Remote Maker Programming

Type: Active
Age: Middle school
Optimal size: 6-10
Estimated cost: $100+
Planning time: 5+ hours
Frequency: Weekly

Learning outcomes

● Demonstrate technology use that is safe, ethical and responsible

● Leverage digital tools to broaden their perspective

● Display an ability to communicate with others

● Connect and collaborate with others 

● Think flexibly

● Innovate

● Demonstrate an openness to risk-taking

● Experiment, prototype and test ideas

● Create original work or responsibly remix existing content to make something new

● Engage in personal expression 

● Express themselves on a variety of platforms

● Create content to demonstrate meaning

● Select platforms and tools for communication

● Articulate their learning to peers and adults

Instructions

I have used all of the following sites in my makerspace/STEAM programming and if you haven't, I recommend you take a week or so to familiarize yourself with the site/program you use. You might find that it will be too challenging or not challenging enough for your teens. 

Bloxels-Game Design

• Bloxels uses colored blocks to design and code a Super Mario type game. 
• If you are buying Bloxels for the first time or already own game boards, you now have to purchase the EDU software for $125 for one year. You get 25 student accounts which allow you to create lessons and view progress. 
• Teens can simply download the app, connect to the account you created, and create and play on their phones so so they don't need to download software of a computer. 
• You don't need game boards for every teen; they can code in the app with out it.

Tinkercad-3D Printing and Laser Cutting

• If you have a 3D printer or a laser cutter and you would still like to offer instructional or design classes, you can do that remotely with Tinkercad. Create a teacher account, and add teens' names. You can then see what they are designing and you can print from the site.
• You cannot assign lessons through Tinkercad. When teens register, you'll have to provide a sheet with lessons and deadlines and send it through email. 
• Tinkercad provides lessons on how to use the software which is helpful because if you've never used Tinkercad, it can be a bit intimidating.

CoSpaces-Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

• CoSpaces has a free and paid option but you can do lots of things with the free option. They provide a free-trial for the paid option to see if it fits your needs.
• Teens can create their own virtual reality world. You can provide teens with cardboard VR goggles so that they can see their world in 3D.
• You can provide teens with Merge Cubes so that they can see their world in Augmented Reality.
• It takes a long time to create a VR world so make sure your lesson contains plenty of weeks.
• CoSpaces can be used on a website or through an app.

Code.org-Coding

• It's Free!
• The lessons progress in difficulty.
• The lessons are based on pop culture like Minecraft.
• You can only assign projects; you can't engage. This means, you'll need to meet on Zoom or some other video chat to give it that in-library connection.

Look at What You Already Have

If you have multiple Ozobots, Spheros, Makey Makey, Little Bits, etc, consider creating home STEAM kits.  Create challenges on paper and put it in each kit. Teens can take home a robot/adruino that's in your STEAM kit and complete weekly challenges. Meet on Zoom once a week where they can showcase their project.

Many robots have websites that have lesson plans already made for you. Ozobot uses Ozoblockly, a free coding website. They offer a classroom option like the sites listed above. The only caveat is that Ozoblocly requires a compatible device such as an iPad generation 3 or higher or a computer. If your community doesn't have a lot of access to technology, this option might be limiting. Ozobot does work with markers so it has a low tech option.

Robots like Sphero however, require wifi and once again this could limit access. Just something to keep in mind as you are looking over your inventory.   

Sewing. If you have a Cricut, you can access pre designed projects and all you do is cut them out. You can make a kit with several projects complete with thread and needles for them to handsew. 

Just because we can't meet in person doesn't mean we can't continue to offer free fun and educational programs.

Evaluation

I have never done remote STEAM so I can't provide any evaluation. 

Remember, remote programming are new to most of us and it's a learning experience. If and when something doesn't go correctly, don't give up; change something and try again.  Reach out to colleagues on social media such as Facebook. There are several FB groups where you can ask questions and get ideas-Programming Librarian Interest Group; Makerspaces and the Participatory Library Group; Teen Librarians Group.