Bloxels - Detailed Review
Education Tools
Bloxels - Product Overview
Bloxels Overview
Bloxels is an innovative education tool that empowers students to create their own video games, combining physical and digital elements to make learning engaging and interactive.
Primary Function
Bloxels allows students to design, build, and play their own video games. This is achieved by using a physical gameboard with color-coded blocks, which are then captured using a tablet or smartphone camera and translated into digital form within the Bloxels app. This process enables students to turn their physical creations into interactive digital games.
Target Audience
The target audience for Bloxels spans from kindergarten to eighth grade, making it a versatile tool for various age groups and educational levels.
Key Features
Physical-Digital Integration
Students use physical blocks on a gridded board to create game elements, which are then scanned into the app to become digital components of the game.
Game Design and Creation
Students can build game layouts, create pixel art, develop characters, add backgrounds, and include animations and power-ups. This comprehensive approach allows them to be writers, artists, designers, and developers of their own interactive stories.
Fast Iteration and Feedback
The app allows for quick iteration, enabling students to design, test, and refine their games rapidly. This fosters a growth mindset and encourages continuous improvement.
Cross-Curricular Applications
Bloxels can be integrated into various subjects, including Humanities and STEM disciplines, making it a valuable tool for enriching the curriculum across different areas of study.
Collaboration and Sharing
Students can collaborate on game design and share their creations with peers, both locally and globally, promoting teamwork and global connectivity.
By merging tangible and digital elements, Bloxels transforms students from consumers of technology into creators, making the learning process engaging, interactive, and fun.
Bloxels - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Bloxels is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it an excellent tool for kids and educators in the education sector.Ease of Use
Bloxels features a simple and accessible interface that allows users, even young children, to create games without any coding knowledge. The app is divided into several clear modes:Character Builder
For creating characters and their various states (e.g., walking, jumping).Art Builder
For designing environmental tiles and items.Background Builder
For creating backgrounds for levels.Game Builder
For assembling all the assets into a complete game.User Experience
The interface is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Users can create characters, art, animations, and backgrounds using a 13×13 pixel grid, which simplifies the process of digital art creation. This grid system allows for precise control over every element of the game’s appearance, from characters to level layouts.Physical and Digital Integration
One of the unique aspects of Bloxels is its optional physical component. Users can create game assets using a physical board and blocks, which can then be captured by the app’s camera and integrated into the game. This hands-on approach helps introduce the basics of game building in a tangible way.Collaboration and Sharing
The Bloxels EDU version includes features that facilitate collaboration and sharing among students. The Class Library allows students to share and work on their projects privately within their class. Teachers can review, monitor, and showcase student work through the EDU Hub, ensuring a controlled and supportive learning environment.Educational Resources
Bloxels provides a range of educational resources, including Educator Guides, video tutorials, and activities aligned with different grade levels and subjects. These resources help teachers integrate Bloxels into their curriculum effectively, promoting skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.Conclusion
Overall, the user interface of Bloxels is engaging, easy to use, and highly educational. It strikes a balance between fun and learning, making it an ideal tool for introducing children to game design and digital art. Bloxels - Key Features and Functionality
Bloxels as an Educational Tool
Bloxels, as an educational tool, offers a variety of features that make it an engaging and effective platform for students to create video games and develop essential skills. Here are the main features and how they work:
Game Creation Templates
Bloxels provides pre-built level templates to help students get started. These templates include decorated and undecorated versions of platformer and top-down maze/adventure style games. Students can select a template from the Game Template tab and then customize it as needed.
Block-Based Design
The platform uses a 13×13 grid board where students can place colored blocks to design game scenes. Each block color represents a different element: green for terrain, blue for water, red for hazards, yellow for coins, purple for enemies, pink for power-ups, orange for exploding terrain, and white for stories or checkpoints.
Power-Ups and Customization
Students can add power-ups to their games using pink blocks. These power-ups can be configured using the wrench tool to give players special abilities or restore health. Power-ups can be set to specific actions or made random, allowing for a high degree of customization.
Warp Blocks
Bloxels allows students to create warp blocks that can transport the player to different areas within the same level, to another level, or even to a different game published in the Arcade. This feature enables students to create larger, interconnected games, either individually or in collaboration with others.
Physical and Digital Integration
Students can use the optional Bloxels board and blocks to create physical designs, which can then be captured and customized using the Bloxels app. This hands-on approach helps introduce the basics of game building and makes the process more engaging and interactive.
