Innovation in Education

I would like to start by extending a huge thank you to Ryan McKenzie for having at the SD 5 design lab. 

SD 5 Design Lab

Visiting the design lab was a great experience and I absolutely loved the time we spent there. The design lab is in the basement of Kootenay Orchards School, and is attached to the District Resource Center. There are tons of amazing resources in the lab, and classroom teachers can bring their classes to the lab and spend a whole day or half day learning and playing. There are also a ton of portable resources that Ryan can take into school to spend time in the classroom with students. In the lab there is virtual reality headsets, a laser cutter, multiple 3D printers, and so much more!

How it fits in with ‘Innovation in Education’

The design lab and Ryan gives students an opportunity to explore education in new, innovative, technological ways. During our time in the lab Ryan shared different lessons that he does with classes that explore several different parts of the curriculum. He focuses on all three core competencies: communication, thinking, & personal and social through different projects. Ryan also has projects that align with the appropriate grade levels ‘Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies’ curriculum. The district is also in the process of creating digital skills scope and sequence, which focuses on digital literacy skills that students should be learning and practicing in each grade level. The design lab also gives students an opportunity to explore different technologies, that can create a life-long passion for, and maybe even a future career path.

What Stood Out To Me

The part that stood out to me the most from our time at the design lab was the photos and videos that Ryan shared with us of students in the lab working on projects. These resonated with me because it was amazing to see students creativity, passion, and how engaged they were. The creations that students made were outstanding, and I was very impressed with the skills students had and their ability to create amazing images, videos, and objects using different forms of technology. 

Activities

I spent a lot of my time in the design lab using the virtual reality headsets. This time was great as I could fully immerse myself in a ‘new world’ of educational content, and using my problem solving skills to work through puzzles in creative ways. 

I then spent a little time using the 3D drawing pens. This was also a great experience, and I really enjoyed practicing my creativity in a new, fun, and relaxing way. 

I wish we had more time in the lab, as there were so many great activities (unplugged activities too!) that I was I had more time to explore. I could have spent the whole day in the lab exploring and learning.

Future Use & Projects

After visiting the lab, I am so excited to use Ryan and the resources of the design lab in my future classroom. I will for sure take my class to the design lab for a full day of technology and creativity. Additionally, I will be getting Ryan to come to my class for further learning. Utilizing Ryan and the drones for Take Me Outside Day would also be a great opportunity to use technology and nature!

After seeing all of the lessons that Ryan does with students, and all the technology available I have so many ideas for lessons.

I would love to do a social-emotional learning lesson using Ryan and ‘Moxie’. Moxie is a social-emotional robot that can teach students so much, including grounding techniques. 

The Lego robot competition was also great to see pictures and videos of, and would absolutely love to do this with my future class!

I cannot wait to have the opportunity to utilize Ryan and the amazing resources of the design lab in both practicums and my future classroom.