As schools gear up for the 2023-24 school year, educators are on the lookout for the best tools and solutions to enhance teaching and learning in various environments. Tech & Learning's Awards of Excellence Best Tools for Back to School has emerged as a valuable guide to help educators discover products that support their work. This awards program encompasses a wide range of eligible products, including hardware, software, curriculum materials, and more, all conveniently categorized by grade levels to facilitate the search for suitable solutions. 

September 13th is Programmers Day which celebrates the diverse contributions of programmers across fields like technology, science, and entertainment, employing languages like Python and Java. In today's tech-centric world, early coding instruction from K-5 has gained prominence because knowledge and skills go beyond the classroom and help shape future STEM success.  

Coding cultivates vital skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and computational thinking, applicable throughout the curriculum. It fortifies math proficiency, enriches scientific comprehension, and instills engineering mindsets. It also acquaints students with technology and digital literacy. This foundation equips them for future STEM pursuits, making education a launching pad for promising futures. Let’s explore the importance of early coding, its connection with robotics, and its incorporation into various subjects. 

  
Building the Foundations of Learning 


Fostering Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills 
Coding is not just about learning a programming language - it's about nurturing essential skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. When students engage in coding activities, they are presented with real-world challenges that require logical reasoning and creativity to solve. These skills serve as a solid foundation for future academic and professional endeavors. 

  

Developing Computational Thinking 
Computational thinking, a key element of coding, encourages students to break complex problems down into smaller, manageable parts. This analytical approach not only helps in coding but also in other subjects like math and science. Computational thinking helps students approach problems systematically, improving their ability to tackle challenging tasks across the curriculum. 

  

Preparing for STEM Success 


Strengthening Math Skills 
Coding often involves mathematical concepts like sequencing, patterns, and algorithms. When students apply coding principles, they reinforce math skills naturally. This early exposure supports increased confidence and proficiency in math, which is critical for advanced STEM studies. 

As educators strive to offer students a comprehensive learning experience, combining diverse subjects is a compelling choice such as integrating literacy and engineering. This dynamic integration fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among others. Let's explore some benefits and examples of combining literacy and engineering, offering educators and students opportunities to venture into these domains. 

  

Where Literacy and Engineering Meet 

While literacy and engineering might seem unrelated, they actually complement each other. Both involve problem-solving, creativity, and effective communication. Literacy helps students express their thoughts, while engineering sparks innovation and hands-on learning. Combining these strengths creates a powerful educational mix that readies students for a rapidly changing world. 



The Benefits of Blending Literacy and Engineering 

Sharper Critical Thinking 

When you bring together literacy and engineering, students get better at solving problems in different ways. For instance, think about making a simple machine like a lever. By reading about how levers work and then actually making one, students learn how to think creatively and solve challenges from different angles. 

We are excited about our forthcoming STEM education events in our ongoing commitment to elevating STEM learning opportunities. Our commitment to delivering enriched learning experiences for teachers and students remains steadfast, with a special focus on the dynamic realm of STEM education.  

As a woman in the world of Graphic Design, UI/UX, Web Design, and STEAM, I want to share my story and inspire other girls and young women to pursue their passions fearlessly. In this competitive field, it's vital to break through the barriers and show that girls can excel in STEM careers. 

Why is STEM education important in today's rapidly changing world, and how does it benefit students in their future endeavors and overall learning experience? 

Integrating robotics into education has opened up new opportunities for both educators and students, offering a wide range of benefits and possibilities. Let's explore seven key advantages of using robotics in the classroom: 

On this International Day of Women in Engineering, let's honor the achievements and contributions of women in the field of engineering. Let’s use this day to inspire and empower the next generation of female engineers. We can cultivate interest and curiosity in our students through interactive learning activities that incorporate technology and the engineering design process. 

Introducing robotics and programming to K-8 students helps them develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skillswhile making learning hands-on and fun. Robotics education also encourages students to actively engage with their learning. Mimioby Boxlight has long been a proponent of preparing students for a future of diverse opportunities and experiences through their educational technology solutions, including STEM focused products. Today MimioSTEM is introducing the next generation of its popular and award-winning MyBot with the MimioMyBot Recruit.