{"id":2349,"date":"2017-08-07T12:19:55","date_gmt":"2017-08-07T20:19:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.techykids.com\/?page_id=2349"},"modified":"2025-02-11T18:09:14","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T18:09:14","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/techykids.com\/staging\/3266\/faq","title":{"rendered":"FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Ordering<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow do the different popular educational robots compare?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Check out our blog post to answer this commonly asked question:\u00a0Comparing the Different Educational Robots<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhich Thymio should I Get, what is the\u00a0difference Between Wireless and Regular Thymio, and what is included with the Education Package?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

I’d recommend the education package as it comes with all the extras and allows many more interesting projects that people enjoy.\u00a0 The memory card allows users to add custom sounds and to turn Thymio into a voice recorder.\u00a0 The remote control allows you to press buttons from a distance and sends signals to the robot to control it and send it commands (acting like buttons on the robot from elsewhere).<\/p>

Now the question of wireless and the regular Thymio.\u00a0 The regular Thymio is less expensive than the wireless version.\u00a0 They are both the same, but the Wireless Thymio also allows wireless programming.\u00a0 Which means that programs can be sent to the robot without the use of the USB cord.\u00a0 It’s pretty cool because you can update the program without plugging and unplugging the USB cord.\u00a0 It’s handy for the avid programmer and the young programmer.<\/p>

Now a few things to note- if the student plans on using the Scratch programming language, I\u00a0strongly<\/u>\u00a0<\/b>advise the wireless Thymio.\u00a0 Because with Scratch the computer acts as the brain and needs a constant connection with the robot.\u00a0 If the connection gets disrupted the reconnection process is a pain.\u00a0 So, wireless is by far the best thing.<\/p>

Also if you plan on using an android tablet app to program Thymio- definitely the wireless is the best.<\/p>

If the user will be using with a Mac or Windows and using the Aseba or Scratch programming language the Wireless is great.\u00a0 I think for a consumer option the Wireless version is the preferred.\u00a0 For schools looking to save $ the regular Thymio offers a more affordable option.<\/p>

If programming using RobotMagic, right now the Wireless capability is not yet integrated.\u00a0 So if they plan on using RobotMagic at home they can save the money on the robot, but the license for RobotMagic is needed.<\/p>

It’s also possible to upgrade the regular Thymio with a DIY kit later on, but some soldering skills are needed.<\/p>

So, biggest thing is the difference in price for the additional functionality and convenience and ‘cool’ factor of Wireless.\u00a0 For young users the wireless is best because the hardest part of using Thymio is plugging in the USB Cord.<\/p>

Link to the Thymio Education Package:https:\/\/www.techykids.com\/product\/education-thymio-package-thymio-remote-memory-card\/<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCan I get a bulk discount for my public or non-profit school?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Yes, please contact Sharon at info@techykids.com for bulk ordering information.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Educational<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIs your content tied to standards?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Currently the Thymio Beginner Course and Thymio\u00a0Intermediate\u00a0Course are tied to Next Generation Science Standards for Engineering Design, 3-5.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Classroom Setup<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow do I set up 30 Wireless Thymio Robots to work in one classroom, independently of one another?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

First it has to put 10 robots on channel 0 , 10 on channel 1 and the last 10 on channel 2. The network ID numbering as no influance, they just has to be different for the 30 robots.\u00a0https:\/\/www.thymio.org\/en:thymiosettingwireless\u00a0\u00a0<\/a>Then when they use the robots, do not use the “auto” option asebastudio, that feature saturate when so many robots are around.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCan multiple teachers manage and see the dashboard for a classroom?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Yes, email info@techykids.com with the classroom name, and the usernames which teacher(s) you’d like to add to manage the classroom.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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TechyKids Camp Questions<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMy child is new to coding and robotics, would they be at a disadvantage in the\u00a0camp\u00a0coming in as beginners ?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

