Before we get started, I just wanted to mention that the Vintage Innovation Master Coruse is only $29.99 (the retail price is $110.00). If you want to take advantage of this discount, it will be available until Sunday night. You can also find the book here. The Power of Low-Tech Games When people hear the term game-based learning, they often picture students staring at computer screens while navigating elaborate virtual worlds. Or perhaps a lone student staring into a VR headset in isolation....
9 days ago • 3 min read
Throughout this summer, I've been doing a series called Low Tech Learning. The title might seem odd for someone who loves technology and teaches educational technology classes. I study technology in-depth as a researcher and an educator. I'm in classrooms all the time, and I'm constantly talking to teachers. I see technology as a powerful tool. I love how we can use AI as a study tool for deeper learning and retention. I love how we can use technology to create blogs, podcasts, and...
13 days ago • 1 min read
In my latest article, I revisit an idea that I explored when generative AI first hit the scene in education. It was at the time when adaptive learning was all the rage and I saw so much hype around the idea that on-demand learning would usher in a new educational era with better engagement and higher student achievement. I share two stories contrasting the messy reality of human-centered personalized learning versus adaptive learning. I explore some of the big misunderstandings that ed tech...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
For years, educational technology has promised to make learning faster, more personalized, and more efficient. On some respect, it has delivered on those promises. But as concerns about screen time and student engagement continue to grow, more educators are rediscovering the value of low-tech learning. In my latest article, I share a story of a teacher embracing low-tech strategies, a reflection on Barnes and Noble, and then six advantages of low-tech options. This isn’t a call to abandon...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
To my core, I believe that empowered teachers empower students. If schools want to promote student voice and choice in learning, they need to provide teachers with the same agency and autonomy in their professional learning. With the summer approach, I want to share 16 ways that teachers can own their professional learning. It's a blog post I wrote a few years back and I updated it this week when I was presenting at a conference in Hawaii. One of the places I like to start is with the...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
This week, I’m doing something different with my blog and my podcast. I’ve compiled a list of the most common questions I get about AI when I’m teaching courses and leading professional development on the topic. It's essentially a Q&A article and podcast episode. Read the Full Article You can find the full article here. If you find it helpful, please consider sharing it out on social media. Listen to the Podcast You can also listen to my latest podcast episode by subscribing to the Creative...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
If you have followed my blog for any amount of time, you’ll know that I am a huge proponent of project based learning (or PBL for short). I have a PBL hub with articles and resources you can access. I conduct PBL workshops, keynotes, and coaching. As a classroom teacher, I embraced PBL and now, as a professor, I continue to use PBL within my work with pre-service teachers. To my core, I believe in the power of project based learning to help students learn and retain the content at a deeper...
2 months ago • 5 min read
For the last year or so, I have seen a backlash against screen time. Schools are banning smart phones and doing audits relating to screen time. I've seen schools second guess programmed adaptive learning curriculum and recognize the distinction between screen-based, algorithm-centered adaptive learning and genuine personalized learning based on a notion of deeper learning: Note that this type of authentic personalized learning is inherently human-driven, even if it's messy and at times more...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Lately, I've seen a resurgence in the push toward more traditional, explicit instruction. Much of this seems to be a rightful reaction to an over-reliance on screens and to the challenges of students who can't seem to focus. However, I actually think the deep challenges we face require deeper learning centered on authenticity and challenge. And one of the best ways they can develop this depth advantage is through project-based learning. Note that quality PBL includes many of the so-called...
3 months ago • 4 min read