{"id":1892,"date":"2022-11-17T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-17T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/education\/blog\/2022\/11\/17\/exciting-stem-focused-professional-learning\/"},"modified":"2024-06-26T09:14:53","modified_gmt":"2024-06-26T16:14:53","slug":"exciting-stem-focused-professional-learning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/education\/blog\/2022\/11\/exciting-stem-focused-professional-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"Exciting STEM-focused professional learning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Educators often search for professional learning experiences that explore how STEM concepts and tools can be embedded into the classroom in meaningful, intentional, and academically engaging ways. Knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Microsoft is dedicated to supporting educators as they learn, by providing various tools to help them incorporate STEM at their own pace and comfort level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Microsoft Learn Educator Center<\/a> provides free, self-paced opportunities that offer entry points for educators wanting to embrace STEM activities regardless of their previous experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Build skills and confidence with the Microsoft Learn Educator Center<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Microsoft Learn Educator Center training resources offer great support to educators wanting to learn more about integrating STEM into teaching and learning. Opportunities include engaging with interactive lessons, earning professional development hours, and validating your learning with one of many available industry certifications. In Learn, educators can choose from Modules and Learning Paths to personalize their learning experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modules<\/strong> allow educators to explore a specific task or topic of their choice. Designed to stand alone, these easy entry points to learning consist of units that provide a broad view to quickly understand the purpose and benefits of that topic or task. Modules often include videos, tasks, reflection, and resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Educators looking for a more in-depth, guided exploration of a topic can choose from a variety of Learning Paths<\/strong>. Learning Paths are a collection of Modules that provide a deep dive into what you need to understand a concept and actively start using the tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MakeCode: Coding + video games = lots of fun  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Microsoft<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For educators looking to get started incorporating computer science into their curriculum, Microsoft MakeCode<\/a> is a great educational platform to teach students basic coding concepts. Read more about how you can encourage students to develop an interest in computer science with MakeCode<\/a>. The following MakeCode Learn Modules and Pathways are a great way to get started exploring engaging STEM tools and resources for classroom teaching and learning: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Utilize MakeCode Arcade in the classroom<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Games are an excellent way to integrate STEM learning, specifically computer science, into the classroom. MakeCode makes it easy to engage students in creative activities that introduce them to computer science concepts and develop their coding skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n