Andy Larmand

The all-new Sphero indi robot is nearing the end of its pre-order period! Shipping real soon, this entry-level robotics tool is the first of its kind from Sphero. With the indi, students can truly engage in open-ended, play-based STEAM learning and problem solving in the early grades as they explore computational thinking through play-based exploration!

For students who learn differently, specifically in special education populations and Autistic students, the NAO can help provide a calming effect and help them feel more comfortable around this kind of technology. These two eBooks can help educators maximize teaching with the NAO V6 and we’re breaking down what’s found in each.

Trying to look on the bright side, we’ve joined the optimistic crowd in questioning whether this unprecedented period provided educators, administrators, and learning designers with lessons on educational trends and regularities. To us, the yearlong experience of teaching through a pandemic validates the value of MakerEd and EdTech tools.

Sometimes, makers just need to take things up another level. Typically, 3D design and creation are fun and fruitful experiences for students of all ages, but those who’ve mastered some of the basics tend to crave a new challenge. And, that’s perfectly fine since, as we’ll learn, the 3Doodler PRO+ 3D printing pen provides that extra power.

Whether new to robotics or simply eyeing a new challenge, Marty can be used in all types of STEAM lessons, including both individually and collaboratively. With the Marty, students can learn all sorts of STEAM concepts, like electronics, mechanical engineering, and even some of the more advanced coding languages!

Using this tiny tool, students can start to learn all about computer science concepts and even drive the robot using their facial expressions. It’s a great option for getting started with robotics in the classroom and offers a smooth initial experience for coding during the school day or in an afterschool robotics club. Keep reading to learn more about it!

Eduporium, a STEM education reseller and start-up in Newton, MA, has received capital from The Boston Foundation. Since applying for the funding about 18 months ago, the final pieces have been put in place to provide the company with additional capital after working with two advisers for a year-long period as part of the Business Equity Initiative.

The hands-on, physical skills students build through experiences are commonly referred to as hard skills and they’re certainly valuable to their futures. What about soft skills, though? What are they, why are they so widely talked about, and what can K-12 teachers do to help make sure their students develop these beneficial skills, too?

According to the broad acceptance of how learning loss is defined, a large percentage of students will be affected. In order to begin truly addressing this gap, however, teachers might be better off starting with SEL to allow students the chance to adjust and process emotions. From there, they can get in better position to address academics.

Amanda and Cathy each work at the E.T. Booth Middle School in the Cherokee County School District (GA). They work together in a number of creative ways to help empower students to create technology projects, specifically with podcasting. Despite facing some challenges, this pair of educators has found some inspiring ways of using EdTech tools!