Navigating the Digital Jungle with Sue Atkins and Friends

STEM, Coding, Creativity, and Cyber Safety: The New Education Frontier

Mar 5, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Caroline Allams, co-founder of NatterHub and an award-winning educator, dives into the pivotal role of STEM and coding in children's education. She shares insights on empowering young digital citizens while emphasizing online safety. The conversation covers practical resources for parents to inspire STEM interest, strategies for managing screen time, and fostering creativity. Allams also highlights the impact of social media on mental health and the importance of collaborating with children to navigate their digital experiences.

46:48

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Episode guests

Caroline Allams

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

STEM education is crucial for children's future success, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and preparing them for a technology-driven world.

Educating children about online safety and encouraging open dialogue are essential for helping them navigate digital risks responsibly.

Deep dives

Understanding STEM Education

STEM education, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, is essential for children's future success as the digital landscape evolves. It is an interdisciplinary approach that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, equipping children with the skills needed to navigate the increasingly technology-driven world. Beyond preparing future scientists and engineers, STEM education focuses on nurturing curiosity and innovative thinking, ensuring that all children, including those traditionally underrepresented in these fields, have the opportunity to thrive. Engaging children in STEM activities prepares them for a variety of careers and helps them adapt to the ever-changing technology surrounding them.

Intro

2min

Empowering Future Innovators: The Role of STEM and Coding

9min

Navigating Digital Realities: Empowering Children Online

22min

Navigating Technology Use with Children: Essential Guidelines

3min

Guiding Children Through the Digital Landscape

4min

Engaging Kids in STEM: Practical Tips for Parents

3min

Engaging Kids in STEM Conversations

4min

Sue Atkins, author of 'Navigating the Digital Jungle,' hosts a discussion with Angeline Corvaglia, creator of 'Data Girl and Friends,' and Caroline Allams, co-founder of NatterHub.

The episode focuses on encouraging children to engage in STEM education while staying safe online by integrating education, creativity, and safety. They discuss the importance of STEM and coding, offering practical resources and tips for parents and educators.

The conversation extends to the impact of social media on children's mental health, digital literacy, and the responsibility of parents in guiding their children through the digital world. Practical advice includes keeping devices out of bedrooms, teaching children about online risks, and starting family STEM challenges.

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by ICT in Education Teacher Academy. Empower your teaching with tech through workshops, resources, and a supportive community. Learn anytime, anywhere. Visit www.ictesolutions.com.au to get started.

00:00 Introduction to Navigating the Digital Jungle

01:26 Understanding STEM and Its Importance

02:55 The World of Coding for Kids

03:46 Resources and Tools for Learning Coding

06:55 Introducing Caroline Allams and NatterHub

07:58 Caroline's Journey and the Birth of NatterHub

11:17 Challenges and Impact of NatterHub

16:03 The Role of Parents and Teachers in Digital Literacy

23:35 The Decline of Offline Hobbies

23:45 Delayed Gratification and Creativity

25:06 The Role of YouTube in Early Education

26:20 Children's Behaviour and Digital Distractions

27:25 The Impact of EdTech on Education

30:12 Digital Literacy and Online Safety

33:58 Practical Tips for Parents

38:57 Encouraging STEM at Home

40:27 Listener Questions and Top Tips

43:35 Conclusion and Resources

Relevant links:

- Code.Org https://code.org/

- Scratch https://scratch.mit.edu/

- MIT Education https://www.k12videos.mit.edu/

- Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/

- Hello Ruby https://www.helloruby.com/

- Python for Kids by Jason Briggs https://jasonrbriggs.com/python-for-kids/

For more information and parent webinars:

- Kodable https://www.kodable.com/

- Yes, One Billion Kids Can Code https://www.yesonebillionkidscancode.org/

- Natterhub https://natterhub.school/

For project ideas:

- NASA https://www.nasa.gov/stem

- Science Buddies https://www.sciencebuddies.org

STEM Institute

https://www.steminstitute.org

Data Girl and Friends

https://data-girl-and-friends.com/

Navigating the Digital Jungle Resources

https://navigatingthedigitaljungle.com/resources

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