Sphero Robots & Their Connection to Confidence in Subject Matter Learning

In the dynamic landscape of education, integrating technology has become a powerful tool for educators seeking innovative ways to enhance subject matter learning. One such technological marvel making waves in classrooms worldwide is Sphero coding robots. Through hands-on, engaging activities and interactive programming, Sphero robots are transforming traditional lesson plans into dynamic, confidence-building experiences for students across various subjects and grade levels.

Benjamin Franklin's timeless wisdom, "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn," serves as a cornerstone for understanding the impact of Sphero robots on subject matter learning. Kendra Werner, a Product Manager for Sphero, emphasizes the pivotal role these robots play in bringing project-based learning to life. By integrating Sphero robots into the classroom, educators can transcend traditional teaching methods, providing students with tangible experiences that reinforce abstract concepts.

Consider the example of calculating perimeter and area. While traditional math instruction methods involve paper and pencil, Sphero robots, like BOLT, take learning to the next level. Students program their BOLT robots to create shapes, witnessing geometry in action. This not only enhances comprehension but also encourages experimentation, fostering a deeper engagement with the subject matter. As Tod Johnston, Sr. Education Content Manager for Sphero adds, the engagement with Sphero robots offers meaningful opportunities for students to practice and reinforce their learning.

Successful strategies and lesson plans incorporating Sphero robots cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring every student finds their unique entry point to understanding. Kendra points out that programming Sphero robots incorporate visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/writing learning elements. This dynamic, multi-sensory approach not only accommodates diverse learning styles but also enhances understanding, ultimately fostering increased confidence in the learning journey. Educators, as Tod suggests, can leverage the option to program a Sphero robot as yet another medium for students to demonstrate their learning, adding variety to assessment methods.

The role of hands-on experimentation with Sphero robots extends beyond academic achievements—it plays a pivotal role in promoting a growth mindset among students. Fear of failure can often hinder learning, particularly in challenging subjects. However, by reframing failure as a natural part of the learning process, students are encouraged to adopt a growth mindset. The trial-and-error approach inherent in programming Sphero robots emphasizes that mistakes are stepping stones to success, building resilience and perseverance among learners.

To further illustrate the positive impact of Sphero robots on students' attitudes, Kendra shares that many educators have provided anecdotes to Sphero of how technology has positively influenced learners. These first-hand accounts highlight the transformative power of hands-on, interactive learning experiences in instilling confidence and enthusiasm for challenging subject matter.

Sphero robots are not just tools, they are catalysts for a paradigm shift in education. By seamlessly integrating technology into the classroom, educators can unlock new dimensions of learning, reinforcing subject matter concepts and building confidence among students. The dynamic, multi-sensory approach, coupled with the promotion of a growth mindset, positions Sphero robots as invaluable assets in the journey towards creating confident, empowered learners ready to tackle the challenges of the future.