Collaboration and Sharing
Bloxels EDU plans include features for private student collaboration and sharing. Students can share and work on their characters, game art, and games within their class using the Class Library. Teachers can review, monitor, and showcase student work through the EDU Hub.
Standards-Aligned Resources
Bloxels provides educator guides, activities, and video tutorials that align with various educational standards, including Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core State Standards, and ISTE Standards. These resources help integrate Bloxels into interdisciplinary curricula, promoting skills in communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
No Coding Required
One of the key benefits of Bloxels is that it allows students to build games without needing to write code. Students can add narrative and logic to their games using the app, making it accessible to a wide range of learners.
Cross-Curricular Application
Bloxels can be used across various subjects, enriching both Humanities and STEM disciplines. It helps students build 21st-century skills such as design thinking, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving, making it a versatile tool for different educational needs.
Conclusion
While Bloxels does not explicitly integrate AI into its game-building features, it focuses on providing a user-friendly and engaging environment where students can learn and create without the need for complex coding or AI-driven tools. The platform’s simplicity and hands-on approach make it an effective tool for educational settings.
Bloxels - Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating the Performance and Accuracy of Bloxels
Evaluating the performance and accuracy of Bloxels in the education tools category reveals several strengths and some areas for improvement.
Performance and Engagement
Bloxels performs exceptionally well in engaging students across various subjects and age groups. Here are some key points:
Student-Centered Learning
Bloxels empowers students to become digital creators, building games, characters, art, and stories without requiring any coding skills. This approach turns students from content consumers into active creators, fostering the 4Cs of communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
Cross-Curricular Applications
The tool is versatile and can be integrated into multiple subjects such as math, language learning, science, and literature. For example, students can design game levels that require solving math problems, create simulations of scientific phenomena, or adapt literary works into interactive games.
Collaboration and Sharing
Bloxels EDU plans include features like the Class Library, where students can share and collaborate on their work privately within their class. Teachers can review, monitor, and showcase student work through the EDU Hub, ensuring a structured and supervised learning environment.
Hands-On Learning
The optional use of Bloxels boards and blocks adds a hands-on element, allowing students to create physical prototypes that can be captured and customized within the app. This blend of physical and digital tools enhances the learning experience.
Accuracy and Factual Integrity
Bloxels is accurate in its representation of educational concepts and ensures that the learning experiences are aligned with educational standards:
Standards-Aligned Resources
Educator Guides and video tutorials available through the EDU Hub are designed to align with different grade levels and subjects, ensuring that the activities and resources provided are accurate and relevant to the curriculum.
Scientific and Mathematical Accuracy
When creating scientific simulations or math-based games, students must accurately represent the underlying principles. This process helps in fostering a deep and accurate understanding of the concepts being taught.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Bloxels is highly effective, there are a few areas where it could be improved:
Technical Support
Although Bloxels offers first-in-line VIP support for educators with EDU plans, there might be instances where technical issues arise. Ensuring prompt and comprehensive support could further enhance the user experience.
Accessibility and Cost
While Bloxels offers discounted rates for EDU plans, the cost can still be a barrier for some schools or classrooms. Expanding accessibility options or offering more flexible pricing plans could help reach a broader audience.
Continuous Updates and Resources
To keep the tool engaging and relevant, continuous updates with new features, resources, and activities are essential. Encouraging community feedback and incorporating user suggestions can help in this regard.
In summary, Bloxels is a highly effective tool for engaging students in creative and educational activities, with strong performance in cross-curricular applications and student-centered learning. However, addressing areas such as technical support, accessibility, and continuous updates can further enhance its value in the education sector.
Bloxels - Pricing and Plans
Bloxels EDU Plans
Classroom Bundle
- This plan includes 50 Student Accounts, 4 Gameboards and block packs, 4 Student Workbooks, a Story Card Deck, and the Bloxels EDU Educator Handbook (PDF).
- The initial cost is $375 (originally $450), with renewal pricing at $6.00 per student per year. Additional Student Accounts can be purchased for $6.00 each.
School Bundle
- This plan provides 300 Student Accounts.
- It is priced at $1,800 (originally $2,400).
District Bundle
- This comprehensive plan includes 1,500 Student Accounts.
- The cost is $7,500 (originally $12,000).
