Not Yet updated for 2014 Season
There are two areas that rookie coaches generally ask for help with…
1) Introduction to LEGO Mindstorms equipment
2) Introduction to Coaching a FIRST LEGO League team
If you are a rookie coach and would like some help “getting started”… below are some resources and some upcoming training dates.
Generally, FLL coaches should possess the following abilities: the desire to explore side-by-side with students, good communication skills, prioritizing skills, and multitasking skills. The coach’s role is to facilitate instruction and optimize the learning experience of the team members by allowing independent thought. Direct adult involvement or intervention during the problem-solving process is strongly discouraged. Coaches handle all the operational details: where and when to meet, organizing help for snacks, team costumes, etc.
Coaches do not need technical expertise but should be willing to help find resources (via a mentor or online or access to books) to help with basic skills knowledge of the team members. As leader of an FLL registered team, the coach will have access to robot kits, team challenge kits, software and building instructional manuals from FLL.
1) Introduction to LEGO Mindstorms equipment (for Coaches)
There are multiple resources including many books and online resources. We would recommend the following:
http://www.ortop.org/NXT_Tutorial/index.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0vqZQMF0A4
Also, we like nxtprograms.com as Dave has both building and programming instructions for each model.
The educational version of Mindstorms has a tutorial built-in on the right that leads you to an understanding of all of the equipment.
Also, here are some additional mini-challenges: http://webclass.superquest.net/sboost/lessonscurriculum/index.htm
In addition, to faciliate Q&A and directed help to true rookie coaches that would like some more help, Mark will be holding a “NXT-G Software Overview” webinar for COACHES and MENTORS only – not team members…. 7:30-9:30pm on the following dates: TBD for 2011
2) Introduction to Coaching a FIRST LEGO League team
FIRST hosts conference calls on a regular basis
Upcoming & recorded call info: http://www.firstlegoleague.org/what-is-fll/twocol.aspx?id=251
Also, several FLL partner sites have material [See weblinks off of the norcalfll.org site]
Finally, Mark and/or I will be holding a webinar to cover an overview of the FLL season overview and coaching for rookie
COACHES and MENTORS only – not team members. 7:30-9:30pm on the following dates: TBD for 2011
Finally, if there is sufficient interest, we might be able to also hold a face to face workshop in August/September on a weekend day.
Let Mark or I (fll @ playingatlearning.org) know if you are interested in this option and which (or both) of the two “types” of training.