Discover Drones as an Instructional Platform
About the Webinar
PCS Edventures! launched the Best Drone for Education offering the most comprehensive drone curriculum with a complete set of materials for middle school, high school and CTE programs. The curriculum easily blends into a variety of learning environments, including: clubs, camps, classrooms, semester courses and is often used as a complimentary supplement in CTE year-long programs.
In this webinar, our panelists discussed how to successfully use drones as an educational platform.
They each shared their experience on:
- How they use drones as an instructional platform
- Their experience with the modular, buildable and configurable education drone, RubiQ
- Funding for drone programs
- How to get started
Webinar Recording
Webinar Resources
How to Enrich Your Classroom with Discover Drones: A Survey of Successful Educator Experiences
Using feedback and experiences gathered from educators across the country who have implemented the Discover Drones program, we've put together a whitepaper to discuss the benefits of bringing UAVs into the classroom.
Featured Products
Curious about the products mentioned in this webinar? Click the images below to view product pages!
The Panelists
Our Host, Idaho Education Specialist and Director of Professional Development, Jim Schmidt, dove into the best ways to use drones as an instructional platform. To help answer these questions, Jim was joined by:
- Kellie Dean, Assistant Principal and Drone Trainer
- Justin Touchstone, Idaho Division Career, Technical Education Director, and Technology Student Association Drone Competition Advisor
- Matt Koosman, North Tapps Middle School CTE Teacher
Jim Schmidt, Director of Professional Development for PCS Edventures. Background in technical education at the school district level and in the Idaho Technical Education Department was instrumental in leading his pursuit in a career in STEM education. Schmidt believes in providing students with a strong foundation in STEM and the importance of teaching them how to safely use new technology, particularly drones, in this rapidly developing industry. He’s been awarded the Technical Education Lifetime Achievement Award from the Boise School District, the Golden Apple Award, the Governor’s Recognition Award and a Lifetime Idaho Counseling Association Award.
Kellie Dean is the Vice-Principal at Gem Prep Meridian. Kellie started as a 5th-grade teacher, and in 2001, she took on the role of Educational Director at the Warhawk Air Museum, designing and implementing educational programs focused on historical perspectives and K-12 STEM education. Kellie’s dedication to excellence earned her the position of Director of STEM Curriculum and Training at PCS Edventures in 2007, and in 2014, she became the Instructional Coach, Gifted and Talented Coordinator, and Interim Principal for the Emmett School District. In 2019, Kellie joined Gem Innovations Schools. As a first-generation college student she values the importance a solid academic foundation for post-secondary success.
Justin Touchstone is the Program Quality Manager overseeing Engineering Technology Education for Idaho Career and Technical Education. He’s taught Pre-Engineering in the West Ada School district for five years and spent thirteen years in the Architectural industry before entering Education. He is a University of Idaho graduate with a bachelor degree in Architecture and a Masters degree in Education with an emphasis in Career and Technical Education.
TSA Drone Competitions: 2020 | 2019 | 2018
Matt Koosmann has been teaching at the middle school level for 22 years. Matt started his career teaching science. In 2012, Matt transitioned from middle-school science to a full-time career as a STEM educator in Career and Technical Education instructing a variety of courses that include 2D and 3D computer aid design, robotics, video game design and drone technology. Matt enjoys the energy and bustle of engaging in the design process with kids.
Articles of Interest
- Drones and Hands-On STEM Education
- Drones and STEM Careers of the Future
- Invigorating Learning and Career Technical Education with Discover Drones
- Drones Go to College: A Look at UAVs in Higher Education
- What Teachers are Saying
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