Self Contained Kits to Start From

Why would you want to build and use a self contained kit?
The kits are easy to start from. By assembling kits you can learn alot about wiring, mechanical, and gears. Each kit has unique things about them. From using round top nuts to slide on floors to using screws as part of a circuit. Following the instructions is similar to the way the computer follows the code given to it. So some concepts of programming can be understood because you follow the directions of the kit.

But the kit only does what it is designed for?
Well, yes and no. The kit was designed for it's purpose. It's up to you to decide what to do next. Stuffing it on a shelf is of no value. Consider modifying it to work in a competition. Add computer controlls, sensors, and modifications to achieve another or more advanced goal. Go the next step, it's not in that manual.

So use kits to learn and build off of. Reading and playing on the computer can only get you so far, the experience of hands on and working with the robot will be of far more value to you, both experience and excersize. Hey, kits are cheap and do more than any 2 dimensional screen.