Gallery of
Learning
This interactive page showcases my educational journey this semester through a curated photo gallery and highlights of my two W200 service learning experiences. The visual narrative documents my academic growth and key learning moments, while the service showcase demonstrates how I applied classroom concepts to address real community needs. Together, these elements illustrate the powerful connection between theory and practice, revealing how meaningful engagement enhances both personal development and community impact.
The STEM Bus field experience was an interactive, hands-on learning opportunity where students explored science, technology, engineering, and math through engaging, mobile exhibits and experiments
W200 STEM Bus
February, 2025
My participation in the W200 STEM Bus program at Arlington Elementary School was an incredibly rewarding hands-on learning opportunity. Working alongside dedicated educators, I helped fourth-grade students explore coding concepts through Bee-Bot robots, organizing student groups and guiding them through programming challenges. Despite managing a diverse classroom of over 20 students, including several with special needs, our teaching team created an engaging and supportive environment where every child could participate and succeed. Drawing from my Early Childhood Education associate degree background, I applied classroom management techniques that fostered collaboration and maintained positive energy throughout the sessions. This experience reinforced my passion for STEM education while allowing me to witness firsthand how technological literacy can spark curiosity and confidence in young learners.
The interview with Lori Normandin, a retired school social worker, provided valuable insights into the evolving role of technology in education and the importance of building strong, supportive relationships with students.
W200 Interview with
Lori Normandin
My interview with Lori Normindan, a dedicated school social worker who previously served as my own middle school guidance counselor, provided invaluable insights into the evolving role of technology in educational psychology and student support. During our engaging 30-minute conversation, Lori shared her firsthand experiences navigating the transition from handwritten notes to digital interventions, highlighting how technology both challenges and enhances student mental health support. Her perspectives on everything from AAC devices for non-verbal students to the social-emotional impacts of screen time reinforced my belief in the importance of balancing technological tools with genuine human connection. What made this experience particularly meaningful was seeing how Lori's compassionate approach to meeting students "where they're at" has remained consistent throughout her career, while her methods have adapted to incorporate new technologies. Her enthusiasm for my virtual reality mindfulness project and emphasis on early intervention for social-emotional development has inspired me to continue exploring innovative ways to support student wellbeing through thoughtfully designed technology solutions.
