While the world is affected by COVID-19 lockdowns and physical distancing, online communication and its content are growing. For many it is the only way to stay in contact with friends, family, and colleagues. The goal is to work together and to show that something is happening in times when it is essential to share social proximity to respect distance rules. Thus, media usage has increased worldwide since the corona virus spread to all continents. 45% of people spend more time on messaging services such as WhatsApp, Facebook, etc. and, according to Statista, 67% see more news coverage.

In the meantime, the educational sector has had to react to closures and the abandonment of personal activities. For many responsible institutions like schools and learning centres or persons like teachers, students and parents, it is challenging to find a way to adapt to the individual situations of the learners.

In the field of STE(A)M education, many activities for children have been put online in Germany. The German STEM Alliance, including more than 50 strong STEM partners, provided online games and educational ideas to promote children’s STEM skills during the corona shutdown. For the first time, these STEM organisations join their educational forces online under the umbrella of the Federal Ministry of Research and Education.

Our STEAMonEdu partner Helliwood media & education participates in the STEM Alliance with coding activities, which are offered several times a week in video streams for children. They also provide many videos about artificial intelligence and future skills and gave teachers tips for remote learning.

Currently, German pupils can participate in the Blockhelden award of the Code Your Life initiative, where groups can code together in the digital world of Minecraft Education. The aim of the award is to promote the students’ ideas for innovative solutions to pandemic crises. The best ideas will be awarded at the end of June.

By Helliwood media & education

Featured image – Greenwall video shoot at Helliwood media & education