From February 9-12, 2019, Amsterdam will host one of the most exciting events focused on new approaches to learning and education.
Hosted by the Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam (the Amsterdam Public Library) in partnership with the eLearning Industry Group (ELIG), the ‘Brave New Learning’ conference will bring together experts from around the world to tackle four main themes: 21st century skills, learning by making, learning communities and augmented learning.
NewTechKids Workshop: ‘How to Raise a Tech Innovator’ Workshop
Tuesday, February 12 from 11:30 – 13:00
Prinsenzaal, Room 6.6, 6th floor
Technological innovation is constant and rapid in today’s world. Every domain, industry and field is being transformed by technology.
Sadly, the education system and schools are struggling to keep up. Many schools aren’t offering adequate technology education which prepares students for digital citizenship or technology-related study and work opportunities.
NewTechKids invites parents and teachers of children ages four to 12 to register for this workshop focused on the practical steps that they can take to ensure that children understand technology (how it works, why it works and how to think to create technology solutions) and shift children from only being technology users to becoming technology creators, producers and makers and thinking critically about the implications of technology.
During this 1.5 hour workshop, NewTechKids will share the teaching approach it has used successfully for more than four years to teach primary school-aged children concepts related to technology design, computer science and programming as well as important 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and collaboration and communication.
The workshop will be taught by Deborah Carter, NewTechKids’ Founder, and Bram Stamkot, NewTechKids’ Head teacher.
Participants will come away from the workshop with the following:
- strategies for introducing technology education activities to children who haven’t previously been exposed to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) or who lack knowledge, skills and confidence in these areas;
- strategies for overcoming gender bias in terms of acceptable play routines and after-school activities for girls;
- recommendations for activities that parents can do with their children at home, according to different age ranges; and
- a list of organizations in Amsterdam and the Netherlands which provide after-school activities (computer science, coding, maker education, STEM).
The workshop will also include a short demo of LEGO Mindstorms, one of NewTechKids’ preferred teaching tools suitable for kids ages seven to 12 which combines planning, designing, building and programming in one integrated creation process.
Register here for the Brave New Learning conference.