Chair by: Dr. Gary WONG K.W. Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education, & Director, Centre for Information Technology in Education, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong
How to bring STEM to K-12 Classrooms with Robotics & Coding platforms?
- What are educational robotics? Introducing the VEX continuum.
- How to Use VEX Robotics Tools & Research-based STEM Curriculum to scaffold student's learning journey from primary through to career.
- Free online resources, digital skills and more!
Interest in STEM and Educational Robotics has risen in primary and secondary schools around the world in recent years. Robotics is not simply a popular trend in educational technology, but has been shown through research to be effective for improving student’s perceptions of STEM subjects as well as learning outcomes across K-12. The benefits for incorporating robotics into existing school curriculum range from the development and application of STEM knowledge to computational thinking and problem-solving, and to social as well as teamwork skills - all fundamental for 21st-century learners and, eventually, the modern workforce.
With Educational Robotics’ growing presence comes important questions. In this seminar, we would like to share with you - What is Educational Robotics/Pedagogical Robotics? Why teach Educational Robotics? What are the best uses of this new and exciting tool? How to use VEX's robotics platforms & research-based STEM curriculum to scaffold your student's learning journey from primary through to career.
Andy Lee is the President of Innovation First International (Hong Kong) Limited, a multinational educational, consumer and industrial goods company founded in the USA. Innovation First is also the parent company of VEX Robotics, an industry leading developer of educational robotics and computer science solutions.
Andy joined Innovation First in 2010. In his current role, Andy works to promote the company’s educational hardware, software, certifications and curricula to educators and students in Asia Pacific.
Andy oversees partnership management and implementation for VEX GO, VEX 123, VEX IQ, VEX EXP, VEX V5, V5 Workcell platforms and VEXcode VR software. Andy is an accomplished executive with 10 years of progressive experience in implementing STEM programs and robotics competitions for students at all levels.
Andy holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from Hofstra University. Prior to that, Andy received his undergraduate degree specializing in Law from Carleton University. He is also a VEX Certified Educator.
Ms. Kelsey Zhang is the APAC Education Manager of VEX Robotics which is an industry leading developer of educational robotics and computer science solutions. Kelsey works to support educators in the APAC region in implementing STEM programs and robotics competitions for students at all levels.
Kelsey is an accomplished educational practitioner and strategist with 10+ years of industry experience. Before joining VEX, Ms. Zhang worked with the Asia R&D team of National Geographic Learning managing key print and digital content solutions for K-12 education market in Asia. Prior to that, Ms. Zhang worked as the Academic Director in the Hong Kong subsidiary of TAL Education Group. She’s responsible for providing management services and quality assurance to international programmes of K12 schools. Ms. Zhang has also led the development of the very first set of English e-textbooks which were approved by Education Bureau of Hong Kong for KS1-KS3 students.
Ms. Zhang holds a MEd degree from the University of Hong Kong and a BEd degree from the Education University of Hong Kong. She is also a VEX Certified Educator.