Category: Professional Learning

Edutech Masterclass STEM & Coding

Today was a day filled with #STEM and #coding at #EdutechAU Masterclass.

Participants explored how STEM can engage and challenge students while implementing the Australian Curriculum (Science, Mathematics and Technologies).

The days was a ‘hands on’ approach with participants applying a design thinking approach to robotics, programming and STEM, examining related concepts to adapt and implement in their context.

See some below some of the resources and sharing from the day.

Design Challenge with @Sphero @julia_boulton

#EduTechAU #masterclass pic.twitter.com/2928JTmGgw

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THINGLINK

//cdn.thinglink.me/jse/embed.js

PADLET

https://padlet.com/embed/i8x91jtxj7cm

DESIGN THINKING AND CHALLENGES
https://embed-ssl.ted.com/talks/tom_wujec_build_a_tower.html

PROGRAMMING RESOURCES

https://edshelf.com/widgets/shelf/?id=37487&height=550&format=grid&type=shelf

Maker Spaces, Design Thinking & STE(A)M

Ideas in the making…. Just some thoughts

Creating a Maker Space is just one way that we can connect what happens in the library to the real world.
There are many versions of Maker Spaces. In reality it depends on many variables such as money, space and time.
The Horizon Report 2014 (preview)  has identified  some topics that are clearly relevant and met by the use of Maker Spaces, Design Thinking and STE(A)M approaches to Innovative Teaching and Learning.
  • Significant Challenges Impeding K-12 Ed Tech Adoption 
  • Difficult Challenges: Those that we understand but for which solutions are elusive
  • Complex Thinking and Communication 
  • Integrating Personalized Learning 
  • Solvable Challenges: Those that we understand and know how to solve
  • Creating Authentic Learning Opportunities 
See the MAKER SPACE@THE LIBRARY PINTEREST for some curated resources on this topic.
Makerspace@TheLibrary
DIIGO LINKS – MAKERSPACES
Like most things, being creative and open minded can allow you achieve success and value add for our students.
I am looking at ways we might do this as SALC. The Australian Curriculum – Technologies allows us to do this authentically and to fulfill the requirements of the curriculum (win win!).
In the past students have participated in exploratory sessions with programming, designing apps, game making and digital story telling. I would like to further scaffold this with a design thinking approach, where the students design their own inquiry, rather than it being a structured teacher led experience.
Some ideas:

MINI DESIGNERS

KIDSTHINKDESIGN

CODE.ORG

K-8 CS course

GET UNBORED

PS: This week I visited PIMPAMA STATE SECONDARY COLLEGE and saw their design thinking in action. Looking forward to seeing the next stage of their journey.

Design Minds EXPLAIN from State Library of Queensland on Vimeo.