EV3 vs Vex IQ For Middle School

[FTC5110]

Originally Posted by Billfred

I haven't set foot in a VIQC event, so I can't judge how they stack up against FLL. But if I was starting a camp or program to teach a lot of kids, and starting from an empty equipment room? VEX IQ, no question. The price is very strong for what you get, and the ability to run teleoperated out of the box makes a world of difference. (Programming is an important part of the experience, but if there's not enough time to teach it or not enough time to implement it well? That joystick can take a frustrated kid and give him or her a whole different outcome.)

It's an interesting conundrum. Although I totally agree giving kids a joystick gets them hooked pretty quick I'm biased towards initially removing all remote control options and make them learn something about programming! Helps to get rid of that video game mentality. The joystick is what keeps me away from VEX IQ.