Virtual Professional Development: Intro to the Finch Robot

Virtual Professional Development: Intro to the Finch Robot

Highlights:

This introductory workshop is designed for groups of up to 25 educators interested in learning how to integrate the Finch Robot and computer science into an educational setting. Educators will learn to use, program, and teach with the Finch Robot 2.0. A variety of different activities will be covered with a special focus on easy-to-implement classroom projects. Instruction will follow and expand on many free resources available through BirdBrain Technologies.

3 Hour Live Virtual Learning

BirdBrain Technologies offers 3 hours of interactive instruction for up to 25 participants via Zoom. This 3-hour PD can be purchased multiple times for additional hours. The total hours can be split into multiple sessions that best fit your team's schedules and learning goals. Educators can join from one or various locations, and this is a hands-on experience! Participants will have continuous opportunities to code and participate in activities with the Finch Robot (recommendation is 1 robot : 2 educators)

The typical training agenda is as follows:

Asynchronous Learning:

Educators will leave the training with a HyperDoc of links to easy-to-use, always available resources and materials including:

• Self-paced, asynchronous PD courses for educators
• 20+ Student video tutorials for programming support
• Printable learning materials

Student Session with CodeJoy: 

Every training package includes 1 free CodeJoy Students session, serving up to 400 students at once! In 30-45 minutes students learn to code and watch as their code controls real robots in the CodeJoy studio, live! This is an incredibly flexible and unique in-school field trip experience. Learn more and see available session themes, from Robot DJ to Robot Mini Golf, at www.CodeJoy.org.

FAQs:

What is the Finch Robot?

The Finch Robot is a classroom-ready, self-contained robot ideal for K-12th grade classrooms. It has motors, LEDs, and sensors built-in already, so it's made to take out of the box and start using right away.

Is this training good for beginners?

Yes! No robotics, coding, or computer science experience is required. The training is designed to serve teachers who are either A) new to coding and robotics education themselves, with little to no experience in teaching CS; or B) planning to work with students who are new to coding and robotics education.

I already work with other robotics tools. Will this workshop be boring?

It's easy to get started with the Finch Robot, but challenging to master, so our workshops are engaging for all levels. Even if you’re comfortable with learning new technology, your students may not be. This training offers specific guidance on how to introduce robotics and teach programming to students who are new to CS.

What do participants need?

All participants will need a computer, Chromebook, tablet, iPad, or smartphone. We ask that groups choose between either using solely mobile devices (tablet, iPad, smartphone) or solely computers (Mac, Windows, Chromebook). Participants should also have access to a Finch Robot so that they can actively participate in coding and activities (1:1 or 1:2 robot to educators)

Can participants be in various locations?

Yes! Due to the flexible nature of online teaching, we are able to support up to 25 participants from various locations.

What programming (coding) language will we work with?

The following languages are available: Snap! (computers, Chromebooks), BirdBlox (iPads, tablets), Finchblox (any device), or Makecode (Chromebooks, computers). Our team is happy to recommend one for you in the coordination process.