On Thursday afternoon, FETC® Expo Hall visitors got to be part of what teachers and students in Georgia, throughout the Southeast and across the nation are experiencing with the help of hands-on maker education tools that inspire students to create, make and innovate. KSU iTeach from Kennesaw State University ran the “Maker Education Sandbox,” which included activities for all and the KSU iTeach MakerBus. The bus visits schools for teacher professional development and student experiences.
ITeach also offers embedded instructional coaching through a team of 34 coaches, who work side by side with students, teachers and media specialists. New this month is the individual subscription option for iTeach OnDemand, previously available only by school or district purchase. For $100 to $200 per year (with 10-30 sessions) educators can access virtual instructional coaching and related resources. But FETC® attendees could try out a coaching session for free within a sandbox enclave.
The MakerBus offers “a safe space to mess some stuff up,” says iTeach Director Stephanee Stephens. It features a variety of creation-inspiring books and materials, including a MakerBot and Epilog Laser machine for engraving. The mobile bus offers students opportunities to build resilience, Stephens adds. Activities may involve building, sewing, coding, crafting, writing, hacking, tinkering and imagining.
For more information on iTeach services and resources, click here. The MakerBus’ whereabouts can be tracked via Twitter.
Melissa Ezarik is senior managing editor of DA.
For all FETC® coverage, click here.
