Part 1: Monday 23rd September 2024 (full day PL @ SSERC)

Part 2: Thursday 6th February 2025 (online twilight session 3.30-5.00pm)

The following professional learning opportunity from SSERC includes the loan of an entire class kit of VEX GO, starting from the face to face day at SSERC and lasting around 16 school weeks. This will allow delegates to instantly apply their learning in their setting, focussing on small groups, class or whole school implementation, as well as sharing with staff in their school.

VEX Go is an amazing product from VEX Robotics that helps us introduce the world of STEM, robotics and coding to our pupils. With the improved storage system, coloured parts for easy identification, fantastic ‘how to’ guides and a range of free activities for teachers to access, VEX have created a product that covers a vast amount of STEM outcomes for all your learners.

Through the face to face session at SSERC, we will provide an overview of all the VEX Go kit, how to use the different components, prepare your kit for use and introduce starter builds such as ‘Code Base’ and ‘Super Car’ to show what the kit can do.

We will then look at coding using the VEX Code Go app, before considering how to use the STEM labs and other online Vex Go resources to improve STEM and Computing Science outcomes within your setting.

If you are looking to enhance your STEM focus in your school, get staff engaged with STEM or Computing Science, have STEM/Technologies on your School Improvement Plan or are working towards your Digital Schools Award Scotland, then this course will provide the learning and the resources to make a huge impact.

Spaces are limited due to the amount of resources we provide to schools, so apply below now to ensure you can take advantage of this opportunity.

*While VEX GO can be used as a tool to develop Science, Engineering and Maths skills without the use of any other devices, learners will require access to the VEXcode GO platform to use the kits for the coding elements. The app can be downloaded onto iPads, or can be used via the browser on Chromebooks, Windows laptops etc. which have a Bluetooth connection.

Closing Date: 4th September 2024

Booking for this course is no longer possible as the closing date has passed.

Audience

For Educators working in and around First and Second level CfE.

Rationale

This exciting professional learning practical course provides the opportunity for you to try out engaging STEM activities, inclusive of Computing Science elements, and to consider how they can be transferred to your own setting.

Course Leader

Kevin Reid Kevin.Reid@sserc.scot

COST

Course cost: £60

The course fees include the PL, ongoing access to all of the PPT and VEX resources used during the PL, the lunch provided on the day, and also helps to cover some of the cost of the loan kit returns via Fed Ex.

Approximate Fed Ex pick up date: Wednesday 5th February 2025

*Loan kits will be collected via Fed Ex on a predetermined date as above, or if you are local to SSERC these can be handed in as agreed in advance.

*Any successful applicant gaining a place on this course must complete the Loan agreement process which will be sent out once your place has been accepted.

OUTCOMES/GTCS

Core outcomes covered:

Organiser – Designing, building and testing computing solutions

I can demonstrate a range of basic problem solving skills by building simple programs to carry out a given task, using an appropriate language. TCH 1-15a

I can create, develop and evaluate computing solutions in response to a design challenge. TCH 2-15a

Organiser – Designing and constructing models/product

I can design and construct models and explain my solutions. TCH 1-09a

I can extend and enhance my design skills to solve problems and can construct models. TCH 2-09a

Other Experiences and Outcomes will be covered through the course and these will be referenced when appropriate.

Aim and objectives

On completion of this training, you should be able to:

· Demonstrate a working knowledge of the VEX Go kit and how to build, power and code using this resource

· Use the VexCode Go platform to code your creations, and the Vex Class app to manage the digital components of the kit

· Embed the use of the Vex Go resources online, such as the STEM Labs and activities, to support and enhance learner outcomes

Face to face full day session at SSERC – Monday 23rd September 2024

Live remote session on MS Teams – 3.30pm – 5pm on Thursday 6th February 2025

There will also be a short Gap Task to complete via MS Teams.

Each successful applicant will receive an invite to a SSERC Ltd guest teams account.