EdBlocks, a super-simple fully icon-based programming language, is now available for use with Edison robots. You can access EdBlocks through the online app at www.edblocksapp.com.
A drag-and-drop block-based system, EdBlocks is intuitive and fun, even for younger users. Best of all, EdBlocks is absolutely free!
A bit about EdBlocks
EdBlocks is a horizontal robotics programming language made up entirely of graphical blocks. To use EdBlocks, you just select, drag and drop blocks together to create programs.
The colourful EdBlocks icons are easy to understand, making creating and reading programs simple and enjoyable. The full program is completely represented by the icons and viewable within the programming window of the app – no need to confirm each element one by one – simply looking at the icons in order will convey what the program will do.
EdBlocks was developed using the Scratch Blocks code base developed by the MIT Media Lab from the Blockly code base developed by Google.
Who can use EdBlocks?
EdBlocks is compatible with all Edison V2.0 robots. Edison V1 robots that have the June 2017 firmware update can also use EdBlocks.
Using EdBlocks is super simple, which makes it approachable and addictively enjoyable! The fun, colourful, intuitive design of EdBlocks makes it a great tool for introducing coding to anyone. No programming understanding or experience is required.
Perfect for introducing anyone to programming, EdBlocks was created specifically for younger users and is ideal for students aged 7 to 12 years old.
EdBlocks in education
Using EdBlocks with an Edison robot offers many educational benefits, including:
- introducing programming and robotic basics,
- allowing for creativity and problem solving, and
- providing tangible, interactive feedback to programming into real-world context.
To help you get the most out of EdBlocks, we offer a range of free, downloadable resources including a complete set of lesson activities designed for students in year levels 3 to 6 and complemented by a teacher’s guide.
Looking for even more ideas on how to use EdBlocks in your classroom? Check out these 5 awesome things you can teach with EdBlocks.
Want to know more?
You can learn more about EdBlocks on our website, including a full list of FAQs and troubleshooting help.
What can you make with EdBlocks? Send us your ideas, pics and videos at social@microbric.com or add them to the online community of Edison awesomeness on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.
What is really the difference between this new EdBlocks and the previous programming method? Seems to me that just icons look changed.
Hi, Marcin –
Are you referring to EdWare or EdPy?
There are quite a few differences between our three robot programming languages.
EdBlocks is a fully icon-based horizontal language which is designed as an introductory language. EdWare is a hybrid graphical language which combines drag-and-drop icons with increased functionality from text-based entry. EdPy is a highly versatile text-based programming language based on Python.
You can learn more on our programming page on our website at https://meetedison.com/robot-programming-software/
can you guys please help me it’s not working for me.
Sorry to hear you are having trouble. We’ll be happy to help! If you are having trouble with your Edison robot, check out our troubleshooting page https://meetedison.com/edison-robot-support/trouble-shooting/ as a first step. If you have a question about using EdBlocks, you will probably find the answer in the EdBlocks FAQ https://meetedison.com/robot-programming-software/edblocks/#EdBlocks-faq. Otherwise, you can always write us with details of the issue you are experiencing and one of our friendly support team members will be able to help you out! https://meetedison.com/edison-robot-support/contact-us/
For some reason when I try to program edison he always makes the fail sound, despite me having followed the video step by step and been through all the troubleshooting.
Hi Oscar,
Sorry to hear that you are experiencing some problems. The Team at Edison are always happy to help out. I do have a few questions that will help me, help you. Would you please write to our team via the support page and we will be sure to help you out.
https://meetedison.com/edison-robot-support/contact-us/
My Edison only ever plays the same program, no matter what i download to it. It makes the successful sound, but nothing ever changes when i hit the play button. Is there a way to fix this?
Hi Dan,
Yes, we should be able to resolve this. It’s likely to be a configuration issue specific to your Edison robot and computer.
Could you please send a message to our technical support team who will be happy to help, at https://meetedison.com/edison-robot-support/contact-us/