Ins-PI-red Learning in Langley

We recently heard about a very neat project led by Ann Pimentel, Resource and LA Teacher with the Langley School District.  Ann has been leading the ins-PI-re Project in the district, an inclusive curriculum where elementary students learn about computer programming through a 'credit-card-sized-single-circuit-computer' called a Raspberry Pi. This is really innovative work, which Ann blogs about here. Ann also provides professional development workshops for educators and others in the community.

Earlier this month, as part of their NOII/AESN inquiry, Ann coordinated an ins-PI-er workshop at James Kennedy Elementary, in collaboration with their Aboriginal program. Students learned about coding in Python and coding the Fibonnaci sequence throughout the day. It seemed like a wonderful day of learning and sharing with coding experts and community members. But don't take my word for it -- check out this amazing trailer of the day to see more!

Network Learning Through Coursera

Have you experimented with Coursera yet?  Did you know that the Network is involved?

Judy and Linda, through the Commonwealth Education Trust, have designed a 7 week Coursera course called “Planning for Teaching and Learning.”  This course is the 5^th component of an 8 part series of courses that make up the Foundations of Teaching for Learning Specialization. The Foundations of Teaching for Learning program is a specialization primarily for people who are currently teaching, but have had little or no formal teacher education. It is an introductory program that considers the three domains of being a teacher: Professional Knowledge and Understanding; Professional Practice; and Professional Values, Relationships and Engagement.  

Coursera offers individuals the opportunity to take courses through their online education platform for free.  Sometimes a small fee (optional) is charged in order to be granted a verified or specialized certificate.  Learners from all over the world can participate, working at their own schedules, and interacting through online forums.  Check out the video where Linda and Judy describe the course in more detail.