They would absolutely\u00a0not<\/b>\u00a0be at a disadvantage if they are new to coding and robotics.\u00a0 Each kid starts at the\u00a0level\u00a0that they are at and getting kids started with TechyKids is optimal as we build help lay a strong foundation for growth.\u00a0 In camp we always assume that each kid is a beginner unless we hear otherwise, and then adjust appropriately.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMy child has played a number of coding games\/apps and has the basics of if\/then and if\/else commands settled and has built a couple LEGO Boost creations, too. Would this camp be a good fit for him?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Yes!\u00a0 If your child has shown an interest in coding already, and is into building and lego, this camp is a perfect fit for them.\u00a0 TechyKids explains about the broader applications of robotics so it elevates their understanding from just ‘play’ to also understanding that with the skills they are learning it can be applied in real world applications.\u00a0 It puts kids on a growth path towards developing their ‘playing’ into creating and giving them a desire to grow their skills to be able to rise to the occasion for larger challenges, and empowers them to do so.\u00a0 TechyKids also instills the right mindset for growth and innovation, so it gives a foundation and larger framework that kids can build from.<\/p>

In terms of robots, there are many of them out there, there are also many different languages.\u00a0 In camp we use a robot called the Thymio robot that is a platform the imagination.\u00a0 It is LEGO compatible, and kids will be building with it and also programming.\u00a0 The robot is a premier educational robot developed in a university by educators and roboticist as an educational robot.\u00a0 It has 20 different sensors, more than 40 programmable lights, and can be coded with a block based language and real written code in a code editor.\u00a0 We get the kids writing real code- and they LOVE it.\u00a0 We’ve heard straight from kids how at first they were intimidated when they saw the text language, but not for long!\u00a0 Often by the second day of camp we have the kids writing real code.\u00a0 And when it ‘clicks’ for them they get a feeling that now anything is possible.\u00a0 And they prove it, by creating original inventions and creations.\u00a0 The TechyKids program was developed by an engineer\/educator, so it is a strong program that really introduces and puts them on the path of being able to ‘think’ like an engineer.<\/p>

The TechyKids program with Thymio robot has been tested and granted a seal from Purdue University, a top ranked US engineering university as teaching design and engineering to kids.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMy child is experienced in coding and robotics, will they be challenged in camp?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

There will be a wide range of ages and abilities at the summer\u00a0camp.\u00a0 TechyKids is unique in this way that it is able to support the range of ages\/abilities and subject matter as each child will have their own personalized logins to get high quality content at their own pace and level, pulling the appropriate resources when they want and need it.<\/p>

We have helpful and experienced staff in camp that will help mentor students towards leveling up their thinking and approach.\u00a0 The camp is\u00a0project based, so your son or daughter will be able to work at his own pace and receive support.\u00a0 Our program is adjusted and flexible to support kids of different skill\u00a0levels and interest areas.<\/p>

Campers ideate and collaborate together to create unique projects, learn skills and flex their abilities as they bring their ideas to reality.\u00a0 The participants also learn other skills and create videos and presentations about their projects that they proudly showcase out to parents and campers during the last day of camp.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIs this a camp I can register my child for more than one week?\u00a0 Would they be doing the same thing?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

The\u00a0camp\u00a0is project and inquiry based, with new kids coming in each week.\u00a0 \u00a0Kids who have been in TechyKids camp\u00a0in the past and also in the classroom during the year are continually challenged.\u00a0 If you son or daughter would come, the first week they would be paired with another beginner.\u00a0 And then the next week(s) they would paired them with a kid with more experience.\u00a0 Think of it like a maker space with guidance and help.\u00a0 The next week they would be gaining more knowledge and have more time for exploration and be able to bring their projects to the next level.<\/p>

