Ozobot Classroom vs Thymio Suite

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.

Thymio Suite connects to Thymio robots so users can program, configure, and update them from a computer. Its desktop programming options include VPL, VPL 3, Scratch, Blockly, Python through the Thonny editor with a Thymio extension, and Aseba. VPL uses drag-and-drop blocks, and Scratch can link a robot with the Scratch stage and sprites. The product page describes Python programming as coming soon, although use through Thonny and the Thymio extension is documented. The maker offers Thymio Suite 2.4.0 for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Thymio Suite Mobile is available for iOS and Android tablets, with VPL 3 and Scratch; direct tablet connection requires Thymio 2 or later. A free simulator supports collaborative use of simulated robots by people on the same network. The Suite is free, but the desktop download requires a Thymio robot to connect and program. Mobsya describes Thymio as an open-source educational robot for learners of all ages, and its support center offers documentation and frequently asked questions.