Category Archives: Child Development

CSTANE Conference – University of Connecticut – 10/20/2023

Posted on October 20, 2023 by JohnHeffernan

Slides: Joyful Learning – Hands On Tech Teaching PK-18 – CSTANE – University of Connecticut – 10/20/2023 

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Joyful Learning – Teaching Hands On Engineering PK-18 (30 to 260 lbs)

Posted on January 6, 2023 by JohnHeffernan

I recently retired from active K-12 teaching after having taught since 1992 as a third grade classroom teacher, PK-6 tech teacher, and middle/high school engineering, and Computer Science teacher. Although I’ve taught many courses for teachers for the Tufts Center … Continue reading →

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MakerSpace Impact – “create whatever it is you dreamed of”

Posted on January 3, 2023 by JohnHeffernan

Grading finals for UMASS Makerspace in Education course.   This student quote was very powerful, “To reflect, I’ve gained valuable knowledge of the makerspace community and the openness it has for students from all walks of life. I wished I was … Continue reading →

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Teaching K-6 Elementary Engineering with Robotics

Posted on October 17, 2021 by JohnHeffernan

International Journal of Engineering Education Vol. 37, No. 6, pp. 1–19, 2021 It only took 5 years to get this paper through the academic publishing world. It’s basically the main results of my 300 dissertation condensed down to 18 pages. It … Continue reading →

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Coming Soon to a University Library Near You!

Posted on September 23, 2021 by JohnHeffernan

It only took 5 years to get through the academic publishing world. The main results of my 300 dissertation condensed down to 18 pages. Should be relatively readable. Very happy to get it out there. Hopefully, it will help contribute … Continue reading →

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10 Tips For Making K-12 Remote Learning More Engaging

Posted on May 11, 2020 by JohnHeffernan

Due to COVID-19, K12 teachers have been thrust into the role of distance learning teachers without much training or guidance into the unique challenges and rewards of teaching online (versus face-to-face). Also, teachers are using Google Classroom, which not really … Continue reading →

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Optimal Engineering Constraints In Open-ended Learning Experiences

Posted on November 26, 2019 by JohnHeffernan

I became interested in the determination of optimal engineering constraints in open-ended learning experiences when adapting a spaghetti bridge project, that I had previously taught online to elementary teachers,  to middle and high school engineering students. When I initially did … Continue reading →

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Interview From PBS Connecting Point

Posted on August 8, 2018 by JohnHeffernan
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LEGO Education Master Educator Meet Up with Mitch Resnick

Posted on June 25, 2018 by JohnHeffernan

I was recently honored to be named a LEGO Education Master Educator (and an advisor to the group).   We met recently in Chicago for a day long event.  I got to chat a bit and hear the keynote from … Continue reading →

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Two Speeds at Once

Posted on December 8, 2017 by JohnHeffernan

This photo shows one of the common issues I see with our grade 6 make your own dragster project.  Frequently, kids try to have different wheels on the same car go at two different speeds at the same time.  Not … Continue reading →

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