Playing with Dash and Dot

Dash and Dot, a pair of cute robots, makes a great tech kit option for families. The kit includes two robots and an iPad mini to run the Wonder Workshop apps. With five apps and a variety of accessories, Dash and Dot are great for beginners (even preschoolers) but also offer more challenging options for older kids (and their parents).

Start with the Go app and use the iPad as a remote control to move Dash around the room, modify the lights, or make fun noises. There’s even a feature for recording your own voice so Dash can deliver a message for you.

Using the Xylo app, budding musicians can tell Dash what notes to play on the xylophone attachment. Write your own or choose a familiar song that’s already in the app.

The Path app is the beginning of coding concepts. Children use their finger to draw a path that Dash then recreates in front of them. It’s visual code for anyone.

The Wonder app is the tutor for students who want to learn more. Step by step challenges introduce a more complex version of visual code by using images. Suggested for ages 8+.

Finally, the Blockly app uses chunks of visual/language code to introduce real coding challenges. Blockly (which is similar to the popular Scratch program) lets users experience coding scenarios such as variables, conditions, and events through problem-solving and creative play. The Blockly app is also suggested for ages 8+.

Felicity is a Community Learning Specialist at Do Space. Her favorite work day includes a crowded Littles Lab program. Her favorite day off includes coffee and books and a walk through her neighborhood.