Creating Opportunities For Students With Caroleann Del Juidice

Name: Caroleann Del Juidice
Title/School: Educational Technology Specialist, Bronxville UFSD
Years of Experience: 11 years
Primary LEGO Education Solutions used: WeDo, EV3, SPIKE Prime
Social media accounts/blogs/websites: Twitter: @ms_deljuidice, Instagram: @ms_deljuidice, LinkedIn: caroleanndeljuidice

What would you say is your philosophy as an educator?
My philosophy as an educator is one where I want my students to be intrinsically motivated while also exposing them to new areas that may peak or grow their interest. I believe students should have opportunities to make, break, tinker, learn, program, and build. I believe students CAN and WILL succeed if we meet them where they are, not where we expect them to be. I believe in being fair but firm when necessary. And I also believe in creating a space that comfortable, inviting, and accessible for all students.

What is the greatest benefit of a hands on approach to learning?
The greatest benefit to hands-on learning is the ability for students to make real-world connections. THIS is where the learning really happens and comes to life.

What is your favorite thing about being a teacher?
My favorite thing about being a teacher is the ability to teach technology, computer science while incorporating maker philosophies. I see so many different groups of my students my day-to-day is constantly changing.

What is one of your proudest moments in the classroom?
My proudest moments in the classroom are when my students move from “I can’t” to “I can” in computer science projects.

What advice would you give teachers about implementing a hybrid learning strategy?
My best advice is to be good to yourself. The classroom may look different. Make materials digital and accessible. Find ways to connect your in-person and remote students. The most important component to successful hybrid learning is the class community.

What is the potential impact you anticipate SPIKE Prime could have on your students’ learning/building their confidence in STEAM learning?
SPIKE Prime levels the playing field for all learners. It has many opportunities for students to learn. It also can be manipulated that students on all ability levels could access the materials. This will ultimately build confidence in STEAM learning.

Failure is often a key aspect of the learning process. What's the most important lesson you've learned through failing?
The most important lesson I have learned through failure is the ability to pick myself back up and try again. Anytime I have received a “NO”, whether it be a job interview, a classroom lesson that didn’t go so well, or a non work related situation... I have learned to fail forward. The “NO” showed me what I needed to reevaluate and ultimately I grew as a person and professional because of it.

What are some of your favorite activities/hobbies to do at home?
Some of my favorite activities to do at home are cooking fun and new recipes for dinner, riding my Peloton bike and participating in group fitness classes, and finding new local take out spots for delivery - right now it is important to support our communities!

Favorite book/movie/podcast?
Favorite Book: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
Favorite Movie: Anything Marvel 😃
Podcast: The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast

First musical album you ever owned?
One of the first musical albums I owned were BackStreet Boys and NSYNC CD’s (Yes! I said both ;) )

Were you a LEGO Fan as a kid? What’s your LEGO Story?
As a kid I LOVED LEGO! I would put together LEGO sets with my older cousins. I was the youngest and the only girl. LEGO gave us an activity to bond over.