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SACE Endorsed Courses
Professional Development workshops
Educational Change Workshops
Edu & Tech Live Virtual Chats
with people in the education and tech-ed fields.
Twice a month, I chat to people about an education and/or tech-ed related topic. (Free)
It all began in 2020 with the request to assist teachers coping with lockdown and remote learning.
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That led to th 12 hour EvolveSchool 🚀Edu-Change Exploration🚀for School Leaders and ALL Teachers, a 🚀 journey of 👀 discovery on 27 Aug 2020, 09:00 to 21:00, in our educational virtual 😷 conference. Free all day hop in and out virtual conference for school leaders and teachers. Every 20min slot introduced different educational tech corporates, mainly South African, interspersed with amazing edutech teachers, sharing ways in which they are used technology.
See this amazing event's videos on YouTube here
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In 2020 we began "All Things Edu & Tech -see the amazing webinars and hear the various views here
See YouTube channel of previous chats
In 2024 the journey continues we stream to YouTibe, Facebook and LinkedIn mainly on ONE Thursday evening per month, from 19:00 - 19:45 (GMT+2)
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Join us in the 2024 conversations, find out who is speaking and when here
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Register here to keep up to date:
Learning Spaces around us
Physical and Virtual
This workshop takes the teacher on a journey of exploration and discovery about learning spaces and considerations at schools:
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Activity 9: Conclusions and Reflections
And how all these aspects assist in creating interesting learning spaces, with learners engaged and participating.
Classroom Management
My Teaching Space
This self-paced online workshop takes the teacher on a journey of reflection and discovery about classroom management exploring
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Myself, as the Teacher
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My Students and how they engage
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Lesson Preparation and Planning
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Availability of Equipment and Resources
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Technology used by me, the Teacher
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Technology my Students may use
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The Teaching and Learning Spaces, virtual and face-to-face.
Explore how all these aspects assist in creating effective management in the classroom, with learners engaged and participating
Creating an inspiring Makerspace
(STEM / STEAM Environment)
This workshop takes the particpant on a journey of exploration and discovery about makerspace and considerations:
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What a Makerspace (STEM / STEAM) & strategic initiatives
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Inclusion of stakeholders
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Explore - a school audit, budgeting and the educator
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Design Thinking, Design Process strategies and pedagogies
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Venue facilities, resources, tools, and materials
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Sustainability, curriculum integration, timetabling, extra-mural or club option
Create an interesting makerspace - learner engagement and participation
My Sustainable School Garden
In this workshop, we will explore ways to show how technology and caring for the environment go hand-in-hand.
Looking at ways to encourage wildlife into your school garden. Planting plants to encourage little creatures, birds and other animals, while growing food and creating a beautiful, colourful, sensory learning space.
Exploring lesson ideas of environmental care and technology integration to monitor who is visiting the garden, or if the garden requires watering, using the Internet of Things. Investigating the design of your environmental garden using AI.
In turn, we are teaching our children about sustainable living in turn with nature, caring for the creatures and the environment, and meaningful, relevant and real-life technology applications.
Promoting a healthy lifestyle by designing, making and evaluating a vegetable garden and creating a pretty garden for pollinators to thrive
Sign up your staff for this course to explore the environment and tech.
Leadership inspiring Change Management, using digital tools
This workshop takes the school leadership through a series of key pillars to impact change management, related to using digital tools. Exploring:
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the vision
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skills
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incentives
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resources
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action plan.
Investigate how all these pillars assist in creating effective change management within a school, with the value of incorporating digital tools into a school.
Critical and Creative Thinking Teaching Strategies & Methods
Critical thinking and ideas on how to teach the 4Cs/6Cs (communication, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking). Creative and critical thinking strategies in the classroom, asking the right questions, and encouraging thinking and doing.
Keynote Speaker, Term Opening Address and Speaker Engagement
I would love to speak at your school to engage with your staff at the start of a new term, be a keynote speaker at an event you're hosting and talk about education, impacting positive change and the impact of remote learning and educational change.
AI, Coding, Robotics & Safety Online Workshops
Unplugged Coding
including Computational Thinking Skills
Workshop (ECD, Gr. R, FP)
What to gain unplugged coding ideas to use with your learners?
