Computer Science + Robotics
Educational robotics serves Computer Science education in many ways. First, robots are fun. No matter the subject, teachers are always looking for ways to engage and motivate their students. Also, the everyday relevance of robots in the lives of students provides a natural and authentic hook for student learning. The process of developing coding solutions with a robot provides a relevant context for engaging students in Computer Science. The VEX Computer Science curriculum continuum will provide students with a fun and engaging way to learn authentic applications to Computer Science concepts.
Introduction to the VEX Computer Science Fundamentals Course
Computer Science and robotics go hand in hand. Jason Mckenna takes us through the benefits of the new VEX Robotics Computer Science Fundamentals Courses!
VEXcode VR
VEXcode VR lets you code a virtual robot using a block based coding environment powered by Scratch Blocks or a text based coding powered by Python.
VEXcode VR is based on VEXcode, the same coding environment used for VEX 123, GO, IQ and V5 robots.
US Grade:
Age:
VEX 123
Take Computer Science off the screen and into your hands to introduce coding to students as young as 4 years old.
Computer Science without the screen
Explore real hands-on coding, as the 123 Robot follows your sequence of instructions. Touch the buttons to explore basic movement and sound to start. Then use the VEX Coder and the Coder Cards to scaffold students’ logic and problem-solving skills. Teach with specially created STEM Labs and Activities, designed to connect computer science concepts to primary curriculum through fun and engaging lessons and projects.
3 Ways to Code
- Touch Interface - Use buttons to code basic sequences and actions for your 123 Robot to follow.
- VEX Coder - Use the VEX Coder and Coder Cards to make coding a hands-on experience.
- VEXcode 123 - Use VEXcode 123 Blocks to unlock the full coding potential of your 123 Robot and student.
Computer Science Fundamentals
Begin the journey into learning Computer Science with the VEXcode VR Computer Science Fundamentals course! Using VEXcode VR and engaging robotics-based activities, students will learn about project flow, loops, conditionals, algorithms.
Learn Computer Science from Anywhere
VEXcode VR Computer Science Fundamentals is an introductory course where students use VEXcode VR to learn and practice computational thinking and coding. Each lesson within a single Unit provides a scaffolded approach to the CS concept, leading students to complete independent challenges to apply what they have learned. Using the VEXcode block-based coding system, students are able to get started instantly with their coding journey.
Key Benefits
- Student self-directed learning without the need for logins or accounts.
- Formative and summative assessment with student created projects and end of lessons and unit quizzes.
- 100% web-based curricular tool that requires no installation and supports all major web browsers and computer and tablet-based devices.
Computer Science Progressions
This intermediate level course will use VEXcode VR to learn additional Computer Science concepts such as variables, arrays, and functions in a block-based environment before transitioning to Python.
Making the Blocks to Text Transition
Students will start by furthering their Computer Science learning in a block based environment by learning Variables, Debugging, Lists (also known as arrays), and My Blocks (also known as functions) by completing engaging robotics-based activities and challenges. Afterwards, students will use the "Code Viewer'' feature found in VEXcode VR to see how each block in a project generates corresponding Python commands. Finally, students will learn how to convert their code from block-based coding to text-based coding with Python and begin applying their block-based learning to text based coding skills.
Key Benefits
- Student self-directed learning without the need for logins or accounts.
- Formative and summative assessment with student created projects and end of lessons and unit quizzes.
- 100% web-based curricular tool that requires no installation and supports all major web browsers and computer and tablet-based devices.
Coming 2021
Computer Science Explorations
This advanced level course will use VEXcode VR to expand on learning text-based coding using Python to learn more about data structures, project flow, and complex conditional logic.
Exploring Text-Based Coding
Learning Python inside of VEXcode VR during this course will allow students to explore more advanced coding concepts such as using data structures (tuples, lists, dictionaries), manipulating with data, debugging techniques, conditional logic, and coding structures. Students will explore big ideas in Computer Science throughout this course and will put those ideas to practice in more advanced challenges and activities.
Key Benefits
- Student self-directed learning without the need for logins or accounts.
- Formative and summative assessment with student created projects and end of lessons and unit quizzes.
- 100% web-based curricular tool that requires no installation and supports all major web browsers and computer and tablet-based devices.
Coming 2021
Educator Certification Courses
VEX Robotics is excited to offer an educator certification for Computer Science with VEXcode VR! Get certified and demonstrate your knowledge of Computer Science and VEXcode VR.
Learn and Implement Computer Science
This self-paced, online course is for educators looking to implement Computer Science and VEXcode VR into any learning environment. Learn the fundamentals of Computer Science while also learning how to implement VEX VR with your students.
Use VEXcode VR and engaging activities to hone your Computer Science skills! Each Unit is structured around a coding challenge and provides scaffolding to help you gain proficiency with key Computer Science concepts.
Learn effective strategies for teaching with VEXcode VR, including how to access student performance, and how to use the wealth of teaching resources that are provided in VEXcode VR.
Key Features
- Online training for educators at all ability levels - from novice to advanced coders.
- Training covers fundamental CS concepts and how best to integrate VEXcode VR into any environment.
- No software installation required. VEXcode VR works on all major devices directly in your browser.
Computer Science Activities + Resources
Access a library of activities and resources to implement VEXcode VR within an existing lesson or as a stand-alone fun activity.
Computer Science Fundamentals
Begin the journey into learning Computer Science with the VEXcode VR Computer Science Fundamentals course! Using VEXcode VR and engaging robotics-based activities, students will learn about project flow, loops, conditionals, algorithms.
Coming 2021
Computer Science Progressions
This intermediate level course will use VEXcode VR to learn additional Computer Science concepts such as variables, arrays, and functions in a block-based environment before transitioning to Python.
Coming 2021
Computer Science Explorations
This advanced level course will use VEXcode VR to expand on learning text-based coding using Python to learn more about data structures, project flow, and complex conditional logic.