Ozobot Classroom vs VEXcode

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.

VEXcode is coding software for VEX robotics, with versions listed for VEX 123, GO, AIM, IQ, EXP, V5, CTE, and AIR. It uses a consistent interface across VEX platforms and supports drag-and-drop Blocks, Switch Blocks for moving toward Python, and text-based Python and C++. VEXcode VR runs in a browser without installation and offers curriculum and activities, which teachers can edit in Google Docs. It requires no student accounts, and each license includes access for an educator’s students at school and at home. VR Free costs nothing and includes Blocks, 15 basic-graphics playgrounds, curriculum, activities, and online resources. Enhanced costs $199 a year; Premium costs $499 a year. The separate VEX VS Code Extension supports C++ and Python on Windows and Mac, with project, documentation, firmware, and troubleshooting tools. It requires VS Code 1.66 or later. VEXcode runs across Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows.