Course Description

The course focuses on hands-on learning, providing participants with practical skills to use various digital tools and hardware to foster students‘ computational thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Through a series of workshops, participants will explore how to make STEM subjects more engaging and accessible for students of different ages.

Target Audience

• Teachers (primary and secondary education), teacher trainers, ICT coordinators, and school staff interested in STEAM education, any person interested in education with coding and robotics. So course is not exclusive to the teachers or informatics teachers, it is open to everyone. The course is built around the collective sharing of participants’ experiences and having a variety of profiles.
• Targeted to Intermediate English (B1+) speakers.

Course date and times

• 20 July 2026 – 24 July 2026
• Each day from 9:00 to 14:00
• We will confirm the course as soon as the minimum number of participants is reached.

Location

Bratislava, Slovakia in the campus of Faculty of informatics and information technology.

Price

400 € – tailored on Erasmus+ budgets

What is included

• All the hardware including notebook – we recommend to bring own notebook. but if necessary we provide also notebook.
• Coffee break and refreshments.
• Two cultural visits in the afternoons (participation is voluntary).

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the basics of block-based programming and physical computing.
• Operate and teach with small educational robots (Ozobots, Sphero).
• Design engineering and coding challenges using Lego Robotics.
• Create interactive stories and games using Scratch.
• Utilize Micro:bit for sensor-based projects and physical computing.
• Develop lesson plans that integrate technology into various subjects.

Daily Programme

Day 1: Introduction to Small Hardware – Ozobots & Sphero

• Introduction to screen-free coding. Participants will learn how to control Ozobots using color codes (markers and paper) to teach basic algorithms and logic. Transition to digital coding using OzoBlockly to program the robots for more complex tasks (loops, light effects, and movement).
• Exploration of Sphero robotic balls. Learning to control the robot via the Sphero Edu app using „Draw“, „Blocks“, and „Text“ modes. Participants will design a maze and program Sphero to navigate it, focusing on geometry, speed, and time variables.

Key takeaway: How to use small, portable robots to introduce coding concepts in a fun and tangible way.

Day 2: Engineering and Logic with Lego Robotics

• Introduction to the Lego Education ecosystem (e.g., Spike Prime or EV3). Basics of building and connecting motors and sensors.
• Hands-on workshop: „The Robot Challenge.“ Participants will build and program a robot to solve specific problems, such as following a line, detecting obstacles, or moving objects. Focus on iterative design, debugging code, and collaborative problem-solving.

Key takeaway: Understanding the synergy between mechanical engineering and software engineering in a classroom setting.

Day 3: Creative Coding with Scratch

• Introduction to the Scratch interface. Understanding the core concepts of block-based coding: sprites, stages, events, loops, and variables.
• Project-based learning. Participants will create an interactive story, a simple animation, or a game. Discussion on how to use Scratch across the curriculum (e.g., storytelling in languages, coordinate systems in math).

Key takeaway: Mastering the fundamentals of algorithmic thinking and creativity without the need for expensive hardware.

Day 4: Physical Computing with Micro:bit

• Unboxing the BBC Micro:bit. exploring its features (LED matrix, buttons, accelerometer, compass). Writing the first program using the Microsoft MakeCode editor.
• Makerspace projects. Connecting Micro:bit to external objects (fruit pianos, soil moisture sensors, or wearable tech). Participants will work in groups to prototype a solution for a real-world problem using the Micro:bit.

Key takeaway: Bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds; understanding inputs, outputs, and sensors.

Day 5: Advanced Micro:bit Projects – From Tamagotchi to Smart Gardening

• Digital Pets: Creating a „Tamagotchi“ style digital pet. Participants will learn how to program the Micro:bit to simulate a pet that requires feeding and playing. This session focuses on using variables to track status (hunger, happiness), conditional logic (if/else), and using the LED matrix for animations.
• Smart Nature): Buildin a smart plant monitoring system. Participants will use the Micro:bit to measure soil moisture levels using nails or alligator clips as sensors. The project will involve coding the device to display a „thirsty“ icon or trigger a servo motor/pump to water the plant automatically when the soil is dry.

Key takeaway: Applying coding skills to create functional, real-world prototypes and introduction to IoT (Internet of Things) concepts.

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Abou Aj Ty v IT – the organizer of the course

Aj Ty v IT is a leading Slovak non-profit organization established in 2012 with a clear mission: to motivate, educate, and empower girls and women in the field of information technology. Over the past decade, we have grown into a highly recognized and credible authority in tech education across Slovakia.

Why choose our training?

• Proven Expertise: Since our founding, we have successfully trained thousands of participants, ranging from primary school students to adult professionals and educators.
• National Reach & Impact: We collaborate closely with the Ministry of Education, top technical universities, and global tech companies (such as Google, Microsoft, and Accenture) to ensure our programs meet the highest industry standards.
• Expert Trainers: Our courses are led by seasoned professionals and educators who specialize in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and innovative pedagogical approaches.
• Award-Winning Approach: We are recognized for our unique methodology in making technology accessible, inclusive, and engaging. Our work has been featured in numerous European forums as a best-practice example of closing the digital gender gap. In 2020 and in 2025 we received national nomination for the UNESCO Prize for Girls‘ and Women’s Education.