Understand and use computational thinking skills in your lessons. Request this workshop for your staff
All Foundation Phase Teachers - Grade R - 3
Explore: Why should we introduce coding and robotics? - Developing 21st Thinking Skills, Creating critical and creative thinkers - all about the questions
Demystify Coding - Background Introduction - what is coding?
Unplugged Computational Thinking skills: Problem Identification, Pattern Recognition, Decomposition, Abstraction, Generalisation, Algorithm design. Unplugged Coding Tasks, Applications and Games
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Computational Thinking
More than Coding (SP)
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Introduction to Computational Thinking, exploring how skills can be integrated into everyday lessons - problem formulation, decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, generalisation, algorithm design.
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Explore how to create an awareness among learners of computational thinking.
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Creating an awareness of coding platforms, such as Google’s CS First which uses MIT Scratch, Pencil Code and Coding with Chrome.
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Exploring how the platforms could be integrated in learning environments.
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Creating an awareness of statistics, information and the significance of integrating computational thinking / computer sciences into lessons and the career opportunities.
Introduction to Robotics & Coding
Foundation Phase Teacher
Introduction to robotics, exploring what is robotics, how robots are used in society and industry. Create and control own simple model paper “robot”.
Explore offline robotics tasks
Creating an awareness of statistics, information and the significance of integrating computational thinking / computer sciences into lessons.
Internet Safety
No Add On
This internet safety course is for School leaders and teachers who want to learn and explore information related to internet safety, topics that we should be talking to our learners about within the school environment, and ideas of how to address issues such as an individual’s Online Reputation (subtopics: Digital Footprint, Texting / Emailing Manners, Digital Ethics, Photos I take and share, Posting Online, Online Gaming, Sexting and being a Responsible Digital Citizen); Privacy and Security (subtopics: Protect Your Password, Protect yourself and your information, Protect yourself on social media); Online Harassment and Cyberbullying( subtopics: Cyberbullying, Be aware of online grooming), then exploring Teaching Online Safety Tips and how to encourage learners to be wise and responsible digital citizens.
Unplugged Robotics
with coding and design process skills
Workshop (FP & I)
Lesson ideas about unplugged robotics
with coding and design process skills
All Foundation Phase Teachers - Grade R - 3
Let’s discuss why we should do coding and robotics.
Explore the 4th Industrial Revolution, and investigate the background robotics.
Get an overview of what is robotics?
Participate in hands-on interactive activities to create an unplugged “tethered robot” - problem-solving. hands-on, interactive activities
Explored how design process activities could be incorporated into everyday lessons
Explore unplugged simple robots for foundation phase
Explore and online robotic resources (websites and applications) and made aware of actual physical robots
Investigated the importance of Internet safety, as a brief overview
Investigated and considered tips for classroom management and teaching strategies related to robotics; teaching strategies linked to resources and / or devices as well as teaching methodologies linked to 4th Industrial Revolution
Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Education
1. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Including the four forms of AI (Reactive Machine, Limited Memory Machines, Theory of Mind and Self Aware machines).
2. Explore various AI solutions that bring value to education and business, for example text AI, visual AI, analytical AI)
3. AI resources and activities for learners to use in lessons, e.g. reading, spell check, etc.
4. Explore websites to understand how ML and AI learns. Provide older learners with opportunities to create their own solutions.
5. Tips for teachers using AI for adaptive learning, to save time, and so much more.
6. Discuss ethics and values related to AI.
Introduction to Robotics & Coding
Intermediate Phase Teachers
Explore what is robotics and the consistent characteristics related to robotics. Investigate examples where robots are used in industry and society. Investigate the definition of robotics and the various ways robots are controlled
Explore an introduction to mechanical systems and electrical systems used in robotics, investigate the creation and control of a model electric car, skills required when planning and coding a robotics production line.
​Investigate the top-ranked programming languages. Investigate the link between symbols and coding, create an awareness that coding languages use symbols - create and evaluate own “code”. Observe and explore how the applications drive the robots, and how applications, web tools and bluetooth control the robots, using code.​ Exposure to a range of robots that may be included in your school. Understand how to programme and control robots using block coding on applications and web-based, via bluetooth. Explore the various options where the code control the different robots, and think about resources for your learners and what are beneficial solutions for your school​
Internet Safety Awareness
These workshops are for parents, teachers and learners.
