IMPLEMENTATION CHECKLIST

INSTALL THE APP

Download the littleBits Code Kit app onto all student computers. Some IT departments may require a few weeks lead time; be sure to check your organization’s procedures. DOWNLOAD THE LATEST SOFTWARE HERE/CHECK TECH REQUIREMENTS.

CHECK INTERNET ACCESS

Check that littleBits.cc is accessible on your computers and that you have reliable internet access for downloading the Code Kit app. Internet is not required to run the app, but you will need it for software updates and accessing the CODE KIT EDUCATOR RESOURCES.

CHARGE YOUR BATTERIES

Your rechargeable battery should have some power in it when you take it out of the box. If you plug your battery into the power Bit and the power Bit does not light up, plug the battery into an outlet using the power adapter. A light on the battery will glow green when charging, and turn off when fully charged. It will take about 3 hours to charge a drained battery. Open all kits and plug the batteries into the power Bit to check that the batteries are charged. Before your first Code Kit lesson, plan for the setup and cleanup process that your students will follow. If a red light appears on any of the batteries, that indicates that the power is getting low and it should probably be recharged before the next lesson. If you need a backup power supply while using your codeBits, you can connect your power Bit to a computer or the wall adapter with the included USB cable.

1

LABEL YOUR CODEBITS

Every codeBit has its own name! When connecting your codeBit to the app using the codeBit dongle, a two-word name will appear in the codeBit index (e.g. Lucky Dolphin). This name cannot be changed. For easy identification, label each Bit with their respective name. You can write directly onto the white portion on the Bit with a permanent marker, or use a sticker.

PRO TIP: To save time before you run the Hello World lesson with students, collect all of your classroom codeBits and insert a codeBit dongle into your computer. Open any of the inventions on the main page (you can immediately close the video that starts playing). Next, click on the CONNECT TO CODEBIT button on the bottom of the screen to open the connection window (which displays the names of any available codeBits in the area). One by one, connect each codeBit to your power Bit, find its name in the connection window, and label it with its respective name. This will help students identify which Bit is being connected to their computer when multiple Code Kits are being used at the same time. For additional support, see the MY FIRST LESSON VIDEO.

ORGANIZE YOUR MATERIALS

SET UP: Consider what you will need at each group’s work station. We suggest 1 Code Kit plus computer with the Code Kit app installed for every group of 2-3 students. Headphones can also help manage classroom noise when students are working with the speaker Bit or listening to the tutorial videos in the Code Kit app. You may want to set up a documentation computer station with camera and video capabilities. A common materials/tools station is also recommended for craft materials; these can be shared between groups.

2

CLEAN UP: For efficient clean up, store the kits in one central location and label your Kit boxes with numbers or the name of the codeBit. After use, students can reference the back of the Bit Index to make sure Bits are returned to their tray and accounted for.

CREATE A FILE MANAGEMENT & DOCUMENTATION PLAN

FILE MANAGEMENT: Using a tool like Google Classroom or Google Drive can help with saving/distributing files like code files, pictures and the Invention Log. It also provides a great space for students to post questions and share their work with the entire class, and not just within their group. Plan which file management system you will use with your class, and spend a few minutes at the beginning of the unit reviewing your desired process. You may want to assign a folder for every group or student, where they can keep documentation of their process, code files, etc.

SAVING AND OPENING CODE: When your students are finished with the class period or want to move on to a different invention or tutorial in the Code Kit app, they will be prompted to save their work. Any unsaved code will be lost. To save, click on the SAVE button on the lower right corner of the screen. You will be asked to give your file a name and specify where you would like to save it. Use the OPEN button to open previously saved coding projects. It is a good idea to model these steps with students during your first invention build so they get comfortable with the process.

START TEACHING WITH YOUR CODE KITS!

Now you’re ready to begin coding and building with the Code Kit! Check out the CURRICULUM GUIDE for support in choosing your learning pathways, lessons, and support tools.

3