2018 News
Training session aims to equip more K-12 educators to teach robotics in schools
More than 40 educators from across the U.S. are participating in a week-long training to learn how they can implement robotics curriculum in their schools.
TAMPA, Fla. (July 23, 2018) – To help grow the number of robotics programs offered in K-12 education, the University
of South Florida’s (USF) College of Education is hosting a free-of-charge training
session to provide teachers with the tools they need to implement robotics curriculum
in their schools.
More than 40 educators from across the U.S. are participating in the week-long training
from July 23-26 at the USF Tampa campus. The training is hosted by the USF College
of Education and the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching.
Training sessions are focused on giving teachers science, technology, engineering
and mathematics (STEM) oriented training in robotics that they can integrate into
their classrooms. Hands-on activities such as robotics can inspire students to develop
an interest in careers in STEM and build skills in coding, programming, problem-solving,
teamwork and communication.
At the end of the camp, participants will be eligible for REC Foundation industry certifications in the subjects of pre-engineering or robotics.
“The integration of robotics and other STEM instructional strategies is a great way
to train teachers in how to implement rigor in their classrooms,” said Robert C. Knoeppel,
PhD, Dean of the College of Education. “By making STEM available to all students,
we can increase opportunity and outcomes for all children. By hosting this workshop,
we fulfill our mission to serve public schools, and we are thrilled to welcome these
educators to campus.”
Teachers participating in the training will gain hands-on experience with robotics
equipment provided through a $50,000 gift by VEX robotics, a provider of educational
and competitive robotics products to schools, universities and robotics teams around
the world.
For more information about the training session, please contact Elizabeth Engasser
at (813) 974-8723 or by email at eengasser@usf.edu.
About the USF College of Education:
Home to more than 2,200 students and 130 faculty members, the University of South
Florida College of Education values high-quality education and excellence in research,
teaching and learning. Through innovative research opportunities, hands-on field experiences
and community partnerships, the College of Education provides the resources students
need to become world-class educators, researchers and leaders. The USF College of
Education is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
and is fully approved by the Florida Department of Education.