Latest education updates from around the world
Best Apps to Create Short Movies
As an edtech blogger with years of experience in reviewing apps, I’ve had the opportunity to explore a wide array of tools designed to enhance creativity and productivity in the realm of education. Among these, video editing apps have stood out as vital tools for both educators and students. The ability to create short movies can be a powerful skill, offering an engaging way to present information, tell stories, and express ideas.
In my journey through the ever-expanding universe of applications, I’ve tested and scrutinized many video editing apps, assessing them for ease of use, functionality, and suitability […]
Best iPad Accessories for Teachers and Students
Throughout my journey in educational technology, both as a former teacher and as a researcher, I’ve encountered a myriad of ways in which iPads are being utilized to enhance the educational experience. From the bustling corridors of schools to the focused atmosphere of workshops, the versatility of the iPad is consistently brought to the forefront. The key, however, lies in outfitting this device with the right accessories to unlock its full potential.
In this post, I’m excited to share a compilation of the best iPad accessories for students, curated through my personal experiences and enriched by the diverse […]
Best iPad Apps for Teachers
As an educator and an edtech enthusiast with years of experience both in the classroom and in reviewing educational technology tools, I’ve always been passionate about finding tools that can transform our teaching and learning experiences.
Through my journey, both as a classroom teacher and an avid edtech blogger, I’ve had the opportunity to explore a multitude of apps. Each one offers unique features and capabilities, and I’ve seen firsthand how the right app can make a significant difference in engaging students, enhancing lessons, and streamlining educational processes.
In this post, I’m excited to share with you a carefully […]
7 Key Steps to Project-Based Learning
Incorporating Project-Based Learning (PBL) in your classroom is a transformative step towards an engaging, real-world educational experience for your students. As educators, we constantly strive to find and apply teaching strategies that go beyond the mere imparting of knowledge to development key skills of critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. PBL is definitely one of those dynamic approaches that you can use in your classroom to achieve these goals.
In this post, we’ll delve into the key steps of implementing PBL effectively in your classroom. From identifying clear learning objectives to the crucial phase of reflection, each step is […]
On Being Wrong – Insights from Kathryn Schulz’s TED Talk
As someone deeply immersed in the world of educational research and technology, I’ve always sought inspiration from various sources to enhance my understanding and approach to teaching and learning. One such source of continual inspiration has been Kathryn Schulz’s TED Talk on the topic of being wrong. I’ve listened to her talk more times than I can count, and each time, I discover new insights that resonate with me.
There’s something about the way Schulz delves into the human experience of error that never fails to captivate me, no matter how often I revisit […]
Best iPad Apps for Creating Interactive eBooks
In today’s digitally-driven educational landscape, interactive ebooks offer a dynamic and engaging way to present information, catering to various learning styles and needs. They can be particularly effective in capturing the attention of students and making learning more immersive. With the right tools, educators, and even students themselves, can create ebooks that are not just informative but also interactive and fun.
In this article, I’ll delve into some of the best apps and platforms for creating interactive ebooks specifically designed for iPads, drawing from both my research and hands-on experience in the field of educational technology.
iPad […]
Steam Link for Quest Brings Significant Visual Improvement Thanks to Supersampling
Valve hasn’t wasted any time in pushing out patches to its recently updated Steam Link function, which lets Quest users wirelessly connect to their PCs to play SteamVR games. Users with particularly great PC setups should expect a “significant improvement” in how PC VR games look on Quest now.
Thanks to SteamVR Beta 2.2.1 update released earlier this week for Steam Link, Quest users now have ‘Advanced Supersample Filtering’, which was released to majorly improve wirelessly streaming video quality when using high supersampling rates.
Supersampling is a technique used to increase the effective resolution of a frame […]
PSA: You Don’t Need Xbox Game Pass to Play ‘Fortnite’ for Free on Quest
Xbox Cloud Gaming finally came to Quest earlier this week, letting Game Pass Ultimate members play the service’s full catalogue of flatscreen games on Quest for the first time. But did you know you don’t actually need any sort of subscription to play Fortnite for free on Quest?
It’s true, all you need to play Fortnite on Quest 2/3/Pro with Xbox Cloud Gaming is a free Microsoft account, that and be in a supported region.
