Webinar – Teaching Computational Thinking and Coding to Young Children – Playful Learning and Expression for PreK-2nd Grade

Join this webinar with Dr. Marina Bers and her team of researchers from Tufts University’s DevTech Research Group where they explore how computational thinking supports PreK-2 learners’ playful learning and expression with developmentally-appropriate technology – KIBO and ScratchJr.

Learn about their cutting-edge research (from Teaching Computational Thinking and Coding to Young Children, released in 2021) demonstrating how children’s’ creative STEAM and coding experiences can support the development of “powerful ideas” or core components of computational thinking skills.

The team of panelists will share:
– Examples from research of ways children engage in robotic and coding activities, incorporating music, dance, and performing and visual arts.
– Developmentally appropriate robotics and coding platforms for PreK-2nd graders and their educators
– How robotics and coding activities are proven to support students’ learning and play with computational thinking concepts
– The benefits of incorporating STEAM and robotics across multiple subjects as an effective way to support diverse student self-expression and communication
– Evidence-based recommendations and resources to guide decisions about coding tools and activities for PreK-2 learning settings
– How to create artistic and expressive STEAM activities and incorporate them into curriculum

Giveaway
A webinar attendee will win a copy of the new book, Teaching Computational Thinking and Coding to Young Children, that is explored throughout the session, including chapters on other ways to incorporate computational thinking in early childhood settings.

Register Today!

Panelists from Tuft’s University DevTech Research Group:
– Marina Bers, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist of KinderLab Robotics, Professor at the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development and the Computer Science Department at Tufts University. She also heads the interdisciplinary DevTech Research Group
– Madhu Govind – Ph.D. Student and Researcher
– Libby Hunt – Masters Student and Researcher
– Emily Relkin – Child Study and Human Development Master’s Student
– Amanda Strawhacker – Associate Director, Early Childhood Technology Certificate Program, Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development

Moderator
– Jason Innes – Director of Curriculum and Professional Development, KinderLab Robotics