Recent articles
Gamify any lesson, class or curriculum
02/07/2019
Topics: Gamification, Gaming
I’m not a gamer, never even owned a console. That's probably why I'd never been very interested in game-based learning and was not excited last spring when I found myself sitting in a…
Game Day: Playful PD for teachers and students
11/15/2016
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Digital Citizenship, Digital storytelling, Gamification, Literacies, Makerspaces, professional learning, Robotics, Standards, STEM & STEAM
Much like school itself, professional development days are often regarded as a waste of instructional time. But what if PD days could be fun and effective for both teachers and students?…
5 steps to get started with ISTE's new student standards
10/21/2016
Topics: 1:1, Digital Citizenship, Gamification, professional learning, Standards
The 2016 ISTE Standards for Students offer exciting opportunities for the future of education and the changing landscape of student learning. Standard 1: Empowered Learner encapsulates the importance of…
6 Minecraft lessons offer a motherlode of learning
01/21/2016
Topics: Gamification, STEM & STEAM
News that Microsoft is buying MinecraftEdu and beefing up the classroom version of the insanely popular game got us thinking about all the great ways educators use…
Infographic: Make your learning fun and games
12/21/2015
Topics: Gamification, Gaming, ISTE Conference & Expo
This is an updated version of a post that was originally published on June 30, 2015.
Game-based learning is moving into the mainstream as more platforms become available and more educators recognize the benefits of increased student engagement and achievement. On top of…
Gamify your classroom and empower students
12/01/2015
Topics: Gamification, Gaming
Games are a popular — and effective — classroom tool. Educators can use them to immerse kids in content, assess learning and modify behavior. They can teach life skills, such as collaboration and…
Game-based learning takes the sting out of failure
11/12/2015
Topics: Gamification, Gaming
Embedding game-based learning into the curriculum is a playful way to help students embrace the idea of failing forward.
Not only do games present failure as a challenge to…
Learn something new with the ISTE Professional Learning Series
10/16/2015
Topics: Advocacy, Curriculum, Digital Citizenship, Digital storytelling, Gamification, Project-based learning, STEM & STEAM, Tools
Ready to learn something new? Expand your digital toolkit and explore new ideas for learning and teaching with the latest season of the ISTE Professional Learning Series. Presented by members for members, these free web events deliver new ideas and strategies right to your computer so you can…
Get in the game: Winning isn't the only goal with classroom games
10/01/2015
Topics: Gamification, Gaming
School isn’t fun when you’re failing. However, failure is part of learning, so every student needs to learn how to fail positively and find ways to use the…
Start your own online student competition
09/25/2015
Topics: Gamification, STEM & STEAM
Students are easy to get engaged. Many will watch videos and play games online all day long when given the chance. Getting them to create meaningful products rather than just mindlessly consuming, however, can sometimes be a challenge.
One way to inspire even the most reluctant…