DevTech offers diverse opportunities for professional development: on-site workshops and virtual opportunities, both synchronous and asynchronous. Check out our on-site offerings below. Pricing for 2025/2026 will be updated soon. If you are looking for a special offering tailored to your own needs, please contact Prof. Marina Bers.
| On-Site Workshop | Description |
|---|---|
| Coding Playgrounds Intro (2 hours) | – Overview of playful coding with ScratchJr and KIBO robotics, designed for early childhood educators. – Introduction to “Coding as a Playground”, highlighting core principles and classroom applications. – Hands-on demonstrations with quick, practical examples of integrating technology across the curriculum. – Resources and next steps for educators interested in expanding their knowledge through additional professional learning. |
| Coding Playgrounds (3 days) | – In-depth training on integrating computer science, ScratchJr, KIBO robotics, Maker Literacies, and DevTech prototypes into preK-2 classrooms. – Hands-on experience with the “Coding as a Playground” approach, linking programming with literacy, arts, and movement. – Practical strategies for fostering collaboration, problem-solving, and socio-emotional skills through playful learning. – Access to resources including curricula, assessment tools, and techniques for documenting learning and building school-home connections. |
| ScratchJr Skills Intro (3 hours) | – Learn and practice core skills in the ScratchJr programming language and app. – Explore the “Coding as a Playground” pedagogical approach to support playful, developmentally appropriate coding. – Gain practical strategies for integrating ScratchJr across subject areas in early childhood settings. |
| ScratchJr – Coding as Another Language (2 days) | – Get hands-on with ScratchJr, programming your own creative projects while exploring activity stations and creative projects. – Learn key pedagogical approaches, including Positive Technological Development, Computational Thinking, and the Engineering Design Process. – Explore classroom applications, with an overview of DevTech curriculum resources and examples of cross-curricular integration. – Participate in collaborative activities, including storytelling and project creation with KIBO, plus time for reflection and sharing. |
| Beyond Coding: Palette of Virtues (2 days) | – Explore the Coding as a Palette of Virtues framework to reflect on the human values you want to nurture in your classroom. – Learn practical ways to connect coding with character-building discussions and activities. – Engage in hands-on ScratchJr practice alongside group reflection on classroom values. – Discover strategies for helping students actively practice and express meaningful virtues through creative coding projects. |
| KIBO Skills Intro (3 hours) | – Learn and practice core skills with the KIBO Robot. – Explore the “Coding as a Playground” pedagogical approach to support playful, developmentally appropriate coding. – Gain practical strategies for integrating KIBO into the classroom. |
| KIBO – Coding as Another Language (2 days) | – Get hands-on with KIBO, building and programming your own robot while exploring activity stations and creative projects. – Learn key pedagogical approaches, including Positive Technological Development, Computational Thinking, and the Engineering Design Process. – Explore classroom applications, with an overview of DevTech curriculum resources and examples of cross-curricular integration. – Participate in collaborative activities, including storytelling and project creation with KIBO, plus time for reflection and sharing. |
| Maker Literacies (2 days) | – In Development |
