3D PRINTING AT AMERICAN CORNER CDO. Students witness 3D model printing facilitated by EJ Escanilla of Fab Lab Mindanao. Supplied photo.
The American Corner Cagayan de Oro hosted a workshop by the American Spaces of the US Embassy in the Philippines promoting its Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) initiatives to more than 40 Xavier Ateneo Junior High School and Senior High School students last July 17.
The workshop showcased "the next big technology" in the field of science and the arts to high school students who plan to build their career portfolio in the field of STEAM. This is part of the US Embassy’s mission “to provide a conducive platform for educators and the youth to learn about STEAM and create a community of future makers, inventors, and innovators in the Philippines.”
Cultural affairs officer Matt Keener welcomed the participants to the workshop while another officer, Malcolm Flores, introduced various exchange programs (YSEALI, PYLP, Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program etc) the students can apply for in the future. Digital engagement coordinator Randolf Mariano also explained the rationale and objectives of the #Maker@Corner Program.
HANDS-ON. Xavier Ateneo Junior and Senior High participants explore coding through Minecraft Hour of Code™ and Microsoft MakeCode. Supplied photo.
Anito Librando Jr of XIJHS introduced the students to Minecraft Hour of Code™, a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in more than 180 countries. The one-hour introduction to computer science is designed “to demystify computer coding and to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science.”
The JHS and SHS students were also introduced to Microsoft MakeCode, a free, open-source platform for creating engaging computer science learning experiences that support a progression path into real-world programming. Using the "micro:bit" online, the students tried out several projects programming the small programmable computer.
STEAM FOR STUDENTS. US Embassy’s Randolf Mariano explains to the JHS and SHS participants the relevance of building a STEAM portfolio in preparation for college. Supplied photo.
Fab Lab Mindanao in Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) was also invited and their manager, Lemuel Clark Velasco, shared on STEAM and MakerSpaces movements in the Philippines and around the world. EJ Escanilla prepared a demonstration and hands-on activity for the students to explore the new 3D printer donated by the US Embassy.
The 3D printer and Smart Board are the newest features of Xavier Ateneo's MakerSpace available for learners at the American Corner CDO.∎
MOVEMENTS. Lemuel Clark Velasco of FabLab Mindanao shares his STEAM and MakerSpaces experiences in the Philippines and abroad. Supplied photo.
PLAY AND LEARN. Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) and Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE) Anito Librando Jr introduces participants to Minecraft Hour of Code™ and Microsoft MakeCode. Supplied photo.
XAVIER ATENEO AND US EMBASSY. Xavier Ateneo administrators, teachers, and students strike a group photo with US Embassy’s cultural affairs officer Matt Keener (center) after the STEAM workshop held at the American Corner Cagayan de Oro. Supplied photo.