After the introduction of the new Primary Computing Curriculum in 2014, there was an increased need for a way to teach computer programming to children in a simple, fun and effective way. This need led to the idea of Blue-Bot – a Bluetooth enabled programmable robot.
Blue-Bot serves as the advanced sibling of Bee-Bot, offering additional features that allow users to program it using the Blue-Bot App or Tactile Code Reader, as well as screen-free. Blue-Bot’s new functionality meant it could effectively meet the programming requirements of the new curriculum, while being user-friendly for both children and teachers.
How did the 2014 National Curriculum for Computing change the approach to teaching programming in primary schools?
The 2014 National Computing Curriculum is designed to prepare children for the modern world, placing computational thinking and creativity at the heart of it.
The curriculum stated that the following computer programming skills should be learnt in Key Stage 1 and 2:
For Key Stage 1 (ages 5-7), pupils should be taught to:
- Understand what algorithms are and how they are implemented as programs on digital devices.
- Create and debug simple programs.
- Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs.
For Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11), pupils should be taught to:
- Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or stimulating physical systems.
- Solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts.
- Use sequence, selection and repetition in programs.
- Work with variables and various forms of input and output.
- Use logical reasoning to explain how simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs.
Responding to School Feedback about the Updated Computing Curriculum
When we consulted with schools about the new computing curriculum, we identified several key concerns:
1. Teaching coding: Schools expressed anxiety about how to effectively teach coding.
2. Teacher confidence: Many educators lacked confidence in their computing knowledge and ability to deliver the new curriculum.
3. Underutilised technology: Schools had invested in iPads and tablets but they were unsure how to best use them for educational purposes.
Our Solution:
As a result of the feedback we received, we realised that combining a user-friendly robot with a specifically designed app would provide several benefits:
1. Support Curriculum Goals: As a programmable robot, Blue-Bot would have functions which enable educators to teach the new computing programing objectives effectively.
2. Enhance Teacher Confidence: Blue-Bot would support teachers in delivering the new curriculum in a fun, accessible, and engaging way for children.
3. Maximise Schools’ Investment: Blue-Bot and the Blue-Bot App would help schools effectively utilise their significant investment in iPads and tablets.
Building on the Success of Bee-Bot
We had already had enormous success with the introduction of our programmable robot, Bee-Bot. First introduced in 2010, Bee-Bot became award-winning and was, and still is, used successfully in classrooms all over the world.
Blue-Bot, however, is Bee-Bot’s advanced sibling, designed to support schools with implementing all the computer programming objectives of the new curriculum in Key Stage 1 and 2.
Blue-Bot has the following upgraded features
- A clear case – designed so pupils can identify the components of the robot and learn about the inner workings. This also supports the STEM curriculum, including the teaching of robotics.
- Bluetooth connectivity – this enables the robot to be programmed with a Tactile Code Reader and the Blue-Bot App.
- Increased functions – with the development of the Tactile Code Reader and the Blue-Bot App, we could also increase Blue-Bot’s functionality. We were able to incorporate 45 degree turns, loops and repetitions into Blue-Bot’s programming capabilities. This provides children with the opportunity to develop more complex algorithms, which aligns with the new computing curriculum and supports teachers in its delivery.
The Tactile Code Reader
The Tactile Code Reader provides children with the opportunity to program devices like Blue-Bot in a fun and accessible way. It enables children to learn programming and problem-solving skills, using an easy, hands-on approach, that aligns with the 2014 Primary Computing Curriculum. Physically being able to move the tiles makes programming less abstract and a more accessible concept to young learners.
The Blue-Bot App
In developing the Blue-Bot App to control the robot, we knew that it would offer a lot more programming capability. Therefore, it would tick more boxes in the updated 2014 computing curriculum. It also acts as an excellent bridge between screen-free and block-based coding, making block-based coding a less abstract concept when children move on to it.
The app is designed to work across a number of platforms and is free to download. Once you open the app on your device, select your Blue-Bot and get programming. The app allows you to select a Bee-Bot mat that you may already have, so you can replicate what’s on screen in real life.
Blue-Bot is:
- Compatible with iOS, Android, Windows and Mac OS
- Rechargeable, no batteries required
- Perfect for KS1 and KS2
BETT 2015
BETT (British Education and Training Technology) is the biggest education technology exhibition in the world. We had a big, successful launch of our programmable robot, Blue-Bot, at BETT in 2015. We went all out with blue cupcakes and blue coloured drinks!
To mark our milestone 30th birthday, we hosted an event with Miles Berry, a principal lecturer and subject leader for Computing Education at the University of Roehampton. Miles spoke at length about Blue-Bot and its relevance to the new computing curriculum, whilst visitors got their chance to have a go with our latest release. Blue-Bot was received with great enthusiasm and feedback has exceeded any of our expectations
Handy links:
View the handy programming journey school guide here.
All our Bot APPs are available here.
View the Teacher’s guide here and user guides here.
Bee-Bot/Blue-Bot Replacement Batteries are now available instead of replacing the robots. A replacement battery for either the Bee-Bot or Blue-Bot Rechargeable Floor Robot. Along with instructions on how to replace them.