Keep in mind: we’re talking about traditional flatscreen Xbox games played on a virtual screen.
There are a ton of supported regions too that support […]
Best Collaborative Whiteboards for Teachers
With the rise of remote working and learning, the ability to collaborate effectively from different locations has never been more important. Collaborative whiteboards have stepped into this space, offering innovative solutions that transform how we interact, brainstorm, and execute projects across various fields.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the top collaborative whiteboard platforms, including Google Jamboard, Miro, Microsoft Whiteboard, Mural, Conceptboard, Lucidspark, and the Webex App. Each of these tools brings unique features and functionalities, catering to a wide range of collaborative needs.
Benefits of Collaborative Whiteboards
Before delving into the specifics of each platform, let’s consider some […]
The Disruption of AI in CTE Is Real
An ACTE expert panel urges CTE educators to jump on the AI train as it’s already left the station
Best Video Making Apps for iPad
The iPad has emerged as a powerful tool for creative tasks, revolutionizing how we approach activities like writing and video making. Its portability, combined with a range of versatile apps, makes it an ideal choice for creators on the go. To make the most of the iPad, especially for tasks that require precision and ease of use, pairing it with a keyboard is a game-changer. This setup transforms the iPad from a mere tablet into a compact workstation, perfect for detailed creative work.
In this post, we’re diving into the world of video making apps […]
Best Writing Apps for iPad
In the digital age, the iPad has emerged as a versatile tool for writers, blending the portability of a notebook with the advanced functionality of a computer. When paired with a keyboard, the iPad transforms into a powerful writing device, suitable for everything from quick note-taking to drafting entire novels. The key to unlocking its full potential lies in the myriad of writing apps available, each designed to cater to different aspects of the writing process.
Whether you’re a student jotting down lecture notes, a journalist on deadline, or an author meticulously plotting your […]
Excellent Reading Communities for Book Lovers
For avid readers and book enthusiasts, the joy of reading is often amplified by sharing and discussing books with others who share the same passion. In our digital age, this sense of literary community has found new life online, where book lovers from around the world can connect, share recommendations, and discover their next great read.
From the comprehensive cataloging capabilities of Goodreads to the supportive indie ethos of Bookshop, online reading communities offer a diverse array of platforms that cater to every kind of reader. In this post, we’ll explore a variety of these communities, each with […]
Best Voice Over Presentation Apps
In today’s fast-paced digital world, presentations have transcended beyond traditional slides and bullet points. They have become more dynamic, interactive, and engaging, thanks in part to the integration of voiceovers. Whether you’re an educator creating a lesson, a business professional preparing a pitch, or a content creator sharing a story, the power of voice can significantly enhance the impact of your presentations.
Recognizing this, a plethora of voice over apps have emerged, each offering unique features to suit different needs. In this blog post, we explore the best voice over presentation apps available, helping you choose the right […]
Best Digital Portfolio Tools for Students
Digital portfolios, e-portfolios, or online portfolios stand as a cornerstone in the intersection of teaching, learning, and assessment. In today’s discussion, I’m delving into the realm of e-portfolios with a focus on their impact on learning, particularly from a student-centric viewpoint. For insights into how educators can harness e-portfolios in their instruction, Arter and Spandel’s 1992 study is a go-to resource (check the reference list at the end of this post).
In this post, we will cover a basic definition of portfolios, talk about the three stages of creating a portfolio, discuss the benefits of portfolios, then conclude with […]
16 Helpful Grading Tools for Teachers
As an educator in the digital age, I’ve often found myself exploring the diverse landscape of EdTech tools, each promising to revolutionize the way we approach learning and teaching. Being at the forefront of this evolving domain and running an EdTech blog, I’ve had the unique opportunity to test, experiment, and scrutinize a multitude of grading tools over the years.
Grading – a task often viewed with trepidation, is one of the critical aspects of the teaching-learning ecosystem. An efficient grading tool can streamline the grading process, provide comprehensive feedback, and encourage positive learning outcomes. But with a plethora […]
iPad Cheat Sheet for Students
In today’s digitally-driven educational landscape, the iPad has emerged as more than just a gadget; it’s a dynamic learning companion. As educators and parents, we constantly seek ways to make technology a seamless part of the learning process. With iPads becoming a staple in many classrooms and homes, it’s essential to ensure that students are equipped to use these devices effectively and responsibly.
