Picture a world where every student, regardless of their future aspirations, is not just familiar with the basics of computer science and robotics, but possesses a deep understanding of these crucial fields when they complete high school. A world where these disciplines are intricately woven into the fabric of daily learning across all content areas is what’s key for this goal to become a reality. From the intricacies of English literature to the wonders of scientific exploration, from unraveling historical narratives to deciphering foreign languages, each domain harmoniously blends elements of robotics and computer science as students are asked to develop applications related to understanding great works of literature to sending a message with a drone. This is the goal we aim to create with our upcoming book, Amplify Learning: A Global Collaborative - Amplifying Student Inquiry in Robotics, Computer Science, and STEAM - a world that prepares students to not merely interact with, but to innovate and shape a future increasingly powered by artificial intelligence and robotics.
Our goal is to amplify curiosity among teachers and students, encouraging them to infuse computer science and robotics into their daily instruction. But it's more than just adding another layer to the curriculum. It's about fostering innovative thinkers who can partner with artificial intelligence and robots to address society's most pressing issues. We want to move beyond creating consumers of technology and nurture a new generation of creators, innovators, and problem solvers to tackle major societal problems such as climate change, food shortages, ethics surround artificial intelligence, and creating an equitable civil society for all.
Our book is a practical guide filled with strategies and real-world examples of how to seamlessly integrate computer science, robotics, and STEAM into the everyday learning environment. It includes insights from educators around the globe, who share their best practices for teaching these subjects in a way that is both engaging and rigorous. Whether you are a teacher, school leaders, or district leader looking to add new content to your curriculum - or a parent who wants to help your child learn more about these topics, our book has something for you.
Here are some of the strategies and real-world examples that are included in the book:
How to build an integrated curriculum as well as teacher content knowledge and skills in computer science and robotics to our students.
How to create a classroom environment that supports asking questions.
How to use technology to support our students navigate a world increasingly full of robotics and artificial intelligence.
Strategies and EdTech integrations from teachers around the world in a wide variety of educational contexts demonstrating how this is done with real-classroom examples.
Ultimately, in a world where interactions with artificial intelligence and robots are set to become as commonplace as using a smartphone is today, we must equip our students with the foundational knowledge and skills they'll need to thrive. Amplify Learning: A Global Collaborative - Amplifying Student Inquiry in Robotics, Computer Science, and STEAM is more than just a book; it's a call to action for all educators, coaches, and school leaders to prepare our students for an AI-driven future where all of our students must have a generalized skill set in computer science, robotics, engineering, mathematics, and arts and design. Join our global collaborative of educators from around the world and empower your students to be the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
About the Authors and Editors of Amplify Learning: A Global Collaborative - Amplifying Instructional Design
Matt Rhoads, Ed.D
Matthew Rhoads, Ed.D. is a practicing EdTech Integrationist and Coach, University Lecturer and Teacher Candidate Supervisor, Podcaster, Author, and Consultant from San Diego, CA. He is an innovator who has expertise in integrating research-based instructional strategies with EdTech tools to amplify student learning. Additionally, he has expertise in data literacy, Special Education, and navigating classrooms without boundaries For more information on Dr. Rhoads, check out his website at www.matthewrhoads.com.
Twitter: @mattrhoads1990
Becky Lim, M.Ed
Becky Lim, M.Ed. is a Digital Learning Coach, Author, Blogger, and Podcaster from Chicago, Illinois. She is an innovator and expert at integrating EdTech with instructional strategies to amplify student learning through coaching teachers on how to use these integrations within their classrooms. She is also a member and leader of Global Google for Education, where she makes connections with educators across the globe with the goal to build capacity as a global community to improve student learning. For more information on Mrs. Lim, check out her website at www.techwithbecky.com.
Twitter: @techwithbecky