Communities of Practice

CU Science Discovery is excited to be launching a NEW Communities of Practice program! These communities of educators meet regularly online, exploring the use of innovative tools and technology. During these online sessions, educators will be able to hear and share tips, lessons, and creative ways to incorporate tools and technology into their classrooms or education spaces. Whether you are new to these technologies or a seasoned pro, this community invites you to share, learn and collaborate. Details for the first two Communities of Practice topics are outlined below:

Fall 2024 - Spring 2025

Integrating technology into your classes featuring micro:bit 

Rural Colorado teachers are invited to collaborate and network with other teachers around the state using a versatile STEM tool for your students - the BBC micro:bit! In this virtual Community of Practice, educators will engage in discussion around best practices for integrating new technology into the classroom and be introduced to some easy ways to use the micro:bit. User-friendly and designed for students, the micro:bit has a low barrier to entry and many opportunities for integration across many different STEM disciplines including science, math, and engineering. The micro:bit Community of Practice will culminate in a one-day, in-person gathering in June 2025. Funding is available is available for eligible* rural educators to attend the in-person gathering. Micro:bit sensors will be provided for free to eligible* participants while supplies last. This project is supported by the CU Boulder's Office for Public and Community-Engaged Scholarship.

Benefits to participating:

  • Collaborate and network with educators from across the state.
  • Learn ways to use this versatile tool in subjects from math, science, engineering, computer science, and more.
  • Up to 2 CEU credits available (1 per 10 hours of participation, free for eligible participants, or purchase for $20)
  • Travel stipend to attend an in-person gathering in June 2024 for eligible rural participants*
  • Receive free micro:bit sensors upon meeting minimum attendance requirements

Meeting dates and times:

  • Virtual meetings will take place on the following Wednesdays from 4-5:30pm:
    • October 2, 2024
    • November 6, 2024
    • December 4, 2024
    • January 8, 2025
    • February 5, 2025
    • March 5, 2025
    • April 2, 2025
    • (In-person) June 2025, TBD
  • Zoom link will be sent after application is complete.
  • A meeting invite reminder will be sent to individual registrants prior to each meeting.

*To be eligible for funding to attend the in-person gathering, you must be a rural educator of K-12 students in a rural region of CO and attend at least 5 virtual sessions. Anyone is eligible to participate in the virtual sessions, but to be eligible to receive free micro:bit sensors, you must attend at least 5 sessions and be a rural educator.

Apply to join our Community of Practice here:

Questions: If you're interested in learning more about the Communities of Practice program, please connect with the School and Teacher Programs team via email.