When I was in primary school, we had a programmable robot that looked a lot like a rumba. It was huge, heavy, and would move around the floor in different directions if you pressed the right series of buttons, but that was about it. It was exciting at first, but I remember wishing that it could do more.

Since then, technology has come a long way, and so have classroom robots. With Artie 3000™, kids can learn how to write real programming code. To give a full sense of achievement and purpose behind his movements, Artie doesn’t just take directions – he draws as he goes. With four changeable coloured pens, Artie creates patterns as he travels, either through preprogrammed shapes or your own original code.

This is a really fun, simple and effective way to teach kids how to write code. There is an instant result from their efforts and choices, which is going to inspire creativity and encourage more extended and repeated use of Artie than simply seeing him trundle along. He also comes with games to further engage kids and covertly teach them how to use the robot, and the pre-programmed shapes are a great way to get people started by showing what can be achieved if you stick with it.

When drawing, you need to either tape or hold down the paper that Artie is travelling on, or it will occasionally catch or move. However, the programming itself is simple and fun, and allows you fast results that will keep kids engaged and wanting to learn. I saw some reviewers comment that they were worried kids wouldn’t get on easily with the tablet menus, but everyone who’s used Artie in the classroom seems to have had a roaring success, and let’s face it – kids are way better with tablets than we are. Have you ever seen how fast they can be on those things now? It’s scary!

In an increasingly digital world, teaching kids how to code is more important than ever before, and Artie does so in a fun and accessible way. He's also a seriously cute little guy who doesn’t take up too much space, and that should be enjoyed by all kids alike. Who doesn’t love a cute robot?

www.educationalinsights.com/artie-3000-8482-the-coding-robot
$69.99

Pros:
User friendly programming
Draws as he moves
Cute design
WiFi enabled – program from a tablet
Compact

Cons:
Sometimes moves or scrunches the paper

4.5/5