User:Stemtrainer/sandbox/TechPlayzone
| Founded | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Draft:Deshjuana Bagley Daryl Bagley, Sr. |
| Type | Science and technology education center |
| Focus | STEM education |
| Location | |
Area served | Tampa Bay area |
| Method | Hands-on learning, Virtual reality, Robotics, Computer science, Drones, 3D printing |
| Website | techplayzone |
TechPlayzone is a science and technology education center founded in 2005 in Florida that specializes in hands-on STEM education for children and youth. The organization was established to make science education engaging and accessible through interactive learning experiences.[1]
History
[edit]Founding
[edit]TechPlayzone was founded in 2005 by Desh Bagley, a computer science graduate from the University of South Florida, and her husband Daryl Bagley,Sr. who held a computer science degree from Texas A&M University.[1] The center was designed as an original educational concept rather than a franchise, with Bagley stating that TechPlayzone "is an original concept...not a franchise."[2]
Bagley described the school's founding philosophy as creating a facility that "is age appropriate and follows the education standards taught in the schools," but emphasized that "we take it a step higher."[2]
Early operations
[edit]The organization began operations from a facility located at 13208 Boyette Road in the Brandon/Riverview area of Hillsborough County, Florida.[3] By 2011, TechPlayzone had been operating in the community since 2006 and was described as "just a computer-dotted, after-school-can facility" that had grown significantly in scope and impact.[3]
A 2005 description of the facility captured the early atmosphere: students whose "feet dangled from the computer chairs" as "their small hands barely fit over the mouse," demonstrating the organization's focus on early-age STEM education.[4]
Adaptation and Virtual Reality Transition
[edit]During the COVID-19 pandemic, TechPlayzone underwent a significant transformation, embracing virtual reality and metaverse technologies. The organization adapted its programming to include virtual reality camps using platforms like FrameVR by Virbela, where students could meet and collaborate in virtual environments without traditional video conferencing tools like "Zoom," "Teams," or "Google Hangouts."[5]
During the pandemic, founder Desh Bagley hosted a robotics tournament for 50 Florida FIRST Lego League teams on the Virbela virtual reality platform, introducing over 600 participants to the metaverse.[5] Bagley also organized virtual robotics championships during the worldwide pandemic, demonstrating innovative approaches to maintaining STEM competition during challenging times.[6]
Programs and services
[edit]Educational offerings
[edit]TechPlayzone offers various educational programs designed for different age groups and learning objectives:
After-school programs The organization provides "theme-based, age-appropriate programs for children ages 6 weeks to prekindergarten, an after school program and is voluntary pre-kindergarten provider."[1] Programs focus on hands-on science and technology education, with activities including building and programming robots, creating video games, and learning web design.[1]
Students engage in practical programming activities where they "are making video games using programming languages such as Scratch, Alice and Game Maker."[1]
Technology camps TechPlayzone offers "homeschooling classes during the day" and hosts technology camps during winter and summer breaks.[2] During the pandemic, the organization pioneered virtual reality camps where "2nd-6th grade campers learned engineering and design skills by creating their own virtual worlds" and collaborated "in Roblox and in Minecraft to create simple machines and automations."[5]
Scout programs The organization provides specialized programs where "Scout troops can earn their merit badges, pins or loops by participating in weekly workshops." These programs are "open to the public, Monday through Friday, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturdays are available for birthday parties and group events."[2]
Fee structure Workshop fees ranged from "$10 to $15 per workshop participant," with "accompanying adults are admitted free."[3]
Curriculum focus
[edit]The center's programs emphasize practical application of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts through hands-on experimentation and discovery. The educational approach integrates technology with traditional scientific concepts, encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking skills to prepare students for future careers in STEM fields.[4]
