Small Moments Build Big Futures: Inclusive STEM, Coding, and Hands-On Learning with Kai’s Education - TEC100

<p>What happens when coding stops being a separate technology activity and becomes a tool for learning math, literacy, science, collaboration, and problem-solving?</p><p>In this episode of the <strong>TechEd Clubhouse Podcast</strong>, I’m joined by <strong>Ronel Schodt and Bruce Jackson from Kai’s Education</strong> in Auckland, New Zealand. We explore how hands-on robotics, screen-free coding, Python, virtual environments, and inclusive design can create more accessible entry points into computer science and STEM learning.</p><p>Bruce and Ronel share the story behind <strong>KaiBot</strong>, including how a classroom experience with a blind student changed the direction of their work. Their coding cards now provide tactile, audio-supported pathways that allow students—including blind and low-vision learners—to engage with sequencing, algorithms, debugging, and text-based coding.</p><p>We also discuss why students should experience concepts before receiving vocabulary, how robotics can shift a child’s identity from “I’m bad at math” to “I can solve this,” and why the most important bug to fix may be the belief that a student is not capable. </p><ul><li>Moving from screen-free coding cards to Blockly and Python</li><li>Designing STEM tools through Universal Design for Learning</li><li>Using robotics across math, literacy, geography, and science</li><li>Creating authentic collaboration through project-based learning</li><li>Why productive struggle matters more than quickly giving students answers</li><li>Helping students develop confidence through genuine wins</li><li>Making coding more accessible to girls and historically excluded learners</li><li>Using failure, iteration, and debugging as essential learning experiences</li><li>Balancing physical, digital, augmented, and virtual learning</li><li>What meaningful student engagement actually looks like</li></ul><p>Before teaching another lesson, identify one student who has already decided they are “not good” at the subject.</p><p>Give that student a challenge they can genuinely solve—not a compliment or an easier worksheet, but a real opportunity to experience success.</p><p>Confidence often grows before competence becomes visible.</p><p>“The biggest bug fix isn’t in the robot. It’s in the belief system.”</p><p>“Small moments create big futures.”</p><p>Students rarely wake up wanting to learn algebra. They want to build, play, explore, and solve something that matters.</p><p>Learn more about KaiBot, KaiLab, the Dragon of Disengagement, and Kai’s Education at <a href="kaiseducation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">kaiseducation.com</a>.</p><p>Contact the team:</p><p><strong>Bruce:</strong><a href=" ⁠bruce@kaiseducation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"> bruce@kaiseducation.com</a><br><strong>General inquiries:</strong> <a href="hello@kaiseducation.com⁠" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">hello@kaiseducation.com</a></p><p>Mention the <strong>TechEd Clubhouse Podcast</strong> when contacting the Kai’s Education team to receive the listener offer discussed during the episode.</p><p>Follow the podcast for more conversations about hands-on learning, project-based instruction, STEM education, creativity, and practical changes teachers can use immediately.</p><p><strong>Tools support the work. Humans lead it.</strong></p><p></p>