VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

Education Committee

Integrating Computer Science with Literacy: An Adventure Like No Other

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Written by Cara Hynden (chynden@ycsd.york.va.us, @cehynden82)

Throughout my 19-year teaching career, I have held various roles such as classroom teacher, ESL specialist, and ITRT. All of my experience has been in the elementary setting. In my recent transition to the role of Instructional Innovation Coach in York County School Division, not only did I move to the middle school setting, I recognized the need to expand my knowledge in computer science and robotics, an endeavor that has become a central focus.

Students coding a robot with Chromebooks.As the first formal observation of the year approached, I decided to tackle this challenge head on by collaborating with our school librarian to co-teach a lesson for an 8th-grade Advanced English class. We both needed to have an observation completed by our principal, who graciously allowed us to be observed together for the same lesson. After a long discussion, we decided to do a lesson that incorporated robotics and writing.

Yes, you read it correctly—robotics and writing.

What initially seemed like a somewhat crazy idea gradually transformed into a lesson plan that integrated literacy skills with coding in a way that was engaging and effective in allowing students to showcase their literacy knowledge through the coding of a sphere-shaped robot. Following numerous meetings, drafts, revisions, and moments of doubt, we successfully created a computer science and literacy lesson that combined Sphero Bolts with winter-themed creative writing. Sphero Bolts were introduced to 8th-grade students with prior experience in Scratch programming. The lesson successfully merged coding skills with winter-themed short stories, resulting in an engaging and creative learning experience.

Despite initial anxieties, the lesson exceeded expectations. Students enthusiastically wrote winter-themed short stories, collaborated with partners to code their Sphero Bolts, and showcased their creations at the conclusion of their collaborative work time. The library echoed with laughter and expressions of excitement as Spheros brought the stories to life. Their creativity and willingness to make mistakes and adjust was impressive. Laughter and shouts of “You know what we should do??” rang out through the library as students furiously programmed their Sphero Bolts to become the main characters of stories that included snowmen, Santa, reindeer, and Buddy the Elf.

Students coding a robot with Chromebooks.

The true highlight was coming back together so the students could demonstrate not only their programs, but also the collaboration and variety of literacy skills to include story elements, adjectives and winter vocabulary. One student would narrate the story while the other ran the program. More laughter and a chorus of “That’s so bussin’!!” sounded as Spheros zipped, spun, played music, and lit up. Students of varying ability levels were so engaged and excited that we had several students pass by the library, stick their heads in and ask when they might be able to work with the Sphero Bolts.

This tale carries a dual lesson: firstly, that robotics and computer science can integrate into any curriculum, inspiring engagement and creative thinking. Secondly, embracing challenges creates discomfort. And discomfort encourages us to grow. I encourage you to step into the unknown; you may discover not only your ability, but your students’ ability, to rise to the challenge.

⬇️ Video of the Adventure in Action ⬇️

January’s Accessibility Demo Slam was a Knockout

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Written by VSTE Board Chairperson, Emily Heller (@emilyhellertech)

VSTE Demo Slam on Accessibility header image

VSTE kicked off 2024 strong with its first monthly #VSTEinAction Demo Slam webinars on January 3rd.  This fast-paced and action-packed virtual slam session was focused around the theme of Accessibility, and featured an impressive lineup of presenters who competed for the prize of the best two minute EdTech presentation.  Presenters shared an exciting array of accessibility tools and tips including Orbitnote, Mote, Zipcaptions, Immersive Reader, Diffit and more.  Attendees left energized with lots of ideas to take back into their schools and classrooms to make learning more accessible for all students.  If you missed it, the full recording can be found on GoOPENVA site along with a link to all resources shared at bit.ly/VSTESLAM01.

The #VSTEinAction Demo Slam webinar series is presented by VSTE’s Education Committee,  co-chaired by Tina Coffey and Heather Askea, and will focus on a different educational technology topic each month.  Interested teachers, leaders, and coaches are invited to join the line up to present and slam for a prize.  These fun-filled and idea-packed sessions are designed with teachers in mind, so join the next slam to learn more great educational technology strategies!

