In my last post, I talked about Lego blocks and the rise of electronic Lego models or Lego Mindstorms. This post is dedicated to another form of electronic blocks which is called LittleBits. So, what are LittleBits? How do they work? What is the use of these electronics? These and many more answers you will get from this post.
LittleBits are electronic modules (or blocks) that each has a pre-engineered function such as light, sound, sensor, etc. Every module is color- coded and snaps to another module via magnet. LittleBits as a startup founded in 2011 in New York by Ayah Bdier and its mission is to "put the power of electronics in the hand of everyone, and to break down the complex technologies so that anyone can build, prototype, and invent". To visualize the concept of LittleBits, take a look at this short video.
In this video, you can see that the Bits (or electronic modules) work in a very simple way. Magnetic snapping, four different colors, and each having a concrete function. That is all. The rest is us and our creativity to turn ideas into inventions.
Today, according to LittleBits.com there are more than 250+ integrated lesson plans aligned to state and national standards. the use of LittleBits plans and products in an educational institution are growing very fast and the reason behind this is the practical explanation of theories that kids study at schools. You can demonstrate the flow of electrical current, fly of rockets to the sky, and many more theoretical lessons through safe and interactive modules. If you are a teacher and want to use more of LittleBits ideas and lesson plans you can read more following this link: LittleBits in Classroom.
Here are some products by LittleBits:
1. August 2013 - the release of Base, Premium, and Deluxe Kits.
2. July 2014 - the introduction of CloudBit, a wifi-enabled module that allows internet connectivity.
3. November 2015 - the release of Smart Home Kit, helps to tern equipment in the home to interact with you. My favorite one!
Here is a project that you can do with Smart Home Kit:
Further readings:
Hi Lutfullo - thank you for sharing this! I think that this is such a cool concept, and appreciate that you shared it after sharing about legos. I think that there are so many possible uses for these within the educational setting and was excited to learn about LittleBits. - Josh
ReplyDeleteThanks Josh. Sure, these ideas getting popularity very fast. However, they don't have a long history.
DeleteLutfullo,
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I have an 11 year old daughter who is growing out of Legos. She still loves them but they are super expensive and it takes her about an hour to complete most of them. This is a great FREE alternative in a Maker Space.
Patrick
Glad that you find it useful. I believe your daughter will love these electronic kits as they are very onterective.
ReplyDeleteHi Lutfullo,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I learned a lot of things from your posts. These things are created not only for kids, but also for adult learners. Very useful learning tools to engage learners!