RoboMind
RoboMind Academy is a free web service that teaches computational thinking by having students program a virtual RoboMind robot.
What RoboMind is
RoboMind Academy is a free web service that teaches computational thinking by having students program a virtual RoboMind robot. It introduces automation and programming to primary pupils from age 8 without prerequisites. Self-contained courses combine presentations, movies, quizzes, and exercises, with Basics 1 and Basics 2 suggested for primary schools. Students receive immediate visual feedback when programs run and can use hints to improve solutions. Teachers can monitor progress through challenges, presentations, and quizzes, with progress stored in the cloud. Presentations, quizzes, and programming challenges can run on smartboards, while lessons can be completed at each student’s own pace. The Academy requires internet access and an up-to-date browser and supports desktop computers, tablets, and smartboards. The maker says it collects no personal data, uses no tracking cookies, and is subject to GDPR. Teachers may identify themselves with Microsoft or Google accounts without personal information being sent to RoboMind Academy. Printable certificates were removed in 2023 because of PDF-plugin security concerns.
Good
- Free access for schools
- Designed for beginners aged eight and up
- Immediate visual feedback and hints
- Teacher progress monitoring in the cloud
- Works on smartboards, tablets, and desktops
Watch out
- Requires internet access
- Requires an up-to-date browser
- Printable certificates were removed in 2023
- Uses only the RoboMind virtual robot
Who it suits
It suits primary pupils aged 8 and older who are beginning programming, plus teachers using browser-based classroom activities. No prerequisites are required.
Verdict
RoboMind Academy offers a free, browser-based introduction to programming through a virtual robot and classroom materials. It is most suitable where teachers need simple shared-screen lessons and self-paced student work.
Plans and prices
From RoboMind's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2001.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| School access | Free | Schools can access it without cost · multiple classes · multiple teachers per class |
The facts
Each one read from RoboMind's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Account sign-in
- Teachers can identify themselves using a Microsoft or Google account, and the maker says no personal information is sent to RoboMind Academy during that step.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Audience
- It is designed as an introduction to automation and programming for primary pupils from age 8, without prerequisites.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Classroom use
- Presentations, quizzes and programming challenges can be used on smartboards, and lessons can be completed at each student's own pace.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Courses
- Its self-contained courses include presentations, movies, quizzes and exercises, with Basics 1 and Basics 2 suggested for primary schools.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Development
- The maker says RoboMind Academy was developed in 2013 as an initiative by Arvid Halma, Ernst Bovenkamp and Jan van Oorschot, and is currently maintained by Jan van Oorschot.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Learning features
- Students receive immediate visual feedback as they run programs and can use hints to improve their solutions.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Notable limitation
- Printable course certificates were removed in 2023 because of security concerns over the PDF plugin, and the maker says it would like to bring them back.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Privacy
- The maker says the Academy collects no personal data and uses no tracking cookies; it says the service is subject to GDPR.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Purpose
- RoboMind Academy teaches computational thinking by having students program a virtual robot.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Teacher tools
- Teachers can monitor student progress through challenges, presentations and quizzes, with progress stored in the cloud.checked 7 Oct 2001
Where it runs
- Browser requirement
- The Academy requires an up-to-date browser and internet access, and its course materials can be used on desktop computers, tablets and smartboards.checked 7 Oct 2001
The company
- Founded
- 2013checked 28 Sep 2001
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