Robotics and STEAM kits in Primary Education

Using robots and digital tools in learning and teaching is a growing trend. Research shows that technology-supported learning is more attractive to learners and facilitates the acquisition of knowledge in different fields.

It has also been scientifically proven that the use of technology in educational activities allows for better consideration of the abilities and needs of learners with different skill levels and special needs. This training helps the participant to acquire techniques and methods on how to effectively integrate robotics and STEAM kits into learning activities.

To whom?
The online training course is designed for teachers, teacher assistants, heads of educational institutions etc. who would like to benefit from university support for the use of training tools in teaching and educational activities.

Method
The Innovation Lab is a model of cooperation between university and educational institutions, where through the joint creation of teaching materials, testing in teaching activities and reflection of testing, colleagues move from getting to know and teaching an innovative teaching method to its sustainable use within one year. 

Programme description
The course consists of a 5-day (20 academic hours) virtual training + optional mini-seminars (2 academic hours) to share experiences over nine months. During the training, participants will carry out at least one learning activity aimed at applying what they have learned in the training, document it in writing and share their experience in a short seminar. Each day will be focused on a specific robot and will consist of the following sessions:
●    Introduction
●    Mini lecture to describe a certain aspect connected with digital competences
●    Introducing the robot of the day
●    Experimenting with the tool and generating ideas for learning activities
●    Co-creation of learning activities in groups
●    Feedback and reflection

Mini-seminars following the training will consist of a few bite-sized learning sessions, homework analysis, reflection in groups and feedback. 

Tools used during the training
Click on the images below to learn more about the robots:

The online training course will be conducted in our EduSpace research laboratory for technology supported learning and teaching. 

Assessment
At the beginning and end of the training week, as well as at the most recent short seminar, the participants of the innovation laboratory fill in a self-assessment questionnaire based on the teacher's digital competence model and reflect their learning on an ongoing basis. As the support of colleagues is very important in the introduction of new tools and teaching methods, multi-member teams are especially welcome.

After successfully completing the course, participants will receive a certificate.

Trainers
The trainers are recognized experts of Tallinn University: Janika Leoste, Tiiu Tammemäe, Õnne Uus, Maire Tuul, Kerstin Kööp, Elyna Heinmäe, Evelyn Neudorf and others. 

Price
The price of the training is 499 euros per participant for a minimum group of 20 participants (max 100 participants). The cost does not include robots that will be used during the training but all the necessary information on how to acquire the tools will be provided. 

Mini-seminars following the 5-day training will cost 99 euros per participant per one seminar. 

Languages
Training can be provided in English and Russian language including slides and subtitles for videos. Translation to your local language can be done for extra fee. 

Interested? Contact us via email hik@tlu.ee

For an even better overview, have a look at the following video aimed at introducing the training course: Robot-integrated STEAM training course