They would be able to do the\u00a0camp\u00a0more than one week and still be very much engaged, and gain further technical skill and general ability.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDo I need to sign the Media Release?\u00a0 Why do you have one?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
TechyKids does respect child’s privacy and especially safety.<\/div>
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Here are a few more details regarding what is actually done with respect to use of photos or videos – we never tie first and last name of kids and photographs of children together.<\/div>
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Project Media<\/u><\/b><\/div>
They can choose to have their face in the video or not, but their voice and hands are usually an essential part of their project videos. These videos are usually uploaded to Vimeo or sometimes Youtube and a link to it is posted on our site along with the rest of their project deliverables to create their project webpage. Here’s an example of a video that where the kids who created the video chose to be in the video and also had their parents sign the media release:\u00a0\u00a0https:\/\/www.techykids.com\/max-the-robotic-bunny\/<\/a><\/div>
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Project videos have also been filmed where the child’s face is not in the video:\u00a0https:\/\/www.techykids.com\/tweet-tweet\/<\/a><\/div>
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The presentations have\u00a0the kids’ first names on it to give them credit for their work and contribution.<\/div>
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For Promotions<\/u><\/b><\/div>
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We take pictures of kids while they are in camp and we take group photos and can sometimes use those in marketing materials\/emails\/website to inspire other kids and parents to be aware and hopefully also participate with our program.\u00a0 In order to showcase the quality of our program parents often enjoy seeing the journey and outcomes of other campers.\u00a0 These will not have names\/identifiers associated with them.\u00a0 Promotions take the form of materials such as these:\u00a0https:\/\/www.techykids.com\/product\/2018-davis\/<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0(Note: The spotlight on Kevin is not common and was done with special permission from his mother to help inspire other Dyslexic\/Dysgraphic kids into the program, and you’ll notice there is no other personally identifying information in the video)<\/div>
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We also filter through the media we take to be complimentary and not embarrassing to the individual.<\/div>
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The hardship when a child doesn’t have the media release signed is it either means we cannot use the group photos, or we would need to actively exclude the child from the photos.\u00a0 We do care about each child’s well being and safety.\u00a0 And take care in being responsible with their likeness, but also the media release is important so that we legally protect ourselves as a small business.<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Yes, campers provide their own lunch.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIs there a syllabus?\u00a0 What will they be learning in camp?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

The format of camp is that we orient the kids, they get to know how to use TechyKids to access their resources and templates for their original projects, we pair them up with with a camper of a similar age or ability level, and then they learn and work together in projects, and we help them achieve their goals. Friday of camp the kids present out to fellow campers and family. Kids work at their own level and pace, with ample support and guidance.<\/p>

On the TechyKids site, you can look at the projects to see the wide range of projects created by the kids.<\/p>

Video about camp: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uz6OLcEj8cQ<\/p>

Interview with a kid talking about camp: https:\/\/youtu.be\/wTEaOvsHLC0<\/p>

A short description of what they will be learning and experiencing:\u00a0 How do robots work? How does the robot see the world? Learn it all here while you program a real robot! Thymio is a versatile and fun robot with 20 sensors, 2 motors, and 39 LEDs. It\u2019s the perfect platform for an endless amount of projects and creativity. First, get started with the easy to learn visual programming language as you learn to program behaviors. Then we\u2019ll advance to learn what \u2018if then\u2019 statements are and how to read and modify real code! We\u2019ll be doing a variety of projects from programming a robot pet with personality, to having Thymio follow a path, solving a maze, to creating a musical instrument.<\/p>

Thymio is not just an ordinary robot, it\u2019s the platform to use your imagination to create and invent whatever you can imagine! Program the robot to behave as you wish and then build off of Thymio with LEGO, and crafts to turn it into your invention. Then we\u2019ll be working on logo design, your product description, and making a video advertisement for your robot. By the end of camp you\u2019ll be revving to try and sell your newly branded invention.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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There is a lot of preparation of equipment, space, staffing and such that is required to run a camp and we can only do what we can.\u00a0 We have a no-refund policy because once everything is set up everything is a sunk cost and enrollment is how we make ends meet.\u00a0 If you cannot attend your scheduled camp session for some reason, let us know ASAP and we will see if there are any other arrangements we can work out.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tToggle Title<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Help with Thymio Robot<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetting Started with Thymio<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\"techykidscom\"\n\nCongratulations getting a Thymio robot! \u00a0We are sure you want to get started right away.<\/i>\n(If you still need one, get one here<\/a>.)<\/i>\n\n