The Classroom Bots program is a STEM program that introduced students to coding in an engaging students centered learning environment. Through the Education Foundation grant students were introduced to the power of coding. They became programmers as they wrote they commanded their robots to succeed in various tasks. Working in groups wrote line code to program Ozobots, making them jump, dance, zigzag, change speeds and change color.
The program achieved two main goals. First being that it introduced students to coding. Additionally, it introduced teachers to coding in order increase their comfort integrating this kind of technology into their classrooms. As a result of the model/co-teaching practices, teachers have been given the tools to integrate 21st century skills into their lessons. For example, the day after our lesson, one teacher integrated the Ozobots into a math multiplication lesson.
The program achieved two main goals. First being that it introduced students to coding. Additionally, it introduced teachers to coding in order increase their comfort integrating this kind of technology into their classrooms. As a result of the model/co-teaching practices, teachers have been given the tools to integrate 21st century skills into their lessons. For example, the day after our lesson, one teacher integrated the Ozobots into a math multiplication lesson.
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This project aligned with key actions from the BCPS Blueprint 2.0: Our Way Forward plan by immersing students in a blended learning environment. Teachers used Classflow to help deliver instruction and resources to the students for them to reference as they worked through the lesson. One of the key actions in the Blueprint 2.0 is “Identify and embed in curriculum and staff development the characteristics of high-quality teaching and learning including 21st century learning skills and innovative technologies.” Teachers in grades 1 through 5 had the opportunity to either co-teach or observe model teaching of coding using Ozobots.
The program also addressed the Church Lane Elementary School 2017-2018 school progress plan. Key action 1 is to “implement strategies to teach the importance and acceptance of interpersonal boundaries and respect”. With twelve robots, students had to complete their coding challenges in groups of two or three. They had to share materials, space and ideas. Using this kind of technology increased student engagement and was highly motivating. Students had to listen to their peers and resolve conflict positively in order to complete their work. Through their evaluations, students indicated positive interactions with their classmates.
The program also addressed the Church Lane Elementary School 2017-2018 school progress plan. Key action 1 is to “implement strategies to teach the importance and acceptance of interpersonal boundaries and respect”. With twelve robots, students had to complete their coding challenges in groups of two or three. They had to share materials, space and ideas. Using this kind of technology increased student engagement and was highly motivating. Students had to listen to their peers and resolve conflict positively in order to complete their work. Through their evaluations, students indicated positive interactions with their classmates.
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