May 12 2015
A High Point University graduate student and two professors provided their expertise in educational technology and teaching STEM at the FIRST World Robotics Championship conferences on April 22-25 in St. Louis.
John Yankello, a student in the School of Education master’s program, shared his STEM expertise and experience in the pre-service teacher program at HPU with high-level LEGO executives, including the global LEGO president, the North American LEGO president and the heads of marketing and product development from around the world.
He also assisted Dr. Shirley Disseler, assistant professor of elementary and middle grades, with a presentation on the U.S. Deep Dive in Education and a technology workshop, as well as consulting with the LEGO executives. Disseler is an expert in LEGO education and regularly shares HPU’s involvement through her participation on the LEGO Education Advisory Panel.
Dr. Jane Bowser, assistant professor of education, also participated in the conferences by providing a session on how teachers, students and parents use technology in education and a training session on some of the applications she teaches HPU students to use, including Animoto, Lego Movie Maker, Hopscotch programming, Edmodo and Class Dojo.
Yankello, an elementary education major from Pittsburgh who is finishing the fifth-year master’s program, says the conference was an incredible experience that will provide connections and resources to help in his career. After graduation, he plans to return to his hometown to teach in a K-6 classroom. He has future aspirations of earning a doctoral degree and becoming a principal or superintendent. His time at HPU and experiences like attending the conference have prepared him for success.
“HPU has definitely prepared me for the world of education, including this important meeting,” Yankello says. “My professors and advisors truly care about my growth and development, and will do anything necessary to make sure that I am reaching my full potential. The opportunities that this program has provided me with make working with top LEGO executives completely non-threatening or intimidating. I can safely say that I was equipped with the necessary tools to effectively contribute to this conference.”
HPU’s Lego connection includes hosting Lego field trips for multiple schools each year, community Lego Days, as well as Lego teacher academies. During these events, thousands of children and adults visit campus for a hands-on, fun experience that promotes teamwork, creativity and exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students in the HPU School of Education also gain valuable experience and feedback in teaching techniques and classroom management while facilitating these events. The School of Education hopes to grow the program to include competitions amongst local schools in robotics, and to have more summer camps. The first STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) camp will be held June 26 – July 3 for ages 8-11. You can request an application by emailing Disseler at [email protected].