Ben B.
Computing Showcase Website
Beebots
Beebots are a well recognised method of introducing children to procedural and instructional thinking. They are small programmable robots with a memory allowing the input of movement instructions to complete. These instructions are carried out after the GO button is pressed, and will continue until they are completed or paused.
Given the relative simplicity of these tools, they are highly accessible for most children, being particularly appropriate for EYFS and KS1 children to begin in growing their understanding of computing. The basic instructions can also be erased, meaning children have to re-input specific instruction sets for their robot to perform the designed task allowing them to correct errors in instructions.
I have made use of Beebots during ICT teaching in KS1 in 2013 before beginning my placement on the PGCE course. Children were seen to greatly enjoy giving their little robots instructions to find their way around the classroom, to different children and within mazes of their own design. The beebot's simplicity means it has high versatility in its application, use within phonics, maths and other cross curricular applications. Two videos below demonstrate the beebot's application in the classroom.
To support children's progression into writing algorithms in code form rather than as inputted instructions, Beebot is also available as an application on a computer or tablet computer. The natural continuation of writing the instructions into the program provides a gradual scaffold to begin inputting code proper. An example of the application in action can be seen to the right.