Competitive robotics program
[edit]TechPlayzone sponsors teams in the FIRST Lego League (FLL) competition. The organization sponsors "two FLL robotics teams including the champion Techno Whizards and a rookie team, the Programming Thunderbots."[7][8]
For the fourth consecutive year as of 2013, TechPlayzone partnered with Hillsborough Community College (Brandon Campus) and FLATE (Florida Advanced Technological Center) to host qualifying FLL robotics tournaments. These events attracted "more than 200 elementary and middle school students from Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Bradenton counties" to the HCC-Brandon campus.[8]
The organization's teams achieved notable success, with the Techno Whizards winning "the championship award at Rushe Middle School in Pasco County" and the Programming Thunderbots taking "home the award for Best Robot performance" at a qualifying tournament at Middleton High School.[7]
Current status and leadership
[edit]As of 2025, TechPlayzone continues to operate, offering "Robotics, Game Design, Engineering, Science, 3D Printing, STEM, and Animation for Kids" along with "Homeschooling Classes and Afterschool Enrichment, and Summer Camp for Kids."[5]
Founder Desh Bagley has expanded her role in STEM education beyond TechPlayzone. As of 2025, she serves as "Director of Learner Engagement & Leadership for the National Collaborative for Digital Equity and Executive Director of the State College of Florida's Advanced Technology Center." She is also "the 2022 XR Women Real Impact Award recipient, international STEM advocate, TEDx presenter."[9] Bagley has been recognized as a national STEM educator and thought leader for XR technology.[10]
Recognition and awards
[edit]TechPlayzone received significant recognition within the local business community as a "Brandon Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year finalist in 2008 and 2009."[3] The organization was featured prominently in local media coverage highlighting its innovative educational approaches and contributions to youth STEM education in the Tampa Bay area.
The organization's innovative approach to STEM education during the pandemic, particularly its pioneering use of virtual reality platforms for educational programming, garnered attention in the broader educational technology community.[5]
Educational philosophy
[edit]TechPlayzone was founded on the principle that science education should be engaging and accessible to all children. The organization's approach emphasizes making science "cool" for young learners through hands-on experimentation and discovery, integration of technology with traditional scientific concepts, and encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking skills to prepare students for future careers in STEM fields.[4]
Bagley's educational philosophy centers on the belief that the facility "is age appropriate and follows the education standards taught in the schools," while taking the learning experience "a step higher" through innovative and engaging teaching methods.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Nadine Parlapiano (October 15, 2008). "TechPlayzone makes learning about science cool". The Tampa Tribune. Tampa, Florida. p. 361.
- ^ a b c d e "continued - small biz awards". The Tampa Tribune. Tampa, Florida. October 15, 2008. p. 362.
- ^ a b c d Barbara Bouten (May 18, 2011). "Cutting-edge TechPlayzone hosts open house". The Tampa Tribune. Tampa, Florida. p. 66.
- ^ a b c Helen Anne Travis (December 23, 2005). "Caution: Brains, hands at work". Tampa Bay Times. St. Petersburg, Florida. p. 73.
- ^ a b c d e "TechPlayzone - Summer Camp, Workshops, Training". TechPlayzone. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
- ^ West Florida Robotics (May 21, 2021). "FIRST LEGO League 2021 Florida State Championship". YouTube. Retrieved 02:54, Friday, August 1, 2025 (UTC).
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=(help) - ^ a b "FIRST Lego League Tourneys Set Stage for Regional Competition". Brandon, FL Patch. December 18, 2012.
- ^ a b Tamas Mondovics (January 6, 2013). "Florida's First Lego League Robotics Teams Compete For Regional Bids". Osprey Observer.
- ^ "Thrive in 2025". XR Women. Retrieved 02:54, Friday, August 1, 2025 (UTC).
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=(help); Text "Sponsor & Empower" ignored (help) - ^ AWE XR (January 3, 2022). "AWE USA 2022 - Keynotes Day 3". YouTube. Event occurs at 38:01. Retrieved 02:54, Friday, August 1, 2025 (UTC).
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=(help)
External links
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