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Online safety and considera tion when teaching with online tools.
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Cyber-bullying
About cyber-bullying, various ways to deal with cyber-bullying, and internet safety for your child when using phone apps and browsing online.
Customised workshops and ways that you could deal with different scenarios and situations.
Computational Thinking
More than just Coding (FP & IP)
First part of workshop focuses on computational thinking and thinking computationally in everyday lessons, how to incorporate the skills into lessons across various subjects. Focusing on how basic computational skills can be taught to learners without programming: problem formulation, decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, generalisation & algorithm design.
Investigate ways to incorporate computational thinking skills into their lessons, relating to the specific topics from the CAPS subject/s they teach, participating in the various activities.
2nd Part creates an awareness of what coding is, when teacher play a simple directional game, progress onto playing coding puzzle games, and onto block coding.
The teachers explore basic coding during the interactive, hands-on session, they discuss ways to implement a coding or programming activity into their school environment. Evaluate the selected programme programmes selected by other participants
Coding Workshops related to the DBE draft curriculum
Workshops related to the Draft Coding & Robotics Curriculum - FP, IP and SP
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Understand the two Methodologies and how to use them in lessons:
Design Process
Computational Thinking
Pillars of Content knowledge:
1. Pattern Recognition & Problem Solving
2. Algorithms & Coding
3. Robotic Skills
4. Internet & E-Communication skills, includes internet safety
5. Application Skills
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Explore how to implement this curriculum into your school
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Incorporating Robotics & Coding
Senior Phase Teachers
Explore robots and robotic uses in the world of work, in various industries, including humanoid robots. Investigate the consistent characteristics in robots and the definition of robotics
Explore the value of discussing robotics and ethics, in relation to being a responsible digital citizen.
Investigate possible dangerous robotic technologies. Explore ways in which to communicate with robots. Investigate examples of sensors that could be used to inform robots and provide them with information. Explore ways in which to control robots, depending on the motherboard used, such as micro bit, raspberry pi or Arduino. Understand how to programme and control pre-made robots using block coding or a programming language (such as JavaScript or Python). Explore options of coding the robot to control actions.
Investigate artificial intelligence, by exploring AI Experiments which teach computers and model robots.
Significance of integrating computational thinking and computer sciences, robotics, and coding into lessons
Participate in discussions of how aspects of robotics and computational thinking were useful and appropriate to use at your school, within lessons
Demystifying Coding & Robotics
One day workshop.
Exploring 21st Century Learning, 4IR tools awareness.
Computational Thinking skills, unplugged practical activties.
Coding unplugged activities, as well as an awareness of coding apps and websites.
​Robotics activties, awareness of "what is robotics", practical tasks to do with learners. Robotics websites and apps.
​SACE endorsed - 10 points
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4IR (4th Industrial Revolution) - Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Workshops
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and education
1. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Including the four forms of AI (Reactive Machine, Limited Memory Machines, Theory of Mind and Self Aware machines).
2. Explore various AI solutions that bring value to education and business, for example text AI, visual AI, analytical AI)
3. AI resources and activities for learners to use in lessons, e.g. reading, spell check, etc.
4. Explore websites to understand how ML and AI learns. Provide older learners with opportunities to create their own solutions.
5. Tips for teachers using AI for adaptive learning, to save time, and so much more.
6. Discuss ethics and values related to AI.
Introduce Virtual Reality
in the Classroom
This workshop takes the teacher on a journey of exploration and discovery about learning spaces and considerations at schools:
And how all these aspects assist in creating interesting learning spaces, with learners engaged and participating.
Technology Integration for specific subjects or requirements
Phone apps and tools for different subjects, practical ideas for the use of technology and apps in the classroom, various tools with the use of technology for collaboration and teamwork, and various other online tool for lessons and assessments.
Using Augmented Reality
in the Foundation Phase
Augmented Reality (AR) in the Foundation Phase Lessons - the teachers will explore what Augmented reality is and how it could be used as teaching and learning tools.
