Connecting Through Coding
Exploring shared interests
The small bright balls moved around the cones like soccer players in a dribbling drill. After each completed a successful run, the group of students nearby cheered like proud parents.
They had coded the balls, called Sphero BOLTs, to move, spin and stop—using skills that were totally new to them several months ago.
All this excitement and the school day hadn’t even officially started.
discovering shared enjoyment
Instructional Collaboration
This was the final morning of a before-school pilot program at Increase Miller Elementary.
The school’s instructional technology support, Emily Bocklet, had invited the small group of fourth and fifth graders to play with the robotic spheres. She showed them how to connect to them with their iPads and use block coding commands. The purpose was to use the students’ feedback to help determine how teachers would introduce the robots in their classroom.
Bocklet noted how quickly the students caught on to coding the Sphero BOLTs. “The students are looking forward to bringing some of their knowledge of how the BOLTS work to fourth and fifth grade classmates,” said Bocklet.
Independent Learning
Hands-on Play
The sessions were supported by social worker Kiri Ryan and psychologist Jennifer Nolan.
Ryan observed how happy and engaged the students seemed. “It is so nice to see students learning together and having fun!” she said. “It’s all about connecting with people who have the same interests as you.”
She gathered students in a circle before they dispersed and asked them what they liked best about the sessions.
“I like just being here,” said one student, “and meeting new people.” “Connecting with people who have this in common,” said another. “Exploring new technology,” said a third, giving a thumbs up to meeting other people who like coding.
