Using Robotics and STEAM-tools in Primary Education. Innovation Lab 2021

Non-Degree / Dates: 19-23 July 2021

Using robots and digital tools in learning and teaching is a growing trend. Research shows that technology-supported learning is more attractive to learners and facilitates the acquisition of knowledge in different fields.

It has also been scientifically proven that the use of technology in educational activities allows for better consideration of the abilities and needs of learners with different skill levels and special needs. This training helps the participant to acquire techniques and methods on how to effectively integrate robotics and STEAM tools into learning activities.

No previous knowledge of robotics nor programming is needed to take part in the course. The crash course for programming the robots is included in the introductory part. Take a look at the trailer: https://youtu.be/yuipBBSamzo

Take a look at example robotics worksheets:
LEGO WeDo 2.0 https://ggbm.at/te3xMzdk
Edison V2.0 https://ggbm.at/VysRxn2u

Robomath and the aim of implementing STEM and STEAM innovations and skills into classrooms is one of the focus areas of our brand new EDULAB, which aims to co-create educational innovations with Estonian schools. Read about what goes on in EDULAB here: https://edulabs.ee/english/

Why this course?

Get to know the latest pedagogical trends that make use of technology enhanced learning.
Get hands-on experience on how to support computational thinking by using educational robots.
The Innovation Lab is a model of cooperation between university and an educational institution, where through the joint creation of teaching materials, testing in teaching activities and reflection of testing, colleagues move from getting to know and teaching an innovative teaching method to its sustainable use within one year.

Teacher(s)

Janika Leoste is an analyst in the Center of Excellence in Educational Innovation and a PhD student. As a robotics teacher-trainer for the last four years, Janika has been educating thousands of teachers about more than ten educational robotics platforms. In a experimental study lasting one school-year with more than 2000 students, she investigates, how educational robotics can be implemented in math lessons, and what are the teachers’ and students’ attitudes towards educational robotics as a learning tool.

Maire Tuul is a lecturer of Mathematics and Didactics of Mathematics in Tallinn University. Her main fields of research are renewed learning environment and application of curriculum in pre-school child care institutions. For Maire it is important that future teachers would recognize the potential of robotics for bringing diversity to the learning process and that they could expediently use modern technical means. She received her PhD in Educational Sciences from Tallinn University.

Tiiu Tammemäe, Õnne Uus, Elyna Nevski, Kerstin Kööp, Evelyn Neudorf and others.

Timetable

10:00-11:30 Study activities
11:30-11:45 Break
11:45-13:15 Study activities

NB! The Innovation Lab consists of a one week of training in July 2021 and 2-hour mini-seminars to share experiences over nine months.

More detailed programme will be published asap.

Participants

The aim of the Innovation Lab “Robotics and STEAM tools in Primary Education” is to provide participants (teachers, teacher assistants, heads of educational institutions, etc.) with university support for the use of training tools in teaching and educational activities during 2021/2022.

Credit points

Students who are present the whole course period and successfully complete their assignments to the leading lecturer by the date to be determine will be granted 2 ECTS. More information about the assignments will be finalized before the course starts.