Over Coffee® | Stories And Resources From The Intersection Of Art And Science | Exploring How To Make Steam Work For You

For educator, STEM advocate, entrepreneur and TechPlayzone Founder/CEO Deshjuana Bagley, innovation started with a question. "How can I help my sons see that science, technology, engineering and math relate to their lives--and are really cool?" Desh, a computer scientist, began researching. Ultimately, her answer culminated in the 2005 opening of her Tampa Bay-based educational program. But maybe "educational program" doesn't quite do it justice. TechPlayzone offers young students workshops in robotics, coding, engineering and design skills. Staffers either bring equipment to onsite locations to conduct classes, according to TechPlayzone's website, or teach in virtual space. This past December, TechPlayzone hosted a three-day "Winter Tech Camp" in virtual reality. Students, from second to sixth grade, built their own virtual worlds. And as an educator, Desh is making technology less intimidating for everyone. Among her many roles is that of Director at State College of Florida