Up next in February is the Digital Learning Demo Slam!

ActiVAtED Learning Podcast is LIVE!

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The VSTE Education Committee is excited to share the new ActiVAtED Learning, a new Podcast produced by Blue Ridge PBS in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education and in collaboration with the Virginia Society for Technology in Education. In each episode, host Tom Landon, Director of Educational Innovation for Blue Ridge PBS, talks to leading educators about what gets them energized and excited as we tell stories of using technology to inspire student engagement.

The inaugural season will feature conversations with national leaders in blended learning, award winning teachers, librarians, and guests from the Virginia Department of Education and VSTE. Recorded on location around the Commonwealth and in the Blue Ridge PBS podcast studio, the season kicks off with a conversation recorded live at the 2023 VSTE Conference with Dr. Catlin Tucker, noted educator, author, and nationally recognized expert on blended learning and proponent of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in the classroom.

The 12-episode season launched January 17 with new episodes adding every two weeks.   To learn more about the podcast, click here. You can subscribe to the podcast here or on ECHO.

Access Granted: Accessibility for All Students

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The Issue

One of the rising needs in school communities is student accessibility. To be clear, this is not something that is new, Accessibility has always been a law, a need, and a necessity within an educational environment. However, within the last few years, the needs in many districts throughout the commonwealth have grown and the struggles of teacher shortages, lack of proper staff training and onboarding, and even chronic absenteeism, have all taken the focus off what is most important in the educational system, the student.

What to do/Who can help?

When we look at combating these issues, there is no simple solution, but there are ways to help with student success. By looking at ways to improve student motivation, educators need to ensure that the students have everything they need first and only then, can they start to look to set up exciting, engaging, and  innovative lessons. There are so many great lessons out there, and so many ideas for modifying the lessons that will help support all learners, but the biggest issue that many educators battle with is that stubborn beast that just can't help but get in the way, Time. Having time to create the scaffolds and modifying the lessons to ensure appropriate strategies does not have to be a burden. Look to your support team for help. It doesn't have to be a lone battle of you vs time. Use your team of fellow teachers, coaches, and even administrators who can help support student success.

Where to start:

Look to start simple, targeted, and clear. Use the ADA website for guidance found here.

Images: Add images to your presentations. Using tech tools like Canva and Adobe Express will allow you to create accessible lessons that can both educate and engage.

Fonts and Colors: Choose fonts that are ADA approved and colors that do not cause eye strain.

Extensions, Add-ons, and more: Check with your tech coaches to see what accessible extensions are available in your district for students to use when they need them. Some examples would be, Microsoft Immersive Reader, Snap-n-Read, Mote, Audacity, other Video Recording software, Nearpod, Discovery Education, etc...

Look to see what works best for your students and ask yourself these 3 questions before you implement your lesson or idea:

  1. Is it accessible to all my students?
  2. Is there any technology that needs to be used and is it available and cleared by my district?
  3. Who can I go to for help if I need it?

Wrapping It Up:

Asking questions and learning how to make lessons accessible only enhances your learning as an educator. It starts with a simple thought: Do I know my students and do I know what they need? If you take into account, from the very beginning of who your students are and how you know they can succeed, you open up the door to access their true potential.

Ryan Champney

Instructional Technology

Spotsylvania County Public Schools

rchampney@spotsylvania.k12.va.us | @champtech17

New EdTech Reels Episode – Classroomscreen!

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Check out the New #VSTEEdTechReel episode on Using @ClassroomScreen to Promote Engagement and Focus created by @cehynden82!

Using Classroom Screen to Promote Engagement and Focus

From the Classroomscreen website:

With Classroomscreen you've got all the classroom tools at your fingertips. Whether you need a timer or would like to show your instructions, Classroomscreen has a variety of features that support your class activities, stimulate engagement, and help your students get to work. Widgets include text, timer, poll, group maker, sounds level, and more!