Learning to program with robotc amazon1/31/2024 ![]() ![]() ![]() As kids gain experience they can also move on to MicroPython for more advanced programming projects. So access to an Internet-connected computer is a must. The hardware is designed to work in conjunction with the Tynker visual block coding platform (for early learners). The product features thematic content narrated by actor Jodie Whittaker, aka the Thirteenth Doctor, who takes kids on an intergalactic coding journey where they get to undertake challenges like learning to program and pilot an alien spaceship, control a robot, and build an exotic musical instrument. The kit also includes a speaker module for programmable audio fun. The programmable hand-shaped mini computer - which features an LED-matrix display, various sensors, switches, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth - is designed to inspire kids to engage with themed tutorials and coding projects, including the chance to build their own sonic screwdriver. Young fans of the BBC TV series “Doctor Who” will be tickled by this HiFive Inventor Coding Kit (ranged by Pimoroni). This year the list is divided into three sections: Early years (3+) child’s play (5-7+) and young engineer (8+). As ever we’ve sought to hit a range of ages and price-points (gifts start at $20 and top out at $330). Below we’ve rounded up a selection of toys designed to switch young minds onto coding and engineering concepts - or at least keep little hands busy building. Or, at best, like an optional add-on.Īll that said, if you’re set on gifting a STEM gizmo there’s still some thoughtful kit on offer. That risks some products feeling redundant vs the connected environments kids are already being immersed in. Bespoke learning hardware also has to compete with the general utility of a mobile or tablet as an educational resource in its own right. Worries about this may be capping category buyers’ willingness to shell out for (often) expensive products that generally need to work in conjunction with an app, tethering kids to devices. Teaching kids soft skills to emphasize their humanity, as well as encouraging them to lean into creativity and individuality, and - perhaps - focusing on meta-skills to help them get the most out of automation tools - might be the smarter learning strategy to shoot for.Ī further challenge for STEM toy makers is parental concern over screen time clearly persists. Including - latterly - as attention has shifted to AI a technology that could, in time, replace a bunch of coding jobs. In parallel, the hype around learn-to-code has dimmed somewhat. (And, well, that’s what classrooms are for.) Category survivors generally seem more risk averse sticking to a product formula they’ve found that works and trimming their offerings accordingly. Kids are a tough audience to keep engaged, after all. Lower levels of energy among remaining makers also suggests a fair few STEM toys, of years past, failed to turn into the sticky home-learning machines parents had been promised. If kids are exposed to toy-like connected gizmos and learning apps at school they’re unlikely to be so excited about having similar stuff at home. This toymaker-to-edtech-supplier pipeline suggests the category’s boldest marketing claims, which hinged on the notion of teaching something hard (STEM) through play, were onto something. (The growing list of startup pivots to edtech includes the likes of imagi Labs, Osmo, Ozobot, MakeBlock, pi-top, robo wunderkind, Sphero/littleBits and Wonder Workshop, to name a few.) ![]() Which means there’s less effort and attention on home users as product builders fix on the (serious) business of serving curriculum-aligned content and interfaces for schools. But the main direction of travel is pivots to the formal education market. Since our last dive into this techie toy box, a number have winked out of existence entirely - or look as if they’re about to judging by mothballing of remaining efforts around existing (old) products. The focus of remaining players has shifted too. And products alone won’t cast an unbreakable spell. What’s left is a broad sense that kid-friendly kit is just a piece of a larger learning puzzle. The hype that started about a decade ago, powering a wave of startups to launch creative and experimental products - pitching parents on dedicated connected hardware and apps to help unlock their kids’ future tech career progression - has faded to something a bit less flashy and ambitious. There’s no doubt the STEM toys category has lost a bit of its magic. ![]()
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