Various applications will be demonstrated, as teachers are exposed to these various examples of augmented reality. Teachers would discuss how to use the apps in the FP lessons.
They would experience AR by viewing the AR examples on cell phones.
They would discuss how to integrate the AR scenarios into existing lessons.
Experiential Workshop
4IR overview & interactive play
Customise this small group workshop for your staff members.
Explore fully immersive VR, 3D printing and 3D pens, coding and robotics and so much more.
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20min overview presentation, and then experiential playing on equipment.
Explore how to incorporate this technology into your lessons, or school.
Augmented Reality & Simulations
in Lessons (IP & SP)
In this interactive workshop we will explore various AR applications as well as simulation options.
Using your smartphone for AR or demonstrating information via your laptop and a data-projector using a simulation, you can be building context and content knowledge for your learners in a range of topic areas: Maths, English, Natural Science, Life Sciences, and Physical Science.
Please have your phone and a laptop for the session to really benefit from the work.
Artifical Intelligence and Machine Learning in Schools
Explore incorporating AI and ML into your school - for both administrative tasks and into lessons as a teaching resource
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Expose learners to how Ai is being used in different real-life situations already.
Explore how AI is used in education
Investigate how would AI be of benefit to the teacher in the classroom?
Why AI would assist the administration department of a school?
What do you think of using facial recognition in schools?
Do you think Emotion AI would be useful in schools?
Why should schools not ignore AI?
Digital communication, engagement, ethics and pedagogy
Digital Resources in the Classroom Enhancing Engagement
Introducing the value of adding digital resources into classroom teaching. Exploring a range of subjects and lesson contexts: Language and Literacy Digital Resources, Interactive Mathematics, Instant Feedback, Interactivity, Engagement with Devices. Investigate how to integrate the applications and scenarios into everyday lessons, using practical examples of applications and websites.
Think about the pedagogy when selecting the technology
In this session we will explore the importance of considering the pedagogy of learning theories we might use and the technology we select for our lessons.
Pedagogy is the study of teaching and learning methods, including the aims of education and
the ways in which such goals may be achieved. Pedagogy refers more broadly to the theory and practice of education, and how this influences the growth of learners. Learning theories are an organised set of principles explaining how individuals acquire, retain, and recall knowledge. By studying and knowing the different learning theories, we can better understand how learning occurs. The principles of the theories can be used as guidelines to help select instructional tools, techniques and strategies that promote learning. Therefore assisting us in deciding what technology to use in our lessons.
Meaningful assessment using eAssessment Tools and Strategies
using the data to create personalised learning with the results from your learners' work. Exploring the benefits to teachers when using eAssessment tools. Investigate how to ask a range of questions for an online assessment. Using teaching and learning strategies and differences when conducting an online assessment compared to traditional paper-based assessment. Explore personalised learning using learners’ eAssessment results, such as Google forms and spreadsheets. Investigate examples of eAssessment tools, such as Kahoot, Socrative, and Loru Games, with the value of incorporating digital tools into a school.
Administrators, School Leaders & Teachers
How to reach you digitally?
Communication within schools is very important, using digital tools can really assist. Explore methods of digital communication to reach either teachers, learners or parents.
Discuss the uses for text messaging, electronic mail, social media and other forms of technology used as a form of communication. Explore the benefits of communicating effectively electronically. Explore situations where communication tools should be considered and used in schools, when engaging with staff members, parents or learners.
Live & Self-Paced Sessions you may wish to join - See YOU there!
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SMART SCHOOLS
2024 Line up
ReachUp is extremely excited to share our SMART Schools 2024 program line-up with you!
This program is for All Educators , by Educators - whether they are currently in a teaching post, or have stepped out of their teaching post and have achieved a doctorate, or become a specialist in their field. The idea behind this program is to create a community between teachers, where knowledge and practical tools are shared, and teachers are equipped with new skills.