Smaller EDU Bundles
- For smaller classes, there is an option for 25 Student Licenses, priced at $200 (originally $250).
- There is also a Bloxels EDU Bundle that includes a kit, card decks, and a workbook, available for $95.95 (originally $150).
Features Available in Each Plan
- All EDU plans include access to the EDU Hub, where educators can find resources to integrate Bloxels into various subjects such as language arts, history, and science.
- Students can build, play, and share their own games and interactive stories using the Bloxels app, which is compatible with iOS, Android, Kindle, and web browsers.
Activation and Access
- Educators who purchase Bloxels EDU kits or licenses receive an activation code via email or with their kits, which they can redeem to set up their EDU accounts.
Free Options
- There are no free permanent plans available, but the Official Bloxels Personal Edition kit comes with a unique code for a free year’s access to the Bloxels app.
By choosing the appropriate plan, educators can provide their students with a hands-on platform to build, collaborate, and tell stories through video game creation.
Bloxels - Integration and Compatibility
Bloxels as an Educational Tool
Bloxels, as an educational tool, is designed to be highly integrative and compatible across various platforms and devices, making it a versatile option for educators.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Bloxels is available on a wide range of devices, including Chromebooks, iOS, Android, Kindle, and web browsers. This broad compatibility ensures that students can access and use the platform regardless of the device they have, whether in the classroom, at home, or in other learning environments.
Integration with Educational Tools and Resources
The Bloxels EDU platform is equipped with features that integrate seamlessly into educational settings. For instance, the EDU Hub provides teachers with the ability to review and monitor student work, control sharing and collaboration, and access standards-aligned resources and activities. These resources include educator guides, video tutorials, and activities tailored for different grade levels and subjects, facilitating cross-curricular integration.
Collaboration and Sharing
Bloxels enables private student collaboration and sharing through the Class Library. Students can share their characters, game art, and games within their class, promoting teamwork and peer feedback. Teachers can also showcase student work and control the sharing features, ensuring a managed and supportive learning environment.
Physical and Digital Components
The platform allows for both physical and digital game creation. Students can use the Bloxels board and blocks to create game layouts and characters, which can then be captured and customized using the Bloxels app. This hybrid approach helps introduce the building blocks of game development in a hands-on manner.
Support and Resources
Educators with a Bloxels EDU plan receive first-in-line VIP support, ensuring any questions or issues are addressed promptly. Additionally, the Bloxels EDU Educator Handbook and student workbooks provide comprehensive guidance and ideas for integrating Bloxels into various subjects and activities.
Interdisciplinary Use
Bloxels is flexible and can be used across multiple subjects, including language arts, history, science, and more. It aligns with various educational standards such as the Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core State Standards, and ISTE Standards, making it a valuable tool for interdisciplinary learning.
Conclusion
Overall, Bloxels offers a comprehensive and integrated solution for educators, providing a user-friendly and engaging way to teach a variety of skills and subjects while ensuring compatibility and accessibility across different devices and platforms.
Bloxels - Customer Support and Resources
Bloxels EDU Support and Resources
Bloxels EDU offers a comprehensive suite of customer support options and additional resources, making it a supportive and resource-rich platform for educators.
Customer Support
For educators using Bloxels EDU, one of the standout features is the first-in-line, VIP support. This ensures that any questions or issues are addressed promptly, providing a high level of assistance to help educators integrate Bloxels smoothly into their classrooms.
Resources and Tools
EDU Hub
The Bloxels EDU Hub is a central resource for educators. Here, you can create classes, add and edit student accounts, view students’ libraries, and access their work. The Hub also provides the latest resources, including the Bloxels Educator Handbook, standards-based Classroom Activities, tutorials, and the ability to download activities and materials.
Educator Handbook
The Bloxels Educator Handbook is a detailed guide that helps educators get started with the platform. It includes step-by-step instructions, brainstorming techniques, and activities aligned with educational standards such as ISTE, Common Core, and TEKS. The handbook is available digitally and is regularly updated with new resources.
Tutorials and Guides
Bloxels EDU offers a range of tutorial videos and written guides. These include beginner and advanced tutorials available on the Bloxels Edu YouTube channel, a Quick Start Guide, and a Remote Learning Guide. These resources help educators and students learn how to use the platform effectively, even in remote learning settings.
