Share Paper: Don't fear the snakes: designing a hybrid practical experience for preservice teachers in an afterschool Python programming robotics club

  1. Tonia A. Dousay, University of Wyoming, United States
  2. Debbie Swierczek, University of Wyoming, United States
  3. Samantha Smith, University of Wyoming, United States
  4. Emily Owsley, University of Wyoming, United States
Tuesday, March 7 3:00-3:20 PM Capitol H

Abstract: Hybrid practical experiences for preservice teachers hold the potential to help future educators consider how to adapt and thrive in innovative learning spaces such as makerspaces and hackerspaces. Doing so allows developing teachers to actively engage in practical learning environments and empowers decision making and flexibility that reinforces theoretical coursework. Drawing upon inspiration from a variety of similar experiences, the current project uses a case study analysis following three preservice teachers as they served as mentors in a weekly, afterschool robotics club. Despite initial anxieties with supporting a variety of learners as they worked through Python programming challenges, these teachers ...