So often, when I visit key stage 1 classrooms undertaking control technology activities, I see either a small group involved directly with the floor robot or most of the class sitting in a circle watching one child enter and execute his/her program. In short, there are a lot of youngsters NOT involved at any one time. The reason is often that, at £100 and more, most floor robots represent too big a bite of the budget for many nurseries and small primary schools. Include running costs such as battery recharging (replacement with some) and the cost of ownership can be quite high. Enter the TTS Bee-Bot.
TTS's £40 Bee-Bot promises to make control technology for the early years both affordable and involve a lot more children. At £120 for a set of four, the low-cost Bee-Bot is even cost-effective to run - it takes just three AA batteries or rechargeables. TTS estimates that these should last for approximately eight hours of continuous use. Bee-Bot's diminutive 130mm(L) x 100mm(W) x 70mm(H) size makes it small enough to work on large trays and tabletops, yet its strong motor means it will move on the hardwearing carpet found in schools. Indeed, I tested it on a ramp at 45 degrees, which it climbed without any loss of distance.
Bee-Bot has a smiley face, two large eyes and a clear and bright control keypad on its back. As well as the four directional keys, there are "GO", "CLEAR" and "PAUSE" buttons. Sounds and flashing eyes confirm each instruction as it is executed and Bee-Bot pauses briefly to emphasise it - a nice touch. Bee-Bot can remember up to 40 steps, moves accurately in 15cm steps at a time and turns in 90 degrees. It has two driving wheels, a ball-bearing roller on which to pivot and, after two minutes of inactivity, Bee-Bot enters standby mode, in which it can, apparently, last for several years.
Bee-Bot survived my push-it-off-the-table-top test on two occasions, and appears robust enough and should stand up to the rigours of the classroom.
I have to confess to being a total Bee-Bot fan: I like the fact that it takes standard AA batteries (try a set of rechargeable School Cells from Commotion Group). I also like the profusion of accessories that are appearing for it: additional shells that clip on and can easily be removed by little fingers without causing any damage and, with additional spots, Bee-Bot can immediately become a Lady-Bot.
Children can enter a range of instructions from simple to more complex. SEN pupils could use it to develop one, two and three stage sequences using a variety of the available activity mats. Its obvious simplicity is its strength, and activities can be as basic or as complex as required by the objectives of the lesson. I can only imagine the activities, challenges and enjoyment that will result when you run a swarm of Bee-Bots together.
Bee-Bot is an affordable solution that successfully meets the needs of both Early Years and KS1 children. Since July 2005, 17,000 have been sold to schools, whichspeaks for itself. My recommendation? Don't buy one - buy a set!
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Contacts and Prices
TTS Group Stand PZ1
Tel: 0800 318686
www.Bee-Bot.co.uk
Prices:
1 x Bee-Bot £39.99
4 x Bee-Bot £119.96
6 x Bee-Bot £149.94 |