Classroom Activities
The platform includes a variety of Classroom Activities designed for different grade levels and subjects, such as math, science, civics, and literature. These activities are aligned with the ISTE Standards for Students, ensuring that they support recognized indicators of effective learning and teaching.
Creative Tools
Bloxels EDU provides creative tools like Story Builder and Builder Challenge card decks, which offer student challenges and prompts to enhance storytelling and game development. These tools encourage creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Collaboration and Sharing
The Class Library feature allows students to share and collaborate on their characters, game art, and games privately within their class. Educators can review, monitor, and provide feedback on student work through the EDU Hub.
Additional Resources
Webinars and Workshops
Bloxels EDU offers webinars and other educational materials to help educators make the most out of the platform.
Community Support
There is a community of Bloxels Ambassadors and resources to connect with other educators using the platform.
Overall, Bloxels EDU is well-equipped with a range of support options and resources to ensure educators can effectively integrate the platform into their teaching practices and support their students’ creative and educational growth.
Bloxels - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Bloxels in Education
Bloxels offers several significant advantages that make it a valuable tool in educational settings:Engagement and Creativity
Bloxels engages students deeply by allowing them to create characters, landscapes, and interactive games using physical blocks or directly within the app. This hands-on approach promotes creativity, play, discovery, and teamwork in the classroom.Higher Order Thinking
The platform encourages higher order thinking, including creative, spatial, and logical thinking. Students can activate their imagination and create meaning based on the size, shape, and capacity of the blocks. This constructivist approach to learning helps students learn through trials, modeling, and problem-solving.Collaboration and Sharing
Bloxels facilitates private student collaboration and sharing through its Class Library feature. Students can share and work on their characters, game art, and games with their classmates. Teachers can also review, monitor, and showcase student work through the EDU Hub.Cross-Curricular Application
Bloxels can be integrated across various subjects, including Humanities and STEM disciplines. It helps students practice the 4Cs of communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. The platform aligns with standards such as Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core State Standards.Quick and Interactive Game Creation
Students can build and play games in minutes, rather than hours, which keeps them interested and engaged. The simplicity of creating 13-bit pixel games makes it accessible for students to design interactive visual art without needing to code.Hands-On Learning
The optional use of physical blocks and the game board introduces students to the building blocks of game design in a tangible way. This hands-on approach helps students hypothesize, deduce, iterate, and innovate.Disadvantages of Bloxels
While Bloxels has many benefits, there are some areas that could be improved:App Interface
The app interface could be simplified. Users have suggested changes such as using square buttons instead of sign-like buttons and clearer labeling. This would make the app more user-friendly, especially for younger students.Limited Physical Block Colors
The physical block set has limited color options, which can be a hassle when students want to create characters and backgrounds with a wider range of colors. Although the app allows color changes, this limitation can be frustrating.Lengthy Tutorials
The tutorials within the app are lengthy and overly detailed, with some containing 40 or more instruction slides. This can be overwhelming for students and may require additional support from teachers or older peers.Usability for Younger Students
The app is not very usable for younger students without assistance. This is a drawback since younger students are often the most interested in creating games.Hardware and Performance Restrictions
Students must work within the constraints of the hardware performance and the limited range of block colors and functions. While this can mimic real-world design challenges, it can also be restrictive. Overall, Bloxels is a powerful educational tool that fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, but it does have some areas where the user experience could be improved. Bloxels - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Bloxels
- Hybrid Approach: Bloxels combines physical and digital elements, allowing students to create games using color-coded blocks and a gameboard, which can then be captured and customized in the Bloxels app. This hybrid approach helps introduce the building blocks of game development in a hands-on manner.
- No Coding Required: For the basic game creation, Bloxels does not require any coding, making it accessible to a wide range of students. However, it also offers a Codeboard feature for more advanced users who want to add complex behaviors to their games using coding.
- Collaboration and Sharing: The Bloxels EDU plan includes features like the Class Library, where students can share and collaborate on their projects privately with their class. Teachers can also review, monitor, and showcase student work through the EDU Hub.
- Standards-Aligned Resources: Bloxels provides educator guides, activities for different grade levels and subjects, and video tutorials, ensuring that the tool aligns with educational standards.
Potential Alternatives
Smart Sparrow
- Adaptive Learning: Smart Sparrow is an adaptive e-learning platform that uses AI to personalize learning and provide real-time feedback. While it is not specifically focused on game development, it offers interactive lessons and real-time feedback, which can be beneficial for students learning various subjects.
