SFPS Digital Learning Summer Camp 2026

At first glance, the Micro:bit looks like it belongs inside a computer, not in a student’s hands. Yet, it is an approachable, versatile tool that helps learners build foundational coding skills and explore how technology interacts with the real world. In this hands-on session, we’ll begin by exploring the Micro:bit’s components, then use our new knowledge to complete several simple coding projects. Finally, we will employ a Micro:bit to control hardware such as the Finch robot, helping learners understand how coding drives the technology around us.

At first glance, the Micro:bit looks like it belongs inside a computer, not in a student’s hands. Yet it is an approachable, versatile tool that helps learners build foundational coding skills and explore how technology interacts with the real world. In this hands-on session, we’ll begin by exploring the Micro:bit’s components, then use our new knowledge to complete several simple coding projects. Finally, we will employ a Micro:bit to control hardware such as the Finch robot, helping learners understand how coding drives the technology around us.

Artificial intelligence is everywhere—but how do machines actually learn? In this session, we’ll use Micro:bit’s Create AI function as an approachable entry point into AI literacy, helping students can move from passive consumers of technology to critical thinkers and creators of intelligent systems. We’ll begin with AI and machine learning 101, establishing key foundational knowledge. Next, participants will build a dataset and train the Micro:bit to understand how AI models learn from data. From there, we’ll examine how training data shapes outcomes, uncover where bias can emerge, and discuss the ethical challenges that arise when building intelligent systems.

For educators with previous Micro:bit experience, or who completed Making Sense of the Micro:bit.

What if students spent as much time creating with technology as they do consuming it? In this session, we'll explore effective strategies to integrate podcasting across subject areas, giving students opportunities to showcase their learning through creative expression. First, we’ll examine content, learning how to guide students in planning episodes that support inquiry and express their voice. Then, we’ll consider structure,exploring how organizing episodes, using formats like dialogue or interviews, can make content compelling and engaging. Last, we’ll examine form, discovering how music, sound, and cover art can convey tone and mood to create a cohesive, polished product.

In this interactive session, participants will explore how to enhance student engagement through gamification using Canva AI. Teachers will learn how to design and implement game-based learning experiences that align with core content standards across subject areas. Through guided practice and hands-on creation time, participants will develop ready-to-use instructional games that can be immediately integrated into their classrooms.

Transform traditional classroom projects into engaging digital learning experiences in this hands-on workshop designed for 3rd–5th grade teachers. Participants will explore Adobe Express as a creative platform for amplifying student voice, creativity, and content understanding through multimedia projects. Using grade-level standards, teachers will design a ready-to-implement digital project that promotes creativity, collaboration, and meaningful learning. By the end of the session, participants will leave with classroom-ready resources, and a completed project they can use during the upcoming school year.
Please bring your laptop.

Ozobots are powerful classroom tools because they turn lessons into memorable, hands-on learning experiences that engage students of all ages and abilities—students program small, portable robots with color-coded paths to practice skills like phonics, vocabulary, and problem-solving rather than passively completing worksheets. Beyond student engagement, Ozobots are easy to store and set up, supported by standards-aligned lesson libraries and teacher guides, and useful for formative assessment through observation of student-created tracks and programs. The session covers Ozobot basics (how they work and color coding), where to find and adapt high-quality lesson plans, practical cross-curricular activity examples, classroom management and differentiation strategies, and hands-on demos and troubleshooting so teachers leave with concrete, classroom-ready strategies to integrate Ozobots and boost engagement and learning.

Google Vids is a powerful classroom tool that turns traditional presentations into engaging, visually appealing videos students enjoy creating. Built in the familiar Google Workspace format, it is easy for students—even as early as 3rd grade—to learn and use confidently. In this course, teachers will learn the basics of Google Vids by creating their own 2026–27 school year introduction video while exploring ways students can use video to share learning through creativity, storytelling, and collaboration.