Saturday, December 14, 2024

Can robots truly change the game with VEX’s ‘Change’? The answer lies in bridging the gap between block coding and Python.

VEX Robotics, a pioneer in Ok-12 STEM education, announces the release of “Code,” a groundbreaking approach to learning Computer Science. VEX Robotics’ coding platform, VEXcode, boasts Change as a research-based, patented feature within its comprehensive suite of tools for all products. Until recently, VEXcode offered college students the option of learning both block-based and Python coding languages. College students can now seamlessly integrate Python scripts into their block-based coding using Change within VEXcode, simplifying the transition between these two programming languages.

Studies have consistently demonstrated that block-based coding is particularly well-suited for novice learners as their introduction to programming. Despite initial reservations, college students are increasingly driven by the genuine appeal and vitality of text-based coding experiences. The analysis further indicates that this shift from block-based to text-based coding is a significant obstacle, often cited as the primary reason why college students fail to pursue Computer Science. Introduces educators to a cutting-edge platform designed to facilitate a profound comprehension of programming concepts.

Students can now learn Python syntax, enhancement, and coding at their own pace within a familiar block-based environment. The platform offers a range of essential features to streamline the learning process.

  • Instantly transform multiple standard blocks into a single Change block with a simple click, enabling you to inspect the underlying Python code seamlessly?
  • Within a Change block, you may directly edit the Python code, just like modifying ordinary text for enhancement purposes.
  •  I’d suggest rephrasing the text as follows:

    Write Python code from a blank slate, starting with clean Change blocks that provide auto-complete solutions to guide your development.

  • Transforming identical blocks into regular ones empowers users to reconfigure the system’s architecture through intuitive drag-and-drop interactions.
  •  Start with changing a single block to a start of your journey, and progress to expert-level coding if you’re ready.
  •  class CodeWriter:
    def advance(self):
    self.write(‘from typing import List’)
    self.write(”)
    self.write(‘def main() -> None:’)
    self.write(‘ change_block = 0’)
  •  Within the comfort of a block-based environment familiar to you, the shift to text-based programming is facilitated by a seamless and intuitive transition process.

Our Change’s scaffolded method fosters a seamless transition for learners migrating from block-based to text-based coding, instilling a sense of accomplishment and expertise within a secure and encouraging environment. The VEX Robotics program showcases its commitment to empowering educational institutions by providing engaging STEM curricula that cater to diverse skill sets and abilities of students across various levels.

“Laptop science education is crucial, yet also poses unique challenges,” noted Jason McKenna, Vice President of International Training Strategy. Educators seek innovative approaches to introduce programming principles to students in a way that bridges the gap between block-based and text-based coding, facilitating a seamless transition for young learners.

Change is a modern milestone in our continuous pursuit to democratize access to STEM and laptop science education for all college students.

With a focus on streamlining the shift from block-based coding to text-based programming, Change offers comprehensive support to college students in the following core domains:

  •  The platform empowers college students to learn at their own pace by enabling them to incrementally modify specific aspects of their code in Python when they feel ready. This adaptability enables differentiated learning, allowing educators to tailor instruction uniquely for students who may excel or require additional support.
  •  With its integrated autocomplete capabilities and intelligent indentation, Change enables students to master Python syntax more efficiently by minimizing the likelihood of errors. This feature enables students to focus on grasping programming concepts rather than being impeded by syntax errors, ultimately reducing frustration and cultivating self-assurance.
  •  VEXcode’s defining trait is its ability to evolve alongside learners, offering a seamless progression from block-based coding to Python programming using the Change module, and eventually, transitioning to full-text based coding within a single, cohesive platform. Students’ growth from novice to expert levels is fostered through a comprehensive pathway that provides a seamless learning experience, ensuring a continuous progression along their programming trajectory.

According to Dr. Jimmy Lin, Director of Laptop Science Education, a thorough analysis conducted by our team has yielded empirical evidence substantiating the efficacy of the Change initiative. The study’s outcomes significantly advanced our comprehension of how to create settings that effectively support college students with diverse levels of proficiency and self-assurance as they transition from block-based programming languages to Python.

VEXcode with Change is a free software solution, seamlessly compatible with various VEX Robotics platforms, including IQ, EXP, V5, and CTE Workcell. With VEXcode with Change now available as a subscription-based offering within VEXcode VR, a web-based platform enables customers to learn programming through coding Digital Robots in immersive, video game-like settings that foster engagement and interactivity. VEXcode Block: A coding platform is accessible on a variety of devices, including Chromebooks, Windows, and Mac computers.

During the month of December, as part of Laptop Science Training Week, Tim Friez, Vice President of Academic Technology, is encouraging everyone to explore innovative possibilities by trying out VEXcode VR or leveraging their own VEX hardware. “Our newly launched Hour of Code initiatives and resources empower college students to explore the transformative power of coding across both hardware and digital platforms.”

Despite the potential challenges of moving from block-based content to text, our innovative Change features make this transition seamless and straightforward.

Discover how Change and VEXcode seamlessly integrate to enable your college students to master Python at their individual pace. Go to  to study extra.

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