The lineup is:
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23 Jan 2024: Mandy Herold - Anti-fragility in schools (teachers, pupils and parents)
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13 Feb 2024: Dr. Karen Walstra - Integrating technology, VR, AR & AI in your classrooms
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12 Mar 2024: Thabo Molekoa - What Industry leaders are looking for: New skills for the Future
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9 Apr 2024: Dr Beulah Van De Westhuizen - Neuro-diversity in children
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14 May 2024: Cindy Fumbata - #NoBadgeRequired: Create a culture of nurturing leadership beyond a badge for prefectship
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11 June 2024: Clare Searle - How to deal with Academic Stress
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16 July 2024: Jude Foulston - A.I. Made Easy for Teachers
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10 Sep 2024: Noluthando Nkuna - The role of the parent vs the role of the school
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5 0ct 2024: Katlego Thulare - Gen X and Y teaching Gen Z
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12 Nov 2024: Shenaaz Moos - Teaching leadership beyond prefectship
Cost, details and further information complete the form http://tinyurl.com/SMARTSchools2024
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If you want group bookings fill in the form.
To book for Karen's session directly, the quicket link is below: https://qkt.io/SSL1
Self-Paced Online Course
on Teacha Inspire
Karen Walstra self-paced online course
This self-paced learning course is an “Introduction to Classroom Management - My Teaching Space”
It is useful for any teachers from the Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, Senior Phase and FET phase.
Teachers, particularly those who are newly qualified teachers or those wanting a refresher in practical classroom management ideas.
The course’s journey of reflection and discovery includes the following topics:
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Myself, as the Teacher
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My Students, I teach
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My Planning and Preparation
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The Resources and Equipment available to me
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Technology I use as the Teacher
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The technology my learners may use
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The Learning Spaces, both physical and virtual.
Throughout this workshop, consider how these various aspects impact your teaching and learning.
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To book go to Teacha Inspire
If you want a block booking for several teachers reach out to me, Karen Walstra or the Teacha Inspire team for the group pricing.
Workshop organised by Teacher Unions
Join the session to suit you!
Digital resources in the classroom (IP, SP)
Date: 29 January 2024
Time: 15:00 – 16:00
Register: SOAU courses
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Classroom (FP, IP, SP)
Date: 15 February 2024
Time: 15:00 – 17:00
Register: NAPTOSA KZN
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Leadership inspiring change (FP, IP, SP)
Date: 19 February 2024
Time: 15:00 – 17:00
Register: NAPTOSA KZN
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Learning Spaces - Virtual and Physical (FP, IP, SP)
Date: 21 February 2024
Time: 14:30 – 16:00
Register: NAPTOSA Gauteng
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Augmented reality & Simulations (FP, IP, SP)
Date: 27 February 2024
Time: 14:30 – 16:00
Register: NAPTOSA Gauteng
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Other Engagements you may be interested in joining - Always Learning!
Dr Richard Hayward
Professional Development Sessions
Richard has been in formal education for almost 40 years. He has been a school principal of two
schools for more than half of them. In his retirement, Richard does leadership and management
workshops across Southern Africa. The topics deal with issues that are pertinent to many teachers
from Grade 1 through to Grade 12.
His SACE (South African Council of Educators)-endorsed workshops that earn Professional
Development points include:
ï‚· An introduction to Total Quality Education: the Five Pillars
ï‚· Conflicts occur in every school – let’s resolve them
ï‚· Introverted children: making sure that they shine
ï‚· Stop teacher stress … well almost completely!
ï‚· The kids are hell. What can I do?
ï‚· Why change? Everything looks OK!
For more details about these and other workshops, please contact Richard. His details are
rpdhayward@yahoo.com and 011 888 3262.
Coding & Robotics Workshops from ECD, FP, IP & SP
Karen Walstra presents for Macmillan Teacher Campus
CODING Workshops Cost: R350 per person
Have you ever wanted to code?
Get stuck into coding:
2 April 2024 – Foundation Phase
3 April 2024 – Intermediate Phase
4 April 2024 – Senior Phase
Time: 14:00 – 16:00
May and August 2024 webinar topics to be confirmed
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To register click on the http://bit.ly/3ZVVBS4
See you in the classroom!
Let me knowl what workshop you would like me to conduct, or strategic planning session you would like me to facilitate.
Workshops and sessions are customised to suit YOUR School's needs
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I look forward to engaging with you.
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Drop me a call or a WhatApp: 072 259 3911