Woot Math
- Math Education: Woot Math is an AI-powered math education platform that personalizes math lessons for each student. Although it is not a game development tool, it shares the aspect of using AI to enhance learning experiences, which could be appealing to educators looking for comprehensive educational tools.
Querium and GradeSlam
- AI-Powered Tutoring: Querium and GradeSlam are AI-powered tutoring platforms that provide personalized learning experiences. These tools focus more on general education rather than game development but offer real-time feedback and support, which can be valuable in a broader educational context.
Other Considerations
- Code.org and Similar Platforms: While not explicitly mentioned in the sources, platforms like Code.org offer coding lessons and game development tools that are highly structured and often free. These platforms might appeal to educators looking for a more traditional coding approach to game development.
In summary, Bloxels stands out for its unique blend of physical and digital game creation, its accessibility without requiring coding, and its comprehensive educational resources. However, for educators looking for more generalized AI-driven educational tools or those focused on specific subjects like math, alternatives such as Smart Sparrow, Woot Math, Querium, and GradeSlam could be considered.
Bloxels - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Bloxels in Education
What is Bloxels and how does it work in the classroom?
Bloxels is a platform that allows students to create their own video games using both physical and digital tools. Students can build characters, art, animations, and backgrounds, and then bring these creations to life in the Bloxels app. The app is available on various platforms including Chromebooks, iOS, Android, Kindle, and the web. Optional physical components like the Bloxels board and blocks can be used to create game layouts and characters, which can then be captured and customized in the app.Do students need to know how to code to use Bloxels?
No, students do not need to know how to code to use Bloxels. The platform allows them to create games and animations without any coding requirements. This makes it accessible to students across all grade levels, from K-12.How does Bloxels promote learning and development in students?
Bloxels promotes higher-order thinking, creativity, spatial and logical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By creating games, students practice the 4Cs: communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. It also encourages teamwork, play, discovery, and the application of knowledge from various subjects like history, science, and mathematics.What resources and support are available for educators using Bloxels?
Educators have access to Bloxels EDU plans, which include features, resources, and support specifically for classrooms. These plans offer private student collaboration and sharing through the Class Library, the ability to review and monitor student work in the EDU Hub, and standards-aligned resources and activities. Educators also get first-in-line VIP support and access to Educator Guides, video tutorials, and student workbooks.How can educators manage and review student work in Bloxels?
In the EDU Hub, teachers can view student work, review and showcase their games and stories, and control sharing, arcade, and asset pack features. This allows educators to monitor progress, provide feedback, and manage class activities effectively.What physical components are available for Bloxels, and how are they used?
The physical components include the Bloxels board and blocks. These can be used to create characters, game layouts, and art, which can then be captured by the Bloxels app and integrated into the game. This hands-on approach helps introduce the building blocks of game development and enhances the creative process.Are there any specific bundles or packages available for classrooms?
Yes, there are classroom packs available that include everything needed to start building games. These packs typically include gameboards, blocks, access to the Bloxels EDU app and Hub, and educational resources like the Educator Handbook and student workbooks. These bundles are designed to support up to 50 student accounts and include one year of free access to the Bloxels EDU app and Hub.How does Bloxels facilitate collaboration among students?
Bloxels encourages collaboration through the Class Library, where students can share and work on their characters, game art, and games privately with their class. This feature allows students to collaborate on projects and learn from each other in a constructive and supportive environment.Are there any standards-aligned resources and activities available for Bloxels?
Yes, Bloxels provides standards-aligned resources and activities through the EDU Hub. Educators can download Educator Guides, which include activities for different grade levels and subjects, as well as video tutorials. These resources help integrate Bloxels into various curricula and ensure that the activities align with educational standards.Is Bloxels compatible with different devices and platforms?
Yes, Bloxels is compatible with a variety of devices and platforms, including Google Chromebooks, Apple iOS, Android, Kindle phones and tablets, and the web. This makes it versatile and accessible for use in different educational settings.What kind of support does Bloxels offer for educators?
Educators with a Bloxels EDU plan receive first-in-line VIP support for any questions they might have. Additionally, the EDU Hub provides resources such as Educator Guides, video tutorials, and the ability to create classes and manage student work, ensuring educators have the support they need to effectively integrate Bloxels into their classrooms.