Pre-event Workshops

23 August 2023
9am – 4pm
Limited spots available

EduTECH's pre-event Workshops will be a full day hands on class with qualified trainers that will provide participants with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the collaborative exploration of innovative ideas, emerging practices and transformative approaches to learning, teaching and leading.

Dr Gary Stager, Founder, Constructing Modern Knowledge

WORKSHOP 1: Computational learning adventures - craft, coding, and creativity
Gary Stager, Founder & CEO, Constructing Modern Knowledge

This hands-on workshop helps educators respond to the growing calls to teach computing and computer science for all children at a time where there is literal clarity on what that means, but there are already millions of BBC micro:bits in schools. Never before has so much power been accessible to children at such a low price. Participants will gain experience programming the micro:bit and model strategies for teaching physical computing. We will also explore and use a variety of programming environments, similar boards, and extensions. A small mountain of materials will be available for use. This workshop is hands-on and welcomes all experience levels. Projects from the new "Invent To Learn Guide to the micro:bit" will be shared in addition to discussions of how the micro:bit may be used to most effectively teach powerful computational ideas from math, science, physical computing, and computer science. This approach animates project-based learning, democratizes experience, and appeals to a diverse population of students than when we reduce robotics to competitive combat.

In addition to physical computing adventures with the micro:bit, participants in this workshop will be introduced to MakeCode arcade, allowing for the creation of video games to carry in your pocket; laser cutting 18-month olds; programming geometric embroidery; the frontiers of mathematics with Wolfram Language; plus exciting programming languages for learning including MicroBlocks, Turtle Art, Lynx, and Snap!

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WORKSHOP 2: Building esports into the curriculum
MJ Raatz, Head of Department – Digital Technologies and Business, Forest Lake State High School

In this workshop you will take a look at Esports as a curriculum. Look how to include Esports across the curriculum in genuine activities that adds fun and excitement to your standard curriculum content. We will look at how to use both online and offline gaming systems within your classroom. During the workshop we will look at Australian Curriculum version 9, and how to embed these achievement standards into your planning and how to write you own elaborations through a three step planning process. You will have an opportunity to invest some time in some challenging situations, and learn some basic coaching principles. Best of all, you’ll receive a bunch of learning resources and planning documents to help kick start your journey into this awesome curriculum area of esports.

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WORKSHOP 3: How to create VR learning experiences to improve engagement and learning in K-12 classrooms
Gina L. Solano, Assistant Professor of Ed Tech, State University of New York, Oneonta

Virtual escape rooms are an engaging and powerful activity that promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration by challenging students to discover content, answer questions, and even solve puzzles that open digital locks. One technology tool that can be used to create VR learning experiences is ThingLink. It is an amazing tool that you can use to easily create a virtual reality learning experience, simulation, or escape room. By using free or low-cost tools, such as ThingLink, you have the advantage of integrating graphics, media, 360° images, 3D models, polls, and questioning tools that fully engage and immerse students into a dynamic. Come to learn how to design an immersive learning experience that reinforces learning, provides choices, and engages students with interactive content. If you are already a fan of VR, Breakout EDU escape rooms, and multimedia, then you definitely need to discover how to design your own amazing learning experiences!

Outcomes:

Discover a great low-cost tech tool that supports virtual learning.
Explore and learn about ThingLink.
Experience a variety of ThingLink activities.
Experiment by learning how to use the tools to create a ThingLink experience.
Familiarize yourself with free multimedia resources to use in a VR experience
Work independently or with a partner to create a VR experience.
Practice utilizing the polling and questioning tools to embed critical thinking activities.
Identify strategies for how to use VR experiences in a variety of ways.
Identify similar products to ThingLink that will allow you to create VR learning experiences.
Participate in a VR escape room activity.