STEM & STEAM

Massachusetts SD Debuts Learning Studios in Three Schools

• By Yvonne Marquez
• 11/18/19

Sudbury Public Schools recently opened Learning Studios at Noyes, Loring and Nixon Elementary Schools — with a fourth one at Hayes Elementary School in the works. Learning Studios are flexible, technology-focused learning spaces and are part of the Massachusetts school district’s plan to implement innovative, research-based curriculum and educational practices.

The Learning Studios offer students collaborative, hands-on learning experiences with an emphasis on coding and computer science. Students and staff can now access more G Suite tools and other technology in the spaces.

At Loring, third grade students designed their own carnival games, while working together, thinking critically and using a new interactive panel display. Third and fourth grade students used whiteboard easels and tables to solve math problems and shared their thinking on Chromebooks. Students have also used the studio’s green screen to make informative videos.

At Noyes, students are exploring coding and solving puzzles created by their teachers to deepen their understanding of key concepts.

“With the creation of the collaborative, open and well-outfitted space, our teachers have been freed to take risks and stretch learning to a whole new level,” said Noyes Assistant Principal Kristin Moffat in a press release. “Teachers have expressed their joy at a space that is so flexible and easy to use. They are thrilled with the coding materials provided to assist with students’ technology engineering standards and are relieved to have a space that can serve so many functions for their class and their grade level.”

In addition, Sudbury Public Schools expanded professional development opportunities to include Google-specific programming and other dedicated technology workshops for teachers to support the studios.