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In-Person vs. Virtual Competitions in the Sphero Global Challenge: Which is Right for Your Team?

The Sphero Global Challenge is a premier robotics competition designed to engage students in STEM, offering in-person and virtual formats to meet diverse needs. Whether competing in person or from the classroom, each format has its unique strengths.


The Sphero Global Challenge logo and season 5, Sphero Time Travelers, logo.


Benefits of Competing In-Person


1. Immersive Experience

In-person events provide teams with hands-on opportunities to interact with their robots and solve challenges in real time. This live, interactive setting fosters innovation and collaboration.


2. Exciting Atmosphere


The energy of a physical event—with peers, judges, and spectators—brings excitement and motivation. Students can observe other teams' projects, fueling their creativity.


3. On-the-Spot Learning


Students can apply their knowledge immediately during competitions, learning from both successes and failures. Teams also gain access to workshops and coaching, further enhancing their STEM skills.


Students watching their Sphero RVR+ complete a mission.
An RVR+ team competes at the 2023 Sphero Global Challenge state competition, hosted at the University of North Texas at Dallas.

Benefits of Competing Virtually


1. Global Participation

The virtual format allows teams from anywhere worldwide to join, making participation accessible to students regardless of location. This helps foster a global community of like-minded individuals passionate about robotics.


2. Flexible Scheduling

Virtual competitions enable teams to submit their projects on their timeline, without the pressure of attending a live event. This flexibility can accommodate busy schedules and make the process less stressful.


3. Cost-Effective

By eliminating travel and lodging expenses, virtual events are a more budget-friendly option, allowing more students to engage in STEM challenges without financial limitations.



How to Choose


When deciding between in-person and virtual formats, consider the following:


- Location & Accessibility: If your team is near the location of an in-person event and they are interested in a hands-on, immersive experience, in-person events may be the best fit. However, if you have budget or geographic constraints, virtual competitions offer a great alternative.


- Team Preferences: Some teams thrive on the energy of live competition, while others perform better with the flexibility and lower pressure of virtual participation. Consider what environment best supports your team’s strengths.


- Scheduling: Virtual competitions offer more flexibility, while in-person events provide a structured, fast-paced experience.


Both options are designed to provide enriching opportunities for students to engage in STEM and robotics. Whether your team chooses the excitement of an in-person event or the flexibility of virtual competition, the Sphero Global Challenge offers an inclusive and innovative platform for students to showcase their skills and creativity.


For more information, visit https://sphero.com/pages/global-challenge.

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