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In this episode, I am so excited to share this conversation with Laura Miller who is an AI Ethicist. An innovative and logical-minded AI and Ethics Specialist with an extensive background in creating ethical AI policies, developing strategies and processes to overcome challenges, and providing practical guidance in fast-paced, high-growth companies from start-ups to Fortune 500. Strategic leader…

In this episode of the podcast, I speak with Gary Stager. And this was a long time dream come true! Gary Stager is a recognized pioneer in 1:1 computing, online learning, and computer science for all students. He has taught learners from preschool through the doctoral level and spent 38 years helping teachers around the world embrace technology as way of amplifying the potential of each…

Another idea I recently experimented with involved the idea of creating a Circle of Trust for one of our meetings. We have been working hard as a team to find ways to reignite the human element to our work. It is very important that we take time to step back from all the professional layers of education to remind ourselves that we are all people with our situations, problems, families, and events…

LEGO May 2020 Quarantine Build Challenge Announcement

A new challenge begins May 4th!

We had an incredible run with the 100 LEGO Element Quarantine Challenge.

Many of you asked for more so here you go! I have been designing this new challenge based on your feedback.

Head here to the new challenge page and get ready! I can’t wait.

https://sites.google.com/view/lq100/may-2020-brick-builder-challenge

https://sites.google.com/view/pbl-launch/home

**Note – I am taking classes to earn my computer science endorsement. This was a discussion topic and I thought it would be worth sharing here on the blog.

Upon reading about the active learning model of creating lessons that get the students involved I the learning process, it seems like a logical and commonsense approach to teaching. Any educator that understands how to connect learning to…

In this episode I speak with Liam Nilsen. Liam is a Learning Experience Designer at The LEGO Foundation

  Direct Link: https://coffeechug.simplecast.com/episodes/103

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Topics We Explore

Who is Liam?

The focus and mission of LEGO and…

This episode is all about practical clean up tips for your makerspace and/or learning space. We all deal with messes whether it is a mess we made or our students. Over time, we have all become experts in reducing the time for cleanup so this is our chance to share our genius by learning new ideas that could help us in our own space.

This only works if you share! Be brave enough to realize that…

Four years ago I created a video on project based learning to showcase to the school board at the district I used to work for showcasing the power of project based learning as an instructional framework. I titled it “Project Based Learning: It’s More Than Projects!” and you can watch it below(be prepared for all star cameos)

This…

In this episode I speak with Torrey Proctor. He has been the TK-5th Grade STEM instructor in Spencer, IA for the last five years. He is a Certified MakerBot (3D Printers) Operator & Curriculum Creator. Experienced Instructor with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Skilled in 3D Printing, Grade School STEM Instruction, Code, Robotics, Digital Sculpting, and…

LEGO Microbuild Challenge September 8-14

Weekly LEGO Building Challenge

Do you need something hands on for students as a brain break, makerspace activity, or connecting to some bigger issues in the world this week?

I put together a little LEGO Micro-build Challenge this week based on some holiday events taking place during the week.

September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day

September 11 – National Make Your Bed Day

September 12 –…

I am taking courses to earn my computer science endorsement and one of our current discussion topics challenged us to think about how we educate students on the problem-solving process. It has really given me time to think about how I teach problem solving. This got me thinking about my own practices and am curious about how other educators engage in this work with students. Below is a modified…

In this episode I speak with Michelle Zimmerman.

Michelle Zimmerman, PhD, author of Teaching AI: Exploring New Frontiers for Learning. is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, and four time Microsoft MVP for global impact, and in leadership of Microsoft’s first K-12 school in the US to be selected for the Flagship Schools program. She briefed Satya Nadella and his executive team on research in…

Mosaic Masterpiece Challenge

With school back in session it is time to bring back some fun build challenges for you to use with your students, your own children, after school programs, and anyone else who loves LEGO.

The challenge for the month of September is Mosaic Masterpiece.

This idea originated from the fact that I bought…

Making Connections with Hummingbird Bit Robotics

I have been working hard the last month or so developing a new project for educators. I understand how hard it can be to create a global project while trying to establish your classroom routines, teach students, meet their individual needs, plan for your 159 meetings each week, answer email, attend PD, and more.

Sometimes we need the project to fall in our laps so we can do what we do best –…

Don’t Quit

We are heading into new arenas of enhancing our makerspace. We are reaching the point where it can be challenging. This is the point where most people fade off into the sunset. This is true for any habit changing platform.

But not this time!

I am reading the book, Essentialism, by Greg McKeownfor probably the 5th or 6th time. I am writing new notes, jotting down new ideas, and…