At SchoolAmanda Vaden
A student programs a BOLT+ robot in the Sphero Edu App on a tablet.

Programming can feel like solving a riddle wrapped in an enigma – especially for students just starting their computer science education journey. That's why we're thrilled to introduce the Explain My Program feature in the new AI Assistant in the Sphero Edu App. This feature helps explain student programs in real time, allowing for a deeper understanding of their code without spoiling the fun of discovery.

What Is Explain My Program in the Sphero Edu App?

Think of the Explain My Program feature as your students' personal code interpreter. With a single click, it analyzes whatever code students have written or built in blocks and explains what their program does in plain language without needing to ask the “right” questions. There are no chatbot conversations or typing prompts – just point, click, and understand.

A dark mode view of the new AI Assistant Explain My Program feature in the Sphero Edu App.

Why This Innovative Feature Is Ideal for Classrooms

Explanations With Reasoning

The Explain My Program feature walks that perfect tightrope between helping and hand-holding. Instead of providing solutions, it explains what students' current code should accomplish. This means they still get to experience those "aha!" moments when they realize how to improve their programs.

Your New Teaching Sidekick

Picture this: instead of bouncing between 25 students all asking, "Is my code right?" you can encourage them to check the AI Assistant first. Explain My Program helps them independently understand what their code should do, freeing you to focus on deeper learning conversations and creative problem solving.

Real-World AI Literacy in Action

Here's where things get really exciting. The AI Assistant feature gives students tangible experience with AI's capabilities and limitations. They'll discover that clicking twice might yield slightly different explanations. This isn’t bug; it’s a feature that teaches critical thinking and AI literacy.

How the “Magic” Happens

The Explain My Program feature in the Sphero Edu App analyzes students' code and provides contextual explanations. Sometimes, it can infer complex program functions, like recognizing that a sequence of movement commands will make BOLT+ trace a square pattern. Other times, with minimal code, it offers correspondingly basic explanations.

Students program their BOLT+ robots to navigate a grid and maze on the floor of their school.

Students begin understanding that AI tools have strengths and limitations, just like any other technology. They learn to evaluate AI-generated explanations critically and develop realistic expectations about what artificial intelligence can and cannot do.

Building Tomorrow's Digital Citizens Today

The Explain My Program feature represents more than just a helpful programming tool; it's preparing students for a future where AI literacy is as fundamental as reading and writing. By using this feature, students don't just learn to code; they learn to work alongside AI tools effectively and thoughtfully.

Sphero is taking this a step further by introducing a new AI Lesson Collection on Sphero Central. These lessons guide students through real-world applications of AI, helping them explore how the technology works with programmable robots, where it excels, and where human judgment is irreplaceable.

Specifically, the AI Assistants to the Rescue: Explain My Program lesson introduces students to the new Explain My Program feature, showing how it can explain your code step by step. They can also use the feedback from the AI Assistant to modify their programs for BOLT+ and adjust the outcome.  

This hands-on approach to AI in education builds confidence and competence simultaneously. Students see firsthand how AI can augment their learning without replacing their critical thinking skills.

Ready to bring this innovative learning experience to your classroom? Get started with the Sphero Edu App today and watch your students discover the exciting intersection of computer science and artificial intelligence with their Sphero robots. Because the best way to prepare for tomorrow's AI-powered world is to start exploring it today.

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