Relevant Robotics: Integrating Creative Coding and Robots in Your Classroom

Presented by Carrie Willis, Technology Director, Valley Preparatory School, CA, and Strategic Outreach Manager, Wonder Workshop; and Caitlin Arakawa, Kindergarten Teacher, Valley Preparatory School, CA
Sponsored by Wonder Workshop

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Coding. Robotics. Computational Thinking. How might we meaningfully introduce these 21st century subjects into traditional classroom settings? From ELA and mathematics to science and social studies, educators can creatively integrate technology-based problem solving with established academic areas.

In this edWebinar, through personal stories and illustrative examples shared by the presenters—a technology director and kindergarten teacher using coding and robotics in their classrooms today—you’ll see how teaching-ready tools (including free apps, and low-tech/no-tech materials) with specially designed activities and lessons can help engage students and inspire cross-curricular learning. You will find out how educators from around the country are finding ways to add relevance to coding and robotics.

This recorded presentation will be of interest to preK-8 teachers, librarians, school and district leaders, and technology specialists and integrationists.

About the Presenters

Carrie Willis is the technology director and STEAM coordinator at Valley Preparatory School, a private school in Redlands, CA, educating students in grades preschool through eight. She was responsible for the design and implementation of her school’s recent STEAM lab addition, which was established in 2016. During her 17-year teaching career, she has developed a love for educational technology and project-based learning. Carrie helps to inspire educators not just on her own campus, but around the world, by sharing her love for coding, robotics, movie production, engineering and design, and all things STEAM and edtech, through social media and presentations at local and national conferences. Carrie is also a strategic outreach manager at Wonder Workshop.

Caitlin Arakawa is a kindergarten teacher at Valley Preparatory School in Redlands, CA, and a lover of all things technology. She takes every opportunity possible to infuse technology into her daily lessons. She is an enthusiastic and relatable educator who likes to learn, share and connect with her fellow colleagues. Caitlin is an Apple Teacher, as well as a teacher ambassador for educational platforms such as Nearpod, ClassDojo and Discovery Education.

Join the Coding & Robotics K-8 community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.

Wonder Workshop creates engaging, hands-on learning tools, programming languages, and curriculum that bring STEM and coding to life for grades K-8. Robotics fosters critical thinking skills at an early age, encourages creativity, and turns students into makers rather than consumers. Wonder Workshop is the creator of the Dash and Dot robots. Let’s inspire students to be future leaders in technology. Find out more at makewonder.com