There are Teacher Professional Learning opportunities available this term for our partner school teachers. In collaboration with the Banyule Nilumbik Tech School, we have developed these sessions to help you better support your students around a few of our most used STEM tools.
TinkerCAD
TinkerCAD is a great software to introduce beginners to CAD design, which is used in 3D modelling. This is free software and is designed with teachers and classroom use in mind. You will learn the fundamentals of 3D modelling and how to prepare a project for potential 3D printing or other forms of manufacturing.
What you will need: A good internet connection and a mouse with a scroll wheel are essential. A second monitor is ideal but not necessary.
Date: Thursday 12th of November
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Delivery: Online via Zoom Webinar
Cost: Free to attend
MakeCode Arcade
MakeCode Arcade is a game design platform for the creation of games reminiscent of 8-bit arcade game machines and home entertainment systems of the 1980’s. Designed for complete beginners, this professional learning session will introduce participants to the basics of MakeCode Arcade, quickly getting teachers up and running so they can bring game development into their classrooms.
MakeCode Arcade has a built-in emulator which enables users to test their games in real time as they are developed. MakeCode Arcade is compatible with several purpose-built prototyping boards enabling the testing of games away from the computer.
Using a system of tool drawers and drag and drop blocks, users can quickly and easily get involved in game design in a browser-based development environment which is colourful and welcoming. MakeCode Arcade also allows users to switch between block coding, Java and Python.
The session will cover the following:
- Fundamentals of drag and drop block coding
- Player movement
- Environment design
- Basic game interactions
What you will need: Google Chrome is advised and a second monitor is ideal but not necessary.
Date: Thursday 26th of November
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Delivery: Online via Zoom Webinar
Cost: Free to attend.