6

I am a Technology education teacher from NJ and I use Lego Mindstorms for my 8th-grade robotics class. Since we are doing distance learning (teaching from home) my students have not been able to continue their curriculum as the software and robots are at school. Is there a web-based program where the students can code with block-based coding (not scratch) like in the normal downloadable software and run virtual tests of their code? Kind of like the virtual brick or virtual world software you can purchase but a web-based version so my students can still learn how and explore Mindstorms like we would in the classroom. Any suggestions?

Improve this question

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
1

Here's Microsoft Makecode. It is full of tutorials for the EV3, such as:

• Example programs

• How certain sensors work

• How certain code blocks work

• Instructions for EV3 robots

• And much more.

Is this what you're looking for?

Improve this answer
8
  • Thank you for your response. I did see that option, but I wasn't a huge fan. I like the block style code for at least a little intro as I have a wide range of abilities in my classes. This isn't a horrible option but it is scratch based and there is no option to test the code to see what the robot physically does. There is an option to see the brick move the motors and sensors, but I think seeing the robot actually move is more beneficial to the students.
    – Ryan
    Jun 3, 2020 at 16:16
  • @Ryan Can't you teach them how to download the actual software?
    – mindstormsboi
    Jun 3, 2020 at 16:17
  • Nevermind, iOS devices are not compatible with it unfortunately. Also, do they even have the EV3 with them at home?
    – mindstormsboi
    Jun 3, 2020 at 16:17
  • Our students are not 1:1 so they have to use their personal computers so downloading any software is not an option unfortunately since not everyone has the same device it would cause compatibility issues. No they do not have their EV3 robots at home. I was trying to find a web based option where they could code using the block style code like in the Mindstorms software where they could then run their robot in a virtual world sort of like what can be done with RobotC but web based. I know this is asking a lot but I want to try to keep them learning as close to the school environment as possible
    – Ryan
    Jun 3, 2020 at 16:21
  • @Ryan I'm sorry, I don't know any website that meets all of the criteria. I will do a few google searches to see if I can find anything else. You should search too.
    – mindstormsboi
    Jun 3, 2020 at 16:23
0

There is a program called Robot Virtual Worlds: http://www.robotvirtualworlds.com/

... but it is a downloaded program vs. web based. You might be able to use a remote desktop sharing program (VNC, Skype, Zoom, MS Teams, Team Center, etc.) to access remotely, or contact them if they're considering a "cloud hosted" option.

They do offer a free trial, so you can always experiment to see if it works at all for you.

Improve this answer
3
  • VMs with students!?!? Are you kidding me? I think that you're bringing this a little too far, and hopefully it supports almost all video cards that currently exist, otherwise it still may be a problem. I don't see how you're going to inject a VM into another student's computer, and the OP does not look like an advanced computer technician (or whatever you need to be to manipulate VMs) so I don't think it's possible.
    – mindstormsboi
    Jun 8, 2020 at 11:56
  • 2
    Not suggesting anything about VMs. The Remote Desktop would allow OP to install the program on a school PC and then "share" it with students. It would probably involve school IT support, and not sure how well the remote connection may work. However, it offers a virtual LEGO robot that can be programmed without physical hardware, using same/similar programming tools as the "real" robot. The best case scenario would be if the RVW developers could offer a web based client (cloud hosted) vs. download only.
    – bitbob
    Jun 8, 2020 at 14:43
  • 4
    @mindstormsboi You may not be aware of this, but the tone in your comment above reads a bit aggressive to me. I'd hate for folks to get the wrong impression of you. Please be more considerate of your tone when commenting in the future.
    – jncraton ♦
    Jun 8, 2020 at 15:43
0

Perhaps you should try CoderZ. I think that it would fill your requirements. An online coding environment where you can also see the robots virtually move as they have been programmed. I have never actually used this before but I think that you should have a look at it. Happy Programming.

Improve this answer
3
  • Welcome to Bricks.SE! Do you have any relationship with CoderZ? It's not a problem if you do, but we do ask that you disclose this. I am curious to understand why you are recommending this product if you haven't used it before.
    – jncraton ♦
    Jun 14, 2020 at 17:37
  • 1
    In answer to your question. I do not have any relationship with CoderZ. Also, I didn't say I was recommending it, I just said to perhaps try it, although I understand that it could be taken as recommending it.(I just wanted to try and help someone, and I think that CoderZ fitted what he asked for).
    – GLOBEX
    Jun 15, 2020 at 11:55
  • Thanks for sharing. This software looks like a potential solution to me. It was flagged as possible spam, so I wanted to make sure that this was a genuine recommendation of this product. Thanks for helping out!
    – jncraton ♦
    Jun 15, 2020 at 13:03

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.