Sphero is a company that makes a variety of STEAM based education products. Some of their products include a coding robot, a programmable robot, and circuit projects. These tools teach coding and computer skills, and get students to become inventors. There are kits and instructions for making circuit cars, launchers, ramps/obstacles courses, and art projects. These products align with concepts in the sciences, engineering, and art and encourage tech literacy. Sphero offers a variety of kits and tools to bring into the classroom, as well as curriculum guides and lesson plans that align with content standards for K-12. In the
R.A.T. framework for assessing technology’s role in the curriculum, there are three categories of technology integration: Technology as Replacement; Technology as Amplification; and Technology as Transformation (Hughs, n.d.). Sphero is a tool that could be used as either Amplification or Transformation depending on what curriculum is already being taught and what technology the teacher is already using with students. For example, Sphero could be Transformative in a science classroom if coding had not been part of the curriculum before. A lesson on problem solving that had used worksheets could be changed to coding a Sphero robot to complete certain actions. The same critical thinking skills to learn problem solving skills would be used and taught but in a way that also teaches coding and technology literacy. Sphero could qualify as Amplification if teachers used a coding robot in one of the ramps and obstacle course kits to enhance a physics lesson. In this example the lessons on physics would stay the same, but the demonstrations of different concepts in physics would be done with Sphero. This adds lessons on coding, engineering, and design to the physics lesson. It could also help make the lesson more engaging and hands-on for students. Using Sphero products in the classroom could be seen as Replacement if students are already learning code or working with circuit in a different capacity, like through a computer game. The Sphero could replace practicing these skills on a computer and show students how these concepts function in a physical product. For example, if students were learning how to code an object to move on a screen they could transfer that knowledge to making a robot move in real life.
The Sphero website provides tons of ways to incorporate their products into the classroom. They have
curriculum units and lesson plans for every grade level. They also have many guides and activity kits that makes it easy to introduce this technology. There are professional development trainings and workshops. Sphero lessons introduce students to tech literacy, especially with their cybersecurity lessons. There are also a number of videos on the Sphero YouTube channel explaining different activities and tools.
In addition to the Sphero websites, there are education blogs with many great ideas for using these products. The article
“7 Best Sphero Activities in the Classroom (for Every Subject)” on the website
STEM Education Guide includes activities that incorporate programming with a variety of subject areas like geometry, history, language arts, art, science, math, and geography. This is a great way for educators in content areas other than science to start thinking of how this product can incorporate STEAM elements into lessons.
References:
Hughs, J. E. (n.d.). Replacement, amplification, and transformation: The R.A.T. model. Tech Edges. Retrieved September 23, 2022, from https://web.archive.org/web/20190612101737/https://techedges.org/r-a-t-model/
Krystal. (n.d.). 7 best Sphero activities in the classroom (for every subject!). STEM Education Guide. Retrieved September 23, 2022, from https://stemeducationguide.com/classroom-activities-sphero/
Images from: sphero.com
Wow! I could see students getting so excited to be able to use these hands on technologies! I definitely agree that used in the right way, they have a lot of room to amplify or transform teaching. Book learning a skill is one thing, but these technologies would allow students to put their learning into action. I could see some students being satisfied just trying them out, and some going much further in coding and programming with them. Thank you for the suggestion!
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that?! Many students already thoroughly enjoy STEAM activities so I know this will be equally enjoyed by them. I can imagine the conversations between students especially when you mentioned if they can code on a screen then they could use that same knowledge to make a robot move in real life. I have had students who are into things like this and I will be sure to check this out.
ReplyDeleteHey Callie,
ReplyDeleteI too focused on the Sphero this week. I really enjoyed how you brought up that Sphero can introduce students not only to tech literacy but also cybersecurity. As our students use more technology we do need to teach them how to be safe creating a knowledgeable digital citizen. I thought your post was straightforward and concise. Thank you for sharing.
Erin Castle
Great introduction to new tool. Coding is becoming important for kids to learn these days, especially those wanting to go into the engineering, math, or some science discipline fields. The earlier a student could be exposed to it, the better. I know of a college freshman at Clemson who is majoring in math and takes a coding class that meets daily. It has been a big learning curve. Making it hands one and fun would be a great addition to the classroom or library.
ReplyDeleteCaroline Hoppe
Hi Callie! Thank you for your post. I really appreciate how you showed how the Sphero can be used for every integration of the R.A.T. model. I think you are so right that it is transformative to bring things out from the computer and into the real world especially with a subject such as physics which is so couched in the physical world. Thank you for your post. I agree with Erin that it was straightforward and concise. A great introduction and invitation to learn more about Sphero!
ReplyDelete