Drive Forward News: November 2024

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VEXcode Switch Blocks: A New Era in Coding Education

VEXcode Switch Blocks is changing the way students learn to code: filling the gap between entry-level, block-based coding and the advanced world of Python. By mixing visual coding with text-based programming, students are allowed to toggle between them at their own pace.

It offers a patented scaffolded environment where students start off by coding with colored blocks and then introduce Python text as they start becoming confident. This results in a gradual learning process, not unlike that of learning any new language, in which the visual cues ease the student into more complex concepts. Because it enables users to toggle between blocks and text, Switch blocks will let students learn selected concepts at their own speed without feeling overwhelmed.

In the words of Jason McKenna, the VP of Global Education Strategy at VEX Robotics: “Teaching kids to code is, well, very similar to teaching them a whole new language. So, that makes these really complicated ideas more approachable.” Switch blocks does this by rolling in autocomplete, syntax guidance, and error-reduction features to ensure students actually spend time learning to code, not troubleshooting minor mistakes.

VEXcode Switch Blocks is a game-changer for educators. It enables differentiated learning: teachers can create lessons tailored to separate student skills and abilities. It gives students a continuing learning path—from beginning blocks all the way into advanced Python—within one platform. This makes for real consistency with reduced frustration, keeping students moving. By being in this supportive environment, students build their confidence and independence with coding. Now, switching from blocks to text is motivating, especially because it doesn’t feel so much like a leap but rather an evolution that would help students love learning to code and prepare them for further opportunities in the field of STEM. With a design that bridges the gap from novice to advanced coding, Switch blocks empowers students with the skills needed to innovate in an increasingly technical world. Compatible with Chromebooks, Amazon Fire tablets, Android tablets, iPads, Windows computers, and Mac computers. Use VEXcode Switch Blocks now for IQ, EXP, V5, CTE, and VEXcode VR.

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Meet Team 69924C Mechanical Maniacs

The term “Mechanical Maniacs” might bring to one’s mind gears and wires, but for VEX IQ Team 69924C from Martinsburg, West Virginia, it is so much more. Their team journey started with the help of a dedicated teacher, Cindy Evarts, who introduced them to robotics.

With those early lessons, the team has built more than just robots but also a solid foundation of creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Their current robot is entirely original—unlike anything they have come across in competition—a real testament to their ingenuity.

But what really sets that team apart is the camaraderie. They are more than teammates—they are family. They learned to boost morale and inspire one another in high-pressure situations, which truly paid off when they had to repair their robot mid-competition. Moments like these taught them the importance of staying calm, thinking quickly, and working as a seamless unit.

What predominantly characterizes the Mechanical Maniacs is their diversity. Each of its members brings a lot of strengths and views that are always taken into account. Among the high levels of communication they have stands: “Ideas become action, and challenges become opportunities.” The Mechanical Maniacs dream big, and their ultimate goal is to continue to push the envelope, learn from every experience, and continue to grow as a united team. To them, robotics means more than just winning competitions; it means creativity, resiliency, and lifelong bonds that stretch farther than the game field will ever reach.

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Supporting Students’ Productive Struggle in Open-Ended Challenges

Ever wondered how to help your students navigate that delicate balance between frustration and breakthrough when dealing with open-ended challenges? In this article, Aimee DeFoe, Senior Education Developer at VEX Robotics, explores ways of supporting students through their “productive struggle” – that sweet spot where they feel stretched but not overwhelmed. From setting up an encouraging classroom environment to facilitation of timely prompts, Aimee provides you with good practices for knowing just when, and how, to intervene so that your students leave your classroom not only having better grasped the problem, but also more confident and resilient.

Read the complete article, as part of VEX PD+, to learn how you can facilitate that journey and help them turn challenges into empowering learning experiences.

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The 2024 VEX Australia National Championships Recap

As we mentioned in the last issue, the premier robotics competition in Australia – the 2024 VEX Australia National Championships has just occurred!

When: December 4th – 6th

Where: Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in New South Wales 

Over 200 teams took to the fields to battle it out, and earn a coveted spot to represent Australia at the VEX Robotics World Championship.

This two-day event served as the culmination of the season’s 80 registered regional competition events, where qualifying teams from across the country come together to compete in various challenges across the IQ, V5RC and VEX U categories.

The 2024 National Championships represents the biggest Australian national competition to date, with over 1,800 students, teachers, and mentors from schools and clubs across Australia gathering to put their skills to the test and earn their place in Dallas at the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship next year.

This year’s event played host to several high-level championship teams with tons of Worlds experience and awards to their names. Competition levels were at a high, with intense matches deciding who will be awarded the top prizes.

In addition, previous VEX Robotics World Championship head refs and score keepers assisted in running the event.

The National Championship represents the final step for Australian teams before the VEX Robotics World Championship in 2025, where the best teams across the globe had the opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage. For the teams participating, 6 regional state championships and months of preparation went into designing, building, and programming their robots to tackle the unique challenges presented by Rapid Relay and High Stakes.

Awards were presented for Volunteers of the Year, as well as the Energy Award, presented to the team or group who does the best job of enriching the event with the most excitement, fun and enthusiasm possible.

For teams, mentors, and educators, this event is the result of a season of hard work and innovation. As always, the Australian National Championships is not just about winning, but about learning, building connections, and developing critical skills that will serve participants well beyond the robotics field.

Congrats to the VEX Robotics Australia team for hosting the biggest and best competition yet. We cannot wait to see what the future holds in store.

Check out all the award winners and match results below:

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Fine Tuning and Troubleshooting Tips for the VEX CTE 6-Axis Arm

In this article from the VEX Library, the VEX Robotics Education Team provides a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting the VEX CTE 6-Axis Arm. The step-by-step instructions are designed to help educators and students quickly identify and fix common issues, ensuring minimal disruption to classroom activities or projects.

Head to the VEX Library for practical solutions to keep your robotics projects running smoothly.

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As always, there is something new being shared from us across our social media everyday. 2024 is just about outta here – but we have one more issue for the year coming your way soon! Thanks again for reading.  

Here’s what we covered in the last edition of Drive Forward News:

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