From my years in the classroom , I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of iPads in education. They are not just tools for browsing the internet or watching videos; they are gateways to a world […]
‘Demeter’ is an Intriguing MR Platformer for Quest That Actually Reacts to Your Room
Meta announced a new mixed reality platformer for Quest called Demeter that uses your furniture and walls so you can solve puzzles and challenges, tasking you to guide a pint-size hero get back to her world.
Developed by Novelab and published by Meta, Demeter is slated to launch on Quest 2/3/Pro next month, giving you not only an intimate background for the game’s narrative to unfold—it is after all a mixed reality game—but also bringing along with it procedurally generated environments that adapt to your room. Many VR games with MR modes more often than not only allow for […]
‘Into the Radius 2’ Confirms Four-player Co-op, Coming First to PC VR
CM Games, the developer behind the single-player survival shooter Into the Radius (2020), confirmed that its long-awaited sequel is set to not only include a single-player campaign, but also host up to four player co-op so you can take on the otherworldly Pechorsk Security Zone together.
Like the first in the series, Into the Radius 2 is set to initially launch on Steam Early Access for PC VR headsets sometime in 2024. The team says EA will allow them to get valuable feedback and suggestions from players, something that “played a crucial role in shaping and enhancing the game,” […]
‘Into the Radius 2’ Confirms Four-player Co-op, Coming First to PC VR
CM Games, the developer behind the single-player survival shooter Into the Radius (2020), confirmed that its long-awaited sequel is set to not only include a single-player campaign, but also host up to four player co-op so you can take on the otherworldly Pechorsk Security Zone together.
Like the first in the series, Into the Radius 2 is set to initially launch on Steam Early Access for PC VR headsets sometime in 2024. The team says EA will allow them to get valuable feedback and suggestions from players, something that “played a crucial role in shaping and enhancing the game,” […]
Quizizz Lesson Plan
This free Quizizz lesson plan is designed to help educators implement the digital tool into their instruction
STEM programs can’t keep up with AI–let’s focus on Power Skills
Key points:
Schools should focus on teaching skills that have enduring value
See also: Here’s why STEM Career Days are a great idea
See also: Building a STEM pipeline needs to start in kindergarten
For more news on STEM learning, visit eSN’s STEM & STEAM page
First came headlines about AI-driven cheating. Next emerged a flood of time-saving tools for teachers.
Attend any education event today, and one phrase will echo in the halls: artificial intelligence.
AI’s presence in education is undeniable. However, the real question lies in its long-term impact on how we learn and work. With rapid acceleration of technology, […]
Blended Learning Models Simply Explained
Welcome to the latest post in our series on blended learning. Previously, we’ve explored what blended learning is and delved into its strengths and weaknesses. We’ve also looked at practical examples of blended learning and how they are applied in various educational contexts.
Today, we shift our focus to the models of blended learning. This post aims to provide an understanding of different blended learning models, their structures, and how they are implemented in educational settings. By examining these models, educators can gain insights into how to best integrate blended learning strategies into their teaching […]
6 Practical Blended Learning Examples
Welcome to the latest installment in our series on blended learning. In our previous posts, we’ve explored what blended learning is and delved into its strengths and weaknesses. We’ve also examined various models of blended learning. Continuing this comprehensive exploration, today’s post focuses on practical examples of blended learning in action.
Drawing from peer-reviewed research papers, I’ve made sure to include diverse and illustrative examples that showcase how blended learning is being implemented across different educational contexts. These examples provide valuable insights into the real-world application of blended learning strategies, offering a window into how this […]
What is Blended Learning?
In today’s post, I am introducing you to blended learning, a concept that is now common parlance within the ‘education speak’. In crafting this comprehensive piece on blended learning, I delved deep into academic literature, drawing on peer-reviewed research papers to create an authoritative and informative post.
This effort is aimed at assisting teachers and educators in effectively utilizing the blended learning approach. In this article, I cover a range of definitions of blended learning and discuss its advantages and disadvantages.
Given the extensive nature of the topic, I have decided to dedicate a separate post to […]