Minibloq is an exciting new Kickstarter project designed as a programming language for Arduino motherboards. It aims to make it much more fun and easy for children to create their own microprocessor projects. This innovative tool is a graphical programming environment for Arduino and other physical computing devices, such as DuinoBot or Maple. It was designed by Julián da Silva, a developer who has been working in educational robotics since 1994. Julián currently works at a startup called Robotgroup, where he designs robots.
Features of Minibloq
Minibloq stands out due to its user-friendly interface, which is particularly beneficial for young learners and beginners in programming. The graphical programming environment allows users to drag and drop blocks to create their code, eliminating the need to write complex syntax. This visual approach helps children understand the logic behind programming without getting bogged down by the intricacies of text-based coding.
The video below showcases the Minibloq-RG graphical programming environment, with a DuinoBot.Kids as the target, running on a pen-based touch Intel ClassMate. The DuinoBot.Kids is an Arduino-compatible robot controller that has not yet been released. This demonstration highlights how intuitive and accessible Minibloq is, even for those who are new to programming.
The video below shows the Minibloq-RG graphical programming environment, with a DuinoBot.Kids as target, running on pen-based touch Intel ClassMate. The DuinoBot.Kids is a not yet released Arduino-compatible robot controller.
You can find more information about the Miniblog project over on the Kickstarter website.
Educational Impact and Future Prospects
Minibloq is not just a tool for fun; it has significant educational implications. By simplifying the programming process, it encourages children to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Early exposure to programming can spark an interest in technology and engineering, potentially guiding students towards future careers in these areas.
Moreover, Minibloq’s compatibility with various hardware platforms like Arduino, DuinoBot, and Maple makes it a versatile tool for different educational settings. Teachers can integrate Minibloq into their curriculum to provide hands-on learning experiences. For instance, students can use Minibloq to program robots to perform specific tasks, thereby learning about both programming and robotics in a practical, engaging way.
The project’s success on Kickstarter indicates a strong interest and need for such educational tools. As more schools and educational institutions recognize the importance of coding literacy, tools like Minibloq will likely become integral to modern education. The ongoing development and potential future updates to Minibloq could introduce even more features, making it an even more powerful tool for learning and creativity.
Source: Crunch Gear
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
