Martinsville, VA – October 7, 2024 – New College Institute (NCI) is excited to announce the launch of the EduTech Library, an innovative resource designed to empower educators by providing free access to cutting-edge educational technology.
Much like a traditional library, the EduTech Library allows teachers to borrow educational tools and incorporate them into their classrooms, fostering hands-on learning opportunities for students. To support seamless integration, NCI offers free training and online resources to ensure educators can confidently use this technology to enhance their curricula.
“We are excited to be able to provide access to educational technology that not only enhances the curriculum in our area schools but also provides students with hands-on project-based learning activities they may not have had access to without our EduTech Library,” stated NCI Chief Academic Officer Dr. Susheela Shanta. “It is important to us to support our area schools and being able to provide educators with technology that will help their students learn is something we are extremely proud of.”
Henry County Public Schools (HCPS) is piloting the EduTech Library program by using NCI’s micro:bits in elementary schools. Two schools have gone beyond the basics, as students use the technology to create their own unique projects.
“Henry County Public Schools has been using Micro:bits borrowed from New College Institute to introduce fourth and fifth graders to technology creation,” explained Phyllis Meade, the Elementary Curriculum Coordinator. “The kids love interacting with the technology and the hands-on experience they’re getting. Their creativity is shining through with this resource.”
The EduTech Library includes a wide range of technology designed to support dynamic, project-based learning:
- Dash Robots: These robots help students understand coding concepts such as loops, algorithms, and variables. Students can program Dash to sing, dance, navigate obstacles, and respond to voice commands through self-directed play and guided challenges.
- micro:bits: Small, powerful pocket-sized computers that introduce students to coding and hardware interaction. NCI provides lesson resources, professional development courses, and free coding tools to make learning easy and fun.
- iBlocks: An online, easy-to-use, dynamic platform for students, teachers, and administrators to implement exciting project-based learning experiences into the classroom that enhance the existing curriculum.
- STEMbot: Introduces students to cutting-edge, hands-on technology while educating them in a variety of STEM subjects, such as agriscience, coding, CNC operations, electronics, hardware engineering, and much more.
For more information on NCI’s EduTech Library, or to learn how your school can participate, please contact NCI Chief Academic Officer Dr. Susheela Shanta at 276-403-5623 or sshanta@erics602.sg-host.com.