What are Ozobots?

Ozobots are small robots with advanced features. Their main distinction is their ability to follow and be programmed using coloured lines which can be drawn on almost any surface. In addition however, they can be programmed using an online block-based web editor and interacted with using numerous applications.

Why would I use Ozobots in the Classroom?

Taking the plunge in computational thinking with robotics, can sometimes appear a bit daunting. However with this small, easy to use robot, introducing it to your class will be smooth and engaging. Students do not require devices to begin programming, as coloured lines form the coding language to communicate with the Ozobots. This also means students from as early as Stage 1 can engage with these robots. In additiion, their compact dimensions mean that you can carry a class set of Ozobots into and bewteen classrooms in a small box.

Ozobot navigating a maze

To get you started, Ozobots has an education website with getting started resources including teacher guides, printable resource mats and student help files, making implementing Ozobots as an independent learning activity, a clear option. There are even scheduled and recorded webinars to boost your learning and confidence.

Curriculum Connections

In addition to coding and computational thinking outcomes, there is a whole range of mathematical applications for Ozobots. The coloured coding architecture lends itself to the study of patterns in Number and Algebra. The application of the block-based coding interface brings to life concepts in Measurement and Geometry, with the discussion of angles and speed. Taking it to a higher level, students can work with variables to make their Ozobot autonomous, touching on outcomes in Statistics and Probability. Moreover, with the ability to visualise the Javascript output of their block-based coding endeavours, Ozobots make a case for application in the secondary classroom up to Stage 5.

This however is only the beginning, with so many possibilties to connect Ozobots across the curriculum. Take a look on the Ozobots website, particularly the STEM resources, to get you started.

Stories from Schools

There are many schools across New South Wales, Australia and the world that have embraced Ozobots to integrate coding, problem solving and computational thinking across the curriculum. The team at Wattle Grove Public School in South-Western Sydney, has been using Ozobots in the classroom to inspire and drive computational thinking. To learn more about their journey take a look at our T4Lengage site.

Device Compatibility: Web-Based, All devices

Tips and Tricks in the eT4L environment

In unplugged form, using coloured lines for programming, there is no need for a device or interaction with the eT4L environment. There are however, web based (that function on all devices) and tablet-specific applications, to take learning to the next level. The tablet based applications can be downloaded from the app store, while the web based program can be accessed by all students using a browser. Communication with your Ozobot is facilitated using Light or Bluetooth, presenting no current issues in the eT4L environment.

The most useful application for the classroom is the web based (availble on all devices) Ozoblockly. This block-based app provides a staged introduction to coding, exposing students gradually to operators and functions.
Make sure you calibrate your Ozobot before each use, as they need to adapt to changing light and colour.
To avoid damaging the sensors always make sure the ink is dry on your lines!

Links to Future Focused Learning

Ozobots support several of the Future Learning Themes. Their particular strength is in engaging students in collaboration when applied in group and challenge tasks. Inversly, with many self guided resources, they are also applicable in a Guided or Independant mode of learning. Like all Makerspace and STEM tools, Ozobots also lend themselves to the experiential mode of learning.

Types of Ozobots and alternatives

There are multiple different Ozobot models, with different degrees of functionality. Currently both the Ozobot Bit and Ozobot Evo are available, with the Evo having the addition of infra-red proximity sensors. This provides an extra degree of functionality, which is especially useful when exploring autonomous robotics.

Alternatives to Ozobots that provide similar functionality include Sphero or Edison, that offer both a block-based coding interface and basic driving functionality. These too, have extensive curriculum linked activities to make classroom implementation easy. Additionally, Edison can be programmed without devices, using barcode technology, making it accessible from Stage 1.

Safety considerations

When using any technology in the classroom please make sure you:

Read/comply with all manufacturer’s instructions for safe use
Observe and comply with age range recommendations
Consult your school's WHS representative
Consult the Equipment Safety in Schools (ESIS) register to check for implementation advice