Forty 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students are learning how to program robots Dash and Dot using one of our coding apps on our school iPads. Students are able to program these robots to complete a sequence of events. Whereas in the past we programmed characters on a computer screen, now we have an opportunity to interact with a robot that can move and speak.

Dash and Dot are clever and engaging robots that come equipped with sensors, animations, sounds and lights. Increasingly difficult challenges offer opportunities for students to think critically, problem solve, recognize patterns and work cooperatively to devise solutions. Learning to code is considered a new 21^st literacy that teaches skills needed for everyday life:  critical thinking, creativity, cooperation and communication, as well as for future careers.