Have you heard of Verizon Innovative Learning? Before a friend shared the information with me, I had no idea it even existed. As soon as she told me, I immediately investigated and found so much information that I was intrigued. The Verizon Innovative Learning holds it’s classes through its Verizon Wireless retail stores (near you) and “gives kids the opportunity to explore technology and learn new skills through hands-on, experiential technology workshops for elementary and middle school’s students (ages 8-12)”. They offer a variety of classes and best of all… It Is Free!!! That’s Free dollars and free cents!! Besides, the class lasts just an hour (with a variety of available times), so what do you have to lose?
Dude has participated in three classes thus far, and I have signed him up for his fourth (Virtual Reality) that occurs September 22, 2018, and we cannot wait. Check out some of what he has learned:
Holograms:
In this class, they experienced Holography. They used laser lights and hologram film to create holograms of their own. They even used a holographic pyramid (which they took home) to view their own pictures so they could appear three dimensional.
Internet of Things:
This class supported what we know about the way we use devices that connect to the internet on a daily basis. The kids learned to use controller board sensors and a cell phone to make an internet-enabled night-light. To enhance the experience they were given their own SEED Wio Link Starter Kit to continue to build at home.
Code Design:
In the Code Design lab, the kids learned how “to build code using Ozocodes—pre-programmed color sequences— to navigate the Ozobot Bit robots from one end of a “construction site” to the other without hitting any obstacles”. Yes! They got to take home their own Ozobot Bit!
The Verizon classes allow him to get hands-on-learning opportunities and experiences some sick innovative technology that they would not get to experience in school. I am thankful for the opportunities and he learns so much each time we visit. The instructors are patient and are able to teach the lessons in a way that allows the kids to understand.
For Your Information:
All students 8–12 years old are eligible to participate in the lab, just be sure to register online registration and sign the waiver. Registration opens two weeks prior to each lab. If you would like to receive emails as soon as registration opens, be sure to email verizon@pltw.org and let them know which location you would like your child to attend.
Until Next Time!
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