This week, as part of our Eduporium Featured Educator series, we spoke with Albert Lewis! Albert works with students in the 4-H Youth Development Program within the University of Maryland Extension in Baltimore City. He loves using STEM to connect with the students he works with and, even in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, he’s helping them find creative ways of using technology in their learning.
Albert Lewis
4-H Youth Development Educator, University of Maryland Extension, Baltimore City, MD
Q&A:
Please share any innovative EdTech project(s) you've completed with your students or plan to complete.
I've created a robot dance video challenge for students, as a result of learning shifts due to the pandemic. The robot dance video features the Dash Robot with inspiration from Be More Open Media’s video and music in the "Put Your Mask On" Baltimore Club Mix. The video helped us continue engaging with the youth involved in our Baltimore City 4-H afterschool STEAM program during the coronavirus situation. So, we presented it to them as a dance challenge activity in which they had to program a Dash Robot to create a 1-minute dance video of their own. Students are currently in the process of creating their dance videos. Some of them have even created "story boards" to outline the ideas behind their videos.
What is a challenge you face or are facing with your EdTech use? What resources did you use or are in need of?
One of the current challenges is getting the technology to the students with the current coronavirus situation and school closures. The resources I used are the Wonder Workshop Dash Robot and apps, iPad, video cameras, and computers with movie software. It was tough to make sure students had access, but, ultimately, we found a way to continue moving forward.
What are some of the real-world skills you've seen your students develop through regular EdTech use?
By taking part in some of the projects we’ve done, I’ve seen a lot of development unfold before my eyes. The students I work with are always improving some of the most important skills they could possess, like teamwork, collaboration, problem solving, creative thinking, literacy skills, and communication skills.
What interests you or your students most about Eduporium?
I love the variety of STEAM items that are on the Eduporium store and the features on their blog. Also, they really have a lot of useful resources for educators no matter what subject(s) or grade level(s) they teach.
We certainly appreciate Albert taking the time to speak with us and for sharing the amazing videos he’s helped create! Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more updates on the great things educators are doing. Also, if you want to apply to be highlighted on our blog and social media channels as an Eduporium Featured Educator, we’d love to have you fill out the application.
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