Last week Vita-Learn and the Vermont Agency of Education showcased some Vermont schools who were participating in Computer Science Week’s Hour of Code in conversations with the Vermont Code Community. During the next few week’s we’ll share some highlights from that week starting with our youngest learners from Tunbridge School.
On Wednesday, first and second graders from Ms. Hooks class shared how they develop their technology, coding, and engineering skills. They asked great questions from our Code Community mentors like Julie Lerman.
Coding Dash
Storytelling with Code
Students are learning to code by using Dash, Dot and the IOS app Scratch Jr. They are enjoying both a lot but Dash is the most exciting to them.
Ms Hook's 2nd grader learn to type using the program BBC typing. Later in the year, they will use story creator. Students love making stories with this and recording their voice. It is very similar to Scratch but you only make characters move by using the mouse and there isn't any code
Ms. Hook tells us “I am trying to add more technology into my teaching and will be looking into getting Bee Bots next year to amp up my different teaching units."
“I enrolled in this program because I think there is no doubt that technology is in our student's future and I think they need exposure to it in a teaching manner. I am slowly working on my masters by taking 4 credits a year.”
She has become a tech evangelist in her school. Earlier this month, her students hosted a Parent’s exploration night teaching their parents how to use the same technology they are learning to use at school.
Family Tech Event at Tunbridge School
Squishy Circuits
Chelsey is always learning and always shares ideas about how to use new technologies with other teachers in her school. "Students have loved using squishy circuits and are building with cardboard to make toys. I have also given the Kindergarten teacher the squishy circuits for her kids to try out. I think it is important that materials are shared within the school and more students are exposed"
Coding Workshop
"I just went to a workshop on coding where I was exposed to Bee Bots, Lego Wedo 2, a turtle coding game, and Bizbot."
In this online class, Chelsey has been busy creating and making to build her how understanding of integrating maker space tools in her classroom. She’s used new tools, has tried design thinking, and is building her confidence as a maker educator through her various creations.
Making with Cardboard
Chelsey's Automata Project
This helps her bring new ways to learn through technology, creating, and making to her classroom.
“My school is in a rural area is making steps to becoming more aware of makerspaces, technology and how it can impact our students. We care a lot about our kids and like other teachers, we want to give them the best tools that we can. That is why I am interested in learning new ways to teach.”
