Ozobot Classroom vs Sphero Edu

Ozobot Classroom is a free K–12 STEAM lesson portal and companion software for Ozobot robots used in schools. Its library offers about 700 standards-aligned lessons across grades K–12 in computer science, math, ELA, science and social-emotional learning. Lessons use screen-free Color Codes or on-screen Ozobot Blockly coding. Teachers can use pacing guides with up to 30 lessons per grade, create and share lessons, and set up and manage devices. Boosted Bluetooth can update up to 18 bots at once. The web application requires no download; teachers use Chromebook, Mac or Windows 10 computers with Chrome or Edge. Students can use Color Codes without a screen or OzoBlockly on a computer or tablet, including iPads and Android tablets. Teachers can share lesson links through Google Classroom or another LMS, but importing rosters through the former Classes feature is no longer available. Ozobot says Classroom is FERPA- and COPPA-compliant, collects no student data and does not allow educators to create student accounts. Bit robots cannot connect to Classroom devices because they are not Bluetooth-enabled, so some features are unavailable with Bit.

Sphero Edu is a coding app for programming Sphero robots, with lessons and activities for learners. Depending on the app version, learners can use Draw, Blocks, JavaScript, or Python; a Drive mode connects to compatible robots over Bluetooth. The app includes hundreds of lessons, including standards-aligned activities. Educators can manage classes and assign work, and users can create programs to share with the community. Sphero Edu is free, with app and web access; robot programming requires a compatible Sphero robot. It runs on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and the web. Web robot connections use Web Bluetooth, which is listed as supported in Chrome and Edge, but not Safari, Firefox, or Opera. The web app supports BOLT+, BOLT, RVR/RVR+, and Mini, rather than every robot supported by native apps. Users can drive, program, and complete lessons without logging in or sharing personal information. Google Classroom roster syncing is read-only.