Integrate SEL and Human Values with Coding and Robotics in PreK-3 Classrooms

Presented by Dr. Marina Umaschi Bers, Professor, DevTech Research Group, Tufts University; and Jason Innes, Director of Curriculum, Training, and Product Management, KinderLab Robotics

Sponsored by KinderLab Robotics

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In this edWebinar, Dr. Marina Umaschi Bers discusses how teaching coding, computational thinking and robotics develops socio-emotional learning, cultivates character, and fosters a moral compass along with crucial technical knowledge and STEM skills.

Dr. Bers, a leading researcher on early childhood computer science, describes how coding should be taught as a new literacy—a way for children to express themselves and engage with the world and others. She shares examples of children and educators engaged in creative coding activities using ScratchJr and KIBO robots, as well as:

• Research on using ScratchJr and KIBO coding programs incorporating SEL
• The use of storytelling to explore how computer science integrates the exploration of identity and human values
• The development of logical and computational thinking to solve technical and ethical problems
• The Palette of Virtues and its use when teaching coding and robotics

Through the language of programming, Dr. Bers shows how it is possible for diverse groups of young learners to find points of connection, put assumptions and stereotypes behind them, and work together toward a common goal.

This recorded edWebinar is of interest to PreK-3 teachers, librarians, school and district leaders, and education technology leaders.

About the Presenters

Dr. Marina Umaschi Bers is a professor at the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development at Tufts University, with a secondary appointment in the Computer Science Department. She heads the interdisciplinary DevTech research group. Her research involves the design and study of innovative learning technologies to promote young children’s positive development. She is a pioneer in the field of early childhood technology with projects of national and international visibility.

Dr. Bers is the co-creator of the free ScratchJr programming language, used by over 30 million children all over the world, and the creator of the KIBO robotic kit, which helps children learn how to code in a playful way without screens or keyboards, using wooden blocks. She is the author of five books on the topic of education, new technologies and children. Her newest book, Beyond Coding: How Children Learn Human Values Through Programming, is to be published in spring 2022 by The MIT Press.

Jason Innes is the director of curriculum, training, and product management for KinderLab Robotics. Jason leads professional development workshops for teachers learning to integrate KIBO into their curricula, as well as the development of the standards-aligned curriculum. In addition, he drives product development, based on research and customer feedback. He has presented on robotics, early coding, and KIBO integration at numerous conferences and workshops.

Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.

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KinderLab Robotics is the creator of KIBO, a screen-free robot kit based on 20 years of child development research, where 4-7-year-olds build, code, decorate, and run their own robot. KIBO has proven efficacy in helping kids learn STEAM—and getting them excited about it! Build. Art. Code. Play.