Quick answer
If you are an elementary or middle school educator seeking flexible, self-paced training, the littleBits Self-Guided Professional Development course is a practical starting point for building confidence with littleBits in STEAM instruction.
Why self-guided PD matters for STEM teachers
Scheduled workshops and live webinars don't always fit a teacher's calendar. Self-guided professional development lets you learn on your own time, revisiting modules as needed. For Sphero Edu users, this approach can be especially helpful when you are integrating new robotics kits or coding activities mid-year.
Trade-offs to consider
Self-guided courses lack live Q&A and peer interaction, which some teachers find valuable for troubleshooting. You also need self-discipline to complete the modules without a fixed schedule. However, the flexibility often outweighs these drawbacks for busy educators.
Decision rules for self-guided PD
- Assess your schedule: If you have irregular prep periods or after-school commitments, self-guided PD lets you learn in short bursts without advance registration.
- Check your comfort with independent learning: Self-guided courses require you to work through content without a facilitator. If you prefer guided instruction, consider a live workshop instead. Reflect on your past experience with online courses to gauge fit.
- Align with your classroom needs: Focus on a course that matches your grade level and device setup. The littleBits course targets elementary and middle school STEAM classrooms. Verify the course covers the specific littleBits kit you plan to use.
Product facts
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littleBits Self-Guided Professional Development: The littleBits Self-Guided Professional Development Course is a 6-hour online course for elementary and middle school educators. You can complete it in segments over several days, fitting training around your teaching schedule.
littleBits Self-Guided Professional Development
Who should choose self-guided PD
Best for
- Teachers with unpredictable schedules who need on-demand training
- Educators already familiar with littleBits who want a structured refresher
Not ideal for
- Teachers who rely on live Q&A and peer collaboration to stay engaged
- Schools requiring a fixed training calendar with facilitator support
