Sense Education, 2016). When students use the Sphero Edu App, they can connect and control their SPRK robot. You can even import a roster from Google or Clever (Sphero Edu, n.d.). The Sphero Edu App allows teachers to create and manage classes with student logins and assign, save, or share activities with their students or other teachers. The Sphero is a fun way to engage students in STEM activities and increase collaboration, computational thinking, and problem solving. That being said, we don’t recommend testing this theory from the top of a tall building” (p. Straight from Sphero Edu (n.d.): “Pop it, lock it, drop it. It boasts a waterproof and shockproof design so it can be used in the pool, to paint a design, jump off ramps, and more. While the spherical robot is see-through, it is quite strong and durable. SPRK stands for “schools, parents, robots, kids” to emphasize that the tool can be used both in the classroom and at home to introduce children to coding and engage them in play and discovery (Osborne, 2016). The bot connects to a mobile device, laptop, or chrome book via Bluetooth from which the user can program the bot in the Sphero Edu app three different ways: drawing on a canvas, coding with blocks, or coding with javascript (Sphero Edu, n.d.). The Sphero SPRK+ is a programmable sphere-shaped robot that can roll around, light up, change colors, and make sounds. While my investigation was primarily focused on math and STEM, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that teachers have found uses for the SPRK in all disciplines, including language arts and social studies. Below, I present my experiences and findings about this high tech robotic ball and share a variety of classroom activities that make use of the SPRK to engage students and deepen learning. This week, I had the opportunity to play around with a Sphero SPRK+ and explore its educational benefits.
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