6 strategies for better K-12 cybersecurity

By Renee Tarun

Photo by Dan Nelson on Unsplash

As COVID made remote and hybrid learning an everyday reality, it also exposed network vulnerabilities, making cybersecurity awareness more essential than ever

Will Online STEM Classes Continue in the Future

By Luke Smith 

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom from Pexels

In-person science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) classes have been the standard approach for decades. It’s easy to understand why this is the case, as these subjects aren't just about the theoretical aspects. There are also practical elements that help to provide a rich and effective technical education. As well as reinforcing theory, these practical elements often boost students’ enthusiasm for the fields.  

However, as with so many other aspects of our lives, the COVID-19 pandemic served to force schools to make changes. To maintain safe distances, educators, students, and parents have had to adapt to a new manner of learning. This found educators adopting online tools in ways they hadn’t previously considered. As a result, educators proved that STEM education can be effective to some extent in remote circumstances.

A new normal is on the horizon and remote or hybrid teaching may be features of the educational landscape for the foreseeable future. As such, it’s worth examining whether online STEM classes can be more than just an emergency measure, and be adopted as a permanent measure. How can this be made practical, what can students and teachers gain from it, and what are the challenges?

The Many Benefits of STEM Education

If you’re concerned that STEM is taking up too much classroom time, consider this: STEM permeates the curriculum in ways subjects taught in isolation can’t. STEM also teaches the skills students need for success beyond their formal education.

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Teachers know that they have to take advantage of every minute of instructional time they can get with students. STEM programs, with their integrated lessons, seem to usurp a considerable amount of instructional time. That can lead to arguments about pulling kids away from traditional subjects like science and math.

However, STEM offers students experiences they can’t get in traditional classrooms. STEM integrates learning through interdisciplinary studies. It affords the application of 21^st-century learning skills. And finally, STEM teaches resilience.

Robots May Help Kids with Special Needs

The numbers for autism are staggering:

• 1.8 million cases of autism in the U.S.

• 1 case diagnosed every 20 minutes

• 24,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. every year.

• Lifetime care for an autistic person: $3.2 million.

• Autism care costs annually in U.S.: $35 billion.

Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash

Bonnie Gamane speaks wistfully as she recalls the day last year when a robot named Millennia visited the school she administers. What she saw were children with autism interacting with the robot in a way they never had before interacted with humans.

Keeping Kids Excited About STEM While Teaching Remotely

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So much of our everyday lives and routine has been turned upside down thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, as parents and kids alike have found themselves on a remote learning adventure with nationwide school closures. While the move to eLearning has made our children and others safer from the virus, it has also resulted in plenty of frustration and possibly even left your kids feeling discouraged about learning.

Considering how quickly teachers and schools had to move their lessons to an online format, it’s understandable that things are running a little differently, and not without its hiccups. STEM subjects can be particularly tricky as most parents don’t have the kind of materials, knowledge, and tools necessary to make it as exciting as the teacher could. Kids are also having to learn very quickly how to work successfully as a remote student.

With all of that in mind, keeping our kids excited about learning while at home will take some extra, but simple tips and tricks.

How Early Should Kids Begin STEM Education?

Current research results are in favor of early childhood experiences for students, especially those who are disadvantaged. This education is a great equalizer because it provides a rich, common foundation for children who may have diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Photo by Arif Riyanto on Unsplash

Can Robotics Teach Problem Solving to Students?

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential to success at university and in later life. However, the traditional classroom model has done a poor job of imparting these skills to students. The way children have learned in the classroom for generations has focused on lectures and worksheets. Past generations would depend on group sports, clubs and teenage jobs to impart these vital skills onto students.

However, new ideas suggest that robotics may hold the key to teaching problem-solving skills to students. Using robots to teach real-world skills may be a strange concept, but is it worth exploring? We think so and here’s why.

Photo by Andy Kelly on Unsplash

VR Opens Doors to Virtual Classrooms for Students During COVID-19

Imagine if your school-age child had the opportunity to build a robot, dissect an animal in a virtual science lab, and bend the laws of physics without leaving home. Virtual reality (VR) continues to open up a world of opportunities for several industries including manufacturing, healthcare, construction, military training, and, of course, gaming.

Photo by stem.T4L on Unsplash

STEM Activities to Inspire Fun and Creativity During the Summer

Manufacturing Stories highlighted a list of fun ideas to keep kids learning through the summer, focusing on STEM and integrating curiosity, critical thinking, and fun. Check out these activities and more.

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STEM, Coding, and Robotics summer ideas!

As calendar days tick by, summer are right around the corner. And with more sunshine and better conditions in sight, that means outdoor activities and camps are on the horizon.