March Break Camps

MineCoders

Register for this camp      View camp brochure

The STEAM-3D Maker Lab is excited to offer a fun-filled virtual March break camp that enables students to explore and code online with Minecraft! Campers will:

• explore coding through Minecraft;
• develop global competencies and important socio-emotional skills (such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity);
• participate in student-centered approaches to teaching and learning (such as constructivism, constructionism, project- and problem-based learning, and critical making);
• construct knowledge by working on projects and creating with digital tools.

For descriptions of terms included above, see the MineCoders March Break Camp 2021 Request for Consent form.

Sessions

Administrative information

• Technology requirements

  Online learning requirements:

  • Computer or tablet with internet access
  • Stable internet or data connection
  • Microphone
  • Webcam
  • Audio device (examples: speakers, headphones/earbuds, headset)

  Camp software requirements*:

  • Google Meet
  • Minecraft: Education Edition

  *Note: Links to download these apps will be provided before camp begins.

• Registration

  You can register for the MineCoders camp online by clicking the "Register for this camp" button at the top of the page. If you need an alternate format of this form, please contact steam3d@ontariotechu.net.  

  To register, you will need to provide the following information: 

  • the parent/guardian name(s) and contact information for each camper;
  • your child's relevant medical information;
  • an emergency contact.

  Note

  Additional information about registration is included on the registration form. It is your responsibility to read and understand all of the information on the registration form before submission.

• Research participation

  The Faculty of Education is committed to engaging in ongoing research related to education.  For this reason, the STEAM-3D Maker Lab asks that campers participate in Ontario Tech University Research Ethics Board approved research (REB #15-094) connected to the activities in this March Break Camp.  

  Participation in the research component of this camp is entirely optional and students will not be penalized in any way if they do not participate. 

  The goal of this research is to evaluate the impact of production pedagogies, or those teaching/learning methods that rely on the process of creating and collaborating as learning, while enabling students to explore and code online with Minecraft and develop global competencies and important socio-emotional skills, including communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. Research activities include:

  • Presurveys;
  • Focus groups or open-ended interviews;
  • Observation of camp activities.

  See the MineCoders March Break Camp 2021 Request for Consent form for more information.

  Note

  Additional information about the research and the option to participate (e.g. task descriptions, potential risks) are included on the MineCoders March Break Camp 2021 Request for Consent form. It is your responsibility to read and understand all of the information on the MineCoders March Break Camp 2021 Request for Consent form before submission.

• Photo/Video consent

  Photos and video may be taken during camp which may be used for various purposes, including but not limited to marketing materials. For this reason, parents/guardians of campers can complete the Photo/Video Release form to give the University permission to take and use photos and videos.

  By providing consent on the Photo/Video Release section of the registration form, you give Ontario Tech permanent permission to:

  • take photos & video of the camper;
  • use all photos & video taken for marketing, promotion and advertising in various ways (e.g. brochures, website, ads)
  • fully own and edit all photos & video taken
  • use all photos & video taken without need for approval from you of its use or how it is used
  • not be prevented from using all photos & video taken

  Note

  Additional information about photo/video consent is included on the Photo/Video Release form and registration form. It is your responsibility to read and understand all of the information before submission of the registration form.

• Expectations of campers

  Camp Rules of Conduct

  This camp has "Rules of Conduct" that all campers, staff and volunteers follow so everyone can have a fun and safe program experience. Campers who cannot consistently follow camp rules will be removed from the camp.

  1. Always be polite. Abusive or profane language is not permitted. Bullying is not tolerated.
  2. Respect one another. Use positive words.
  3. Listen to all leaders and try as hard as possible to do what they ask.
  4. Come to camp ready to participate! Campers will have the option to turn webcams on and will be encouraged to communicate via voice and text chat to create an interactive learning community.
  5. Raise hand to notify instructors should you need to go to the washroom or get a drink.
  6. To avoid background noise, please always put yourself on mute while you are not speaking.
  7. Be respectful when using OTU or STEAM-3D Maker lab online apps or software and do NOT share user ID's or passwords
  8. Have fun! Help others have fun by participating with them.

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