Using Zoombinis in Informal Learning Spaces to practice Computational Thinking
Join Andrea Calvin (Vice President, FableVision Learning), Elizabeth Rowe (Senior Researcher, TERC), and David Smith (Instructional Technology Specialist, Orange County Library System) at the Future of Education Technology Conference in Orlando, Florida on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM EST.
The future workforce needs computational thinkers. The best computational thinking learning experiences help participants learn and practice these strategies while building creative skills like persistence, embracing ambiguity, and curiosity. Piloted in informal learning spaces across Massachusetts, Zoombinis Club uses offline, collaborative activities to introduce computational thinking skills and gameplay before participants hop online to play the award-winning and research-based Zoombinis game. Workshop participants will actively engage in two Zoombinis Club activities–Make Your Own Zoombini and Acting out Allergic Cliffs–as well as play the online game . Presenters will share ideas and resources for implementing Zoombinis Club in libraries and other informal programs. One presenter, an instructional technology specialist for Florida’s Orange County Library System, will share his and his staff’s experiences implementing these Zoombinis activities in his library system. During this hands-on workshop, participants will engage in Zoombinis Club activities as they discover how Computational Thinking can, and should be, fun and engaging. We can’t guarantee you won’t get stuck on the path to a solution- but we can promise you will have fun!
Date: Tuesday, January 23
Time: 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM EST
Room: S320BC