Presented by: Mags Amond, Pamela O'Brien & Paul O'Callaghan
The message in this workshop is that immersive problem solving in code-breaking teams is an energising way to engage students, of any age, in their learning. According to the USA teachers who devised it, ‘BreakoutEDU games teach critical thinking, teamwork, complex problem solving, and can be used in all content areas’ (breakoutedu.com). Workshop leaders Pam and Mags will outline how a simple kit of locks, keys and codes can be employed to provide a variety of classroom activities. The learning activities for workshop participants will involve working in teams to tackle various challenges – from the fiendishly simple to the simply fiendish!
Presenter Biography:
Mags, retired teacher and PhD student at Trinity College Dublin, is Ireland Ambassador for Code Week EU and serves the board of Coderdojo Ireland. Pam, a lecturer in Maths and Computer Science in LIT, leads the team which organises the ICT in Education conference. She is a Coderdojo mentor and coach/mentor to the Youth Media Team. Paul, a primary school teacher in Dublin, is passionate about problem solving, computational thinking, and future proofing his pupils for life beyond school. In school he spearheads 21st Century Schools of Distinction, Active School Flag, Health Promotion Flag – and their BreakoutEDU room!