What's included
8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1-2 hours per week. Homework may include building or modifying a robot build, creating code in VEXCode IQ, downloading the code to the robot, and posting the results (code, video and/or description of how the robot performed).Assessment
Learner assessment is given as informal feedback with suggestions. More formal assessment or grades are available to parents upon request.Grading
Grades by request.Class Experience
Beginner Level
This course is for students who have their own (or their school’s) VEX IQ robot at home and want to learn how to program it using VEXcode IQ block-based coding. You must have a physical VEX robot to participate in this course (VEX Cortex/EDR or VEX V5 are also permissible). Every lesson in this self-paced course we will have specific goals to plan and write programs, download them to the robot and test the code. Students need an area where they can test their robot running the programs. If they have a way to show their results by filming and posting a video with their computer, phone or tablet, that would be great, but it is not required. Each lesson, the teacher will post a video lesson with resources (i.e., build instructions, supplemental information for the concept, etc.) Students will then create the program, download their program to their robot and share their results (either video or a written post about the results and by attaching their finished code). Students with learning disabilities, dyslexia, ASD, ADHD or other learning challenges are welcome to participate. Extensive reading is NOT required in this course as most of the coding is block-based with some text input (Lesson 8 does require some reading). These lessons may be differentiated for learner interest and ability.
Learning Goals
Students will learn basic block-based coding and will learn how to troubleshoot and solve problems with their code. They will also learn about the physical parts of the VEX IQ robots, including sensors, and how to transfer the code from the computer to the robot.
Syllabus
8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction
We will talk about the different models you can build with the VEX IQ set, download and set up the software, do a parts check, learn how to update the firmware on the robot and its parts, and talk about good practices.
Lesson 2:
First Program
We will write our first programs and learn how to save, download, and test them on the physical robots. We will concentrate on forward and backward motion and speeds. We will program to compensate for physical differences in the robot (i.e., robot doesn’t drive completely straight, etc.)
Lesson 3:
Obstacle Course
We will program our robots to navigate an obstacle course autonomously.
Lesson 4:
Bumper Switch
We will be introduced to sensors and how to program the robot to respond using the bumper switch.
Other Details
Learning Needs
I welcome diverse learners to my classroom and am happy to provide extra help and accommodations.
Parental Guidance
Students will need to download the VEXCode software for IQ from this site: https://www.vexrobotics.com/vexcode/install/iq. No account creation is necessary. Educational content from VexRobotics.com (ie., videos or PDFS) maybe be included.
Pre-Requisites
Students should have basic computer skills. Students will need a physical VEX IQ robot, either 1st or 2nd generation, for this course.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
Texas Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Indiana Teaching Certificate
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Wilkes University
Bachelor's Degree from Ball State University
I am a Certified Robotics Instructor (VEX Robotics). I have taught VEX robotics programming since 2013 to students in public and private school settings and online since 2018.
I have 5 public school teaching certifications/licenses:
Technology Education. Grades 6-12. (Texas)
Technology Applications. Grades EC-12. (Texas)
Special Education. Grades EC-12. (Texas)
Computer Education. REPA 3, Grades 5-12.
(Indiana)
Technology Education. REPA 3, Grades 5-12.
(Indiana)
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$19
weekly or $150 for all content8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 9 learners
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Ages: 8-13