We're excited to share our latest Eduporium Featured Educator interview with our community! This month, we hear from Michelle Robinson, who's a library media specialist at the Tackan Elementary School in Nesconset, NY. Michelle is an educator who's used a bunch of different types of STEM tools with elementary students in the library. Whether it's tangible STEM tools, including robotics for kids, or digital creation platforms to empower students to create their own projects, Michelle has done a lot to provide students with real-world learning opportunities. As they get older, they'll no doubt have these early experiences to draw on as they continue to try innovative approaches to 21st century skill development.
Michelle Robinson
Library Media Specialist, Tackan Elementary School, Nesconset, NY
Q&A:
Please share any innovative project(s) you've completed with your students or plan to complete soon.
I love to integrate technology into read-alouds and classroom curriculum and it is such a great experience for our students! Our fourth graders have created monsters using Buncee after reading the story 'She Made a Monster' by Lynn Fulton. We do coding in kindergarten using the Code-A-Pillar, COJI, and Code-And Go Mouse robots. And currently, after having read 'Dasher' by Matt Tavaras, my fourth graders are creating paper cup "reindeer." They're programming them to move with our Sphero BOLT robots in a project we're calling 'Reindeer Games.'
Our fifth graders have learned how to use TinkerCAD to create designs that connect with our social studies curriculum and print them using our 3D printer. This is one of our favorite examples of creating cross-curricular connections through STEM and great for any educator looking to do the same. They've also used Animoto to create book trailers (like movie trailers but with books). Plus, we've also used our Ozobots to help trace the path of European explorers. Using technology in our library certainly helps to enhance our read-alouds, teach 21st century skills, and allows students to problem solve and work as a team.
What is a challenge you faced or are facing with your EdTech use?
What resources have you used in your instruction or are in need of?
Due to COVID-19 regulations, I am unable to do a lot of the STEM activities I normally do. I simply do not have enough robots or materials for each individual student. They obviously cannot share these materials like they used to because we must adhere to safety guidelines. I have certainly had to get creative this year in order to continue to create wonderful lessons for our students.
What are some of the real-world skills you've seen your students develop through regular EdTech use specifically?
How can students apply them in the future?
It seems cliché to look at it this way, but I've seen instances of so many real-world skills being shown by our students. These include (and are probably not limited to) self-efficacy skills, problem solving, teamwork, stamina, and perseverance. As an educator, I believe I have seen students shine most in STEM when they're using engaging technologies. It truly is an area of strength for them.
What interests you most about Eduporium?
I have ordered robotics tools several times from Eduporium. Each time, I have been thrilled with our purchases. I've also seen how the Eduporium team supports teachers with grants and showcasing the creative work they do with students. It's great that their team is aware of all the hard work today's teachers are putting. To have a platform specifically for highlighting those efforts is great to see as well.
We thank Michelle for sharing her thoughts and experiences in addition to helping inspire other educators with similar goals. We hope these monthly features continue to inspire educators to try some new things as well! Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more updates on all of the great things educators are doing with technology. Also, if you’d like 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! Whether they're a STEM educator or not, we'd also encourage you to share the application with other teachers in your networks.