Wonder Workshop Blockly is a visual programming app for children to create programs for the Dash robot. Its drag-and-drop interface uses puzzles, challenges, and creative projects to introduce sequencing, loops, sensors, events, functions, variables, and conditionals. The product is described as suitable for children as young as six. Blockly is available on iOS, Android, and Chrome; the Free Tier requires a physical Dash robot. A paid Make Wonder account adds Virtual Dash in Blockly on iOS and Chrome. Teachers with a Free Tier account or above can track progress through Blockly Puzzles, including when students share devices. Blockly Pro is available on Chrome with a paid subscription and supports a transition from block coding to JavaScript while programming Dash. App use does not require internet, but downloading does, and Class Connect and web versions need an active connection. Supported languages include English, French, German, Korean, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese, while Kindle Fire supports English only. Plans include a free tier and paid options, including STEM Homeschool at 125.00 USD per year.
Who it is for
Blockly suits children learning introductory programming concepts through projects for Dash, including learners as young as six. Teachers can use its puzzle progress tracking with a Free Tier account or above.
What is good
- Introduces a range of foundational coding concepts.
- Available on iOS, Android, and Chrome.
- Teachers can track Blockly Puzzle progress.
- Apps can be used without an internet connection.
What to know first
- Free Tier requires a physical Dash robot.
- Class Connect and web versions need an active connection.
- Kindle Fire supports English only.
- Blockly Pro requires a paid subscription.
Verdict
Blockly combines visual programming activities with teacher progress tracking and supports several platforms and languages. The Free Tier depends on having a physical Dash robot, while Virtual Dash and Blockly Pro are tied to paid access.
Wonder Workshop Blockly plans and pricing
All plansCompared on robotics education software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Robot simulator
- Yes
- Coding modes
- block
- Classroom tools
- Yes
- Curriculum library
- Yes
- Supported robots
- Dash, Dot
- Learner level
- mixed
- Supported platforms
- iOS 12+, Android 6+ with Bluetooth LE, Chrome browser on Mac, PC, and Chromebook
