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REPORT
CARD |
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Overall Rating: |
5 Stars |
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Installation: |
A |
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Content/Features: |
A |
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Ease of Use: |
A |
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Product Support: |
A |
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Company:
Valiant USA, P.O. Box 639, Forest Park, IL 60130.
Phone: 888/366-6628; Fax: 708/366-8348;
E-mail: info@valiantusa.com.
Internet: http://www.valiant-technology.com/us/. |
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Price: $279.95—Roamer
unit; $69.95—Roamer software (PC only),
single copy.A wide variety
of accessories can be purchased, ranging in price
from $14.95 to $79.95. |
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| Audience:
K-8. |
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Description:
The Roamer is a battery-operated, disc-shaped
"robot" made of sturdy plastic
that can be programmed to move forward or backward,
turn, play music, and leave a trail. |
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| Reviewer Comments: |
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| Installation:
The unit requires two "lantern" batteries
or the Valiant Rechargeable Battery Pack. The
batteries are easy to install, using a coin to
open the cover. |
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| The company cautions that
the Valiant rechargeable batteries incorporate
features essential for the safety and protection
of the Roamer.The use of unapproved rechargeable
batteries may damage the device and will void
the warranty. Installation
Rating: A |
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| Features:
The Roamer moves on a set of wheels over a variety
of surfaces, including flooring or carpeting.
A keypad on the top controls movements. Users
operate the Roamer by pressing an operation/ function
key, followed by a number key (0-9). |
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| The device can be programmed
in two ways: in a short-term memory process (known
as the Go Program) or in a long-term memory storage
process (known as Procedures). |
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| The Go Program is made up
of a list of instructions that are carried out
when the user presses the Go key.When the unit
is operated for the first time, the Go Program
accesses a demonstration that shows the Roamer's
basic functions. |
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| A Clear Memory button clears
previous Go Program instructions and allows the
user to enter a new Go Program. |
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| The Procedures are made up
of lists of user-defined instructions, each identified
with a number. A selected procedure is carried
out when the appropriate number is selected. The
Roamer can remember up to 59 instructions and
can carry out hundreds of actions. |
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| The device moves forward and
backward in units equal to its body length and
turns in angular units of one degree.These units
of distance and turn can be redefined and saved
as needed. |
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| Roamer sounds can be played
at one of five tempos and one of three octaves. |
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| The Roamer Activity Book contains
a variety of tasks and games to be used with students.
An extensive list of additional activities and
lesson plans are available on the company's Web
site. |
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| The Activity Book and online
lesson plans offer a variety of tasks that complement
math, science, and language arts instruction in
the classroom. |
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| The additional accessories
available for purchase greatly extend the capabilities
of the Roamer. Many scientific investigations
can be undertaken using the optional sensor, light,
and motor packs. |
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| The extensive list of optional
accessories includes rechargeable batteries and
a battery charger, software and a PC interface,
a literacy pack, nursery rhyme activity pack,
control box, light pack, sensor pack, motor pack,
control pack, playing cards, jackets, floor mats,
posters, and platforms. |
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| Classroom Applications: I
sponsor a Lego Robotics Club that enjoyed the
challenge of programming the Roamer robot. Introducing
Roamer first to my club members greatly aided
their under?standing of the concepts necessary
to program our Lego robot for our county's FIRST
(First in Recognition of Science and Technology)
Competition. |
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| The Roamer's demonstration
program built my students' interest and excitement.
After the demonstration, the students were enchanted
by the Roamer and couldn't wait to learn the programming. |
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| The device is especially useful
when teaching measurement skills of area and perimeter.
We spent one class teaching the Roamer to make
various geometric shapes. |
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| The robot makes it easy to
present an introduction to angular units (including
cardinal directions, angles, and degrees) and
to linear units using the metric system. Children
can explore the ideas of perimeter and area through
programming by taking measurements and performing
calculations. |
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| My students enjoyed creating
original games and functions for the Roamer to
perform. One student created an original obstacle
course and invited his classmates to program the
Roamer to navigate it. |
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| We also included the Roamer
in our annual Family Robotics Night, to the delight
of all who attended. Features
Rating:A |
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| Ease of Use:
The simplicity of operation is definitely the
unit's most attractive feature.The user simply
turns it on, presses two keys, and the Roamer
moves. |
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| Without looking at the manual,
my students were executing complex movements in
a very short time. Once they were familiar with
the keys, I showed them more advanced techniques
and the students became quite adept at operating
the Roamer. |
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| The keypad is simple and easy
to use by students of all ages.The included User
Guide provides clear and concise instructions
that make operation easy and quick. Ease
of Use Rating:A |
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| Product Support: Product
support is provided through product manuals included
with the device and in curriculum ideas available
online. Basic instructions and a detailed user
guide are also available online. In addition,
e-mail support is available at info@valiantusa.com.
Product Support Rating: A |
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| Recommendation:
The Roamer promotes critical thinking skills as
students program the robot to do a variety of
tasks. Students learn to think sequentially. |
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| All children—including
second language learners, the gifted, and students
with special needs—can experience success
using the Roamer. |
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| Note that the Roamer uses
lantern batteries with spring terminals that can
be costly to replace.The optional battery charger
and rechargeable batteries would be a good investment
in the long run. |
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| If you're looking for an innovative
strategy to challenge your students, the Roamer
will provide hours of stimulating activities to
enhance your curriculum. In my classroom, the
unit has turned out to be a highly successful
motivational and educational tool. Highly
recommended. |
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| Reviewer: Sally Finley, Gifted/Technology,
Country Hills Elementary School, 10550 Westview
Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33076; 754/322-5950;
sallyfinley1@yahoo.com. |
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