Trying out #Tryazon

In March of 2018 I was attending a computer science and coding workshop hosted by Patricia Brown. During one portion of the workshop. Patricia discussed methods for funding STEM projects and tools.  She mentioned the obvious curriculum ties and grant funding through Donors Choose and other funding sources. In addition, she recommended a service that I had never heard of before, Tryazon.  Tryazon is a service that gives individuals the opportunity to host a free party focused around one of a variety of products to generate interest and awareness in the partner product. 

This sounded like a great idea and a perfect fit for me. After quickly scanning Tryazon's website I saw that they were looking for hosts for upcoming Ozobot parties. I quickly signed up for the service and applied to host a party. After a few weeks, I received word that I had been selected to host one of their Ozobot parties, and then the real fun began!

In exchange for hosting a party and creating awareness for Ozobots and Tryazon, I would receive a complimentary Ozobot for myself and one for a party guest, in addition to leaving an honest review of the Ozobot on Amazon or the Ozobot website. . The great thing about this is that I not only received the Ozobot itself, but an entire classroom kit to help get started coding with Ozobots. ​​By the way, did I mention that Tryazon sent me TWO OZOBOTS: one for me and one for a party guest.

​During my Ozobot party, teachers had the opportunity to code the Ozobot and see just how easy it is to use Ozobot's programming language to complete challenges that are appropriate for students in grades K-7. 

​What is an Ozobot?

Ozobots are small robots that are controlled with a mobile app or website and can be coded with markers, the Ozobot blockly programming language (very similar to the interface used during Hour of Code activities), or even driven around like a remote controlled car using the Evo mobile app. 

What I told my party guests (teachers interested in technology and computer science) is that the Ozobot is a great tool to use to introduce coding and computer science to students. Teachers can create Ozobot challenges with or without computers handy, making the Ozobot a great tool to supplement other computer science and computational thinking resources. 

Are you an experienced Ozobot users? How have you utilized this tool to help introduce students to coding and computer science? Share your ideas in the comment below!