The Onramp Program
Community, Creativity, and Coding
The Onramp Program
The Onramp Program is an innovative approach to engaging Idaho students with technology and with their community. We support educators by helping integrate creative projects and coding into the curriculum and by providing opportunities for fun, meaningful projects in classrooms, libraries, and after-school programs.
The Onramp Program is a unique partnership between three Idaho organizations (Boise State, CWI, and IDLA) and the Apple Community Education Initiative.
Boise State’s Onramp Program activities are supported through a collaboration between the Division of Extended Studies and the College of Innovation and Design.
Learn with Onramp
The Onramp Program is a collaborative educational initiative powered by Boise State University, bringing STEAM experiences to a diverse range of learners and educators.
With Onramp, educators will explore each topic as a student, then approach the themes through the lens of classroom application. In teams, they will work to gain confidence in their own skills and connect each project to student needs and grade level curriculum.
Summer Workshops for Educators
Onramp’s Summer Workshops blend student-centered ideas, creative activities, and technology skills to support learning objectives that align with your program and required curriculum.
Each two-day session guides educators through classroom activities, from introduction to implementation. Participants will have time to experience projects as learners and as leaders.
Register for one, two, or all four workshops!
Register by Monday, June 10, 2024.
STEAM & Student Choice
June 17 – 18, 2024
Cultivate learning environments that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration using the power of technology and student choice! Through the lens of the Challenge Based Learning framework, workshop attendees will experience a series of short, choice-based challenges. Participants will explore ways to integrate hands-on science activities and digital technologies through animation and AR, develop projects that support student creativity, and experience innovative ways to discover connections within STEAM fields.
Film & Storytelling
June 20 – 21, 2024
Integrate visual storytelling in the classroom through film and photography to build communication skills and cultural awareness! Participants will engage in a series of guided storytelling activities to build student confidence, increase enthusiasm for learning, and develop a classroom community that supports creativity. Learn how to leverage visual storytelling as an integral part of supporting writing, reading, and listening. In addition, participants will gain a basic understanding of cinematography, editing, and production that can be easily shared in the classroom.
Language & Literacy
June 24 – 25, 2024
Learn dynamic strategies to utilize technology to boost language and literacy skills for diverse student populations! Participants will build a toolkit of practical strategies to utilize technology as they help students build foundational literacy skills. Learn to use accessibility features and apps that encourage students to practice reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Using digital tools, workshop attendees will build an interactive workbook with options for multilingual learners and students who need additional support.
Coding Basics
June 26 – 27, 2024
Use coding in the classroom to build tech skills and practice analytical thinking through hands-on activities and problem-solving challenges! Participants will learn basic coding concepts, practice problem-solving strategies in small groups, and develop activities to prepare students with the skills for success in a digital world. Workshop attendees will learn when and how to connect coding to requirements in the curriculum. From pseudo-code to app development, participants will build their own coding confidence as they dabble in a variety of platforms and projects.
Summer Workshop Details
- Onramp’s summer workshops are free for educators, librarians, program coordinators and school support professionals who serve Idaho students.
- You must register to reserve your seat.
- Space is limited to 20 participants per workshop.
- Each two-day workshop is held from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day with time for a lunch break.
- All workshops are held in person at Boise State University (details will be emailed upon registration)
- Onramp will provide devices and materials for use during class.
- Educators can register for one optional PD credit from Boise State University at the conclusion of the course.
- Questions about the workshops? Contact k12professionaldevelopment@boisestate.edu
About Onramp
Who We Support
- Underserved and underrepresented students in qualifying schools
- Clubs, camps, and after school programs in libraries, schools, and community organizations who provide access and opportunities to support learners
- Teams of educators who want to build integrated programs for students
What We Do
- Travel to your site with equipment and devices
- Present a wide range of STEAM activities and facilitate creativity and coding projects for learners of all ages and abilities
- Collaborate with educators to develop student-centered programs and lead professional development workshops.
K-12 Classroom Presentations and Mobile Lab Projects
Our Mobile Lab program brings iPads, Spheros, and other equipment to your school or classroom for guided coding and creativity experiences that support your curriculum. Learners can explore coding, video production, drawing, animation, app prototyping, and more!
Currently, this program is available for visits within an hour drive from Boise. If you are interested in having the Onramp Program’s Mobile Lab visit your classroom or school, visit the College of Innovation and Design for contact information and request forms.
Professional Development Workshops for Educators
The Onramp Program can work with you and your team to develop school-wide or grade-level projects. Educators work collaboratively with Onramp to identify learning objectives that align with their school mission, culture, and required curriculum. With support from the Onramp team and the Mobile Lab, educators will develop projects using technology (iPads) that focus on using creative tools, introducing coding concepts, and/or addressing community issues. In some cases, your team may be eligible to earn professional development credits or stipends for participating. If you are interested in discussing options for educators, please contact us at onrampprogram@boisestate.edu
Learn more about what other educators have done with the Onramp Program.
Want to learn more about classroom visits?
For more information, email John Kiser, Onramp Program Resources Coordinator at onrampprogram@boisestate.edu.