Recent articles
Teach kids computer science through design and inquiry
12/04/2017
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Gaming, Robotics
I first discovered computer science (CS) and coding more than 20 years ago while completing my undergraduate work. Little did I know that one day CS would be the …
3 powerful words can unlock computer science success
11/07/2017
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Gaming, Robotics
I was reminded recently of the three powerful words that capture the everyday miracles of learning and teaching. It happened as my sixth graders were just beginning to create ordered and unordered lists during their first lessons in HTML. All at once, I heard a chorus of voices exclaim…
Learning happens in a zigzag and that's OK
06/24/2017
Topics: Assistive and adaptive technologies, Augmented reality, Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Digital Citizenship, Digital storytelling, Gamification, Gaming, ISTE Conference & Expo, Literacies, Makerspaces, Personalized Learning, professional learning, Project-based learning, Robotics, STEM & STEAM
Jad Abumrad is quick to say he doesn’t feel comfortable giving educators advice, and yet his career in radio touches on many topics educators are familiar with.
Tinkering. Curiosity. Messy experiences. Failing forward. Transformation.
Abumrad, host and creator…
Artificial intelligence has infiltrated our lives. Can it improve learning?
06/14/2017
Topics: 1:1, Assessment, Assistive and adaptive technologies, Augmented reality, BYOD, Computational Thinking, Curriculum, Gamification, Gaming, Makerspaces, Mobile learning, Personalized Learning, professional learning, Project-based learning, Robotics, STEM & STEAM, Technology infrastructure, Tools
When third grade teacher Brad Upshaw brought an Amazon Echo into his classroom, students spotted it immediately. Like reporters at a press conference, they swarmed the device and began shouting out questions.
“It was plugged in behind my…
Coding in the classroom with real-world learning
06/01/2017
Topics: 1:1, BYOD, Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Curriculum, Flipped learning, Literacies, Mobile learning, Online learning, professional learning, Robotics, STEM & STEAM
The Innovator Solutions section includes contributions from corporate sponsors and advertisers representing education organizations, businesses, policy-making bodies and other influencers dedicated to transforming education.
Today’s students need to prepare…
Aaron Sams: Chase something interesting at ISTE 2017
05/04/2017
Topics: Assistive and adaptive technologies, Augmented reality, Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Digital Citizenship, Digital storytelling, Gamification, Gaming, Literacies, Makerspaces, Personalized Learning, professional learning, Project-based learning, Robotics, STEM & STEAM
Many of our presenters come to the ISTE Conference & Expo for the same reason that other attendees come: They love the engagement, learning from peers and electric atmosphere.
…
Uncommon core: Refining key practices through STEM
05/01/2017
Topics: Robotics, Standards, STEM & STEAM
Innovator Solutions highlights contributions from corporate sponsors and advertisers representing education organizations, businesses, policy-making bodies and other influencers dedicated to transforming education.
Leonardo da Vinci once said that “simplicity is the…
Use badges to create self-paced learning experiences
04/21/2017
Topics: 1:1, Assistive and adaptive technologies, Augmented reality, BYOD, Computational Thinking, Curriculum, Gamification, Gaming, Makerspaces, Mobile learning, Personalized Learning, professional learning, Project-based learning, Robotics, STEM & STEAM, Technology infrastructure, Tools
Awarding badges is more than a way to recognize student accomplishments. For educator Michele Haiken, badges also offer a way to give students a self-paced learning experience.
“I looked to my gaming experience and I borrowed the idea of badging as I re-examined my curriculum…
6 reasons for coding in K-5 classrooms
12/08/2016
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Robotics, STEM & STEAM
In many districts, students still get their first introduction to computer science and coding in middle school or high school. That timing, argues John Pearce, is all wrong.
“If you start computer science in K-5, students don’t have set ideas about what they are or aren…
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?…