If you’re being dragged kicking and screaming into the world of new technology, Coquitlam Public Library is here to help.
Spheros — programmable toys that look like little round balls with coloured lights — have been added to the library’s collection.
These mini robots have become popular with children because they can be moved around in patterns using simple commands on a bluetooth-enabled device.
They are being used in School District 43 to teach students about the building blocks of coding needed for computer programming.
The library is also using them to teach moms and dads and grandparents how to use them, too.
“The whole idea of robots is being able to tell them what to do,” said Kathy Johnson, a CPL library technician, who is teaching kids, adults and other librarians how to use the Spheros.
Using the app on a bluetooth-capable device, you can tell the Sphero to travel in patterns at various speeds and the effect can be somewhat startling, such as when your little round robot goes hurtling towards a chair leg or the wall.
They can also change colour and, when they make a sound, you feel you’re in a Star Wars movie conversing with R2-D2.
But there’s a real educational component because players learn how to use simple commands to make the Sphero move, similar to what computer programmers do when they make apps and software.
Johnson said kids as well as adults seem to love the idea of learning basic coding, with adults signing up quickly to the CPL’s class this week to mark Hour of Code, which takes place during Computer Science Education Week Dec. 4 to 10.
“It seems important to learn these skills because we’re getting into things such as self-driving cars and the more you know about it, the better armed you are,” Johnson said.
• This week’s Sphero class for adults is booked but future sessions will be offered. Find out more at www.coqlibrary.ca
