Latest education updates from around the world
The Ultimate Teacher Supplies List
As a former teacher and a current edtech blogger, I’ve spent countless hours both within and outside the classroom, which has given me the opportunity to truly understand what it takes to create a vibrant, effective, and well-equipped learning environment. Over the years, I’ve learned that while every teacher has a unique style and approach, there are certain supplies that are universally beneficial.
Whether you’re a new teacher outfitting your first classroom or a seasoned educator looking for ways to enhance your existing setup, this comprehensive list has got you covered.
It’s not just about stocking up, it’s about […]
Apple Reportedly Departs from Tradition with Creation of Dedicated XR Product Team
According to a Bloomberg report from Mark Gurman, Apple is changing things up with the creation of a new Vision Products Group (VPG), which is tasked with developing the company’s recently unveiled mixed reality headset, Vision Pro.
The report maintains that with the creation of VPG, Apple is departing from its “functional” management structure, which was introduced by Steve Jobs in the early ’90s.
Effectively, Jobs distributed the company’s product development efforts across more general departments, such as hardware, software, design, services, etc, instead of sectionalizing hardware development into individual product teams, like Mac, Watch, iPad, iPhone, […]
‘Space Salvage’ is a Retro Sci-fi Space Sim Coming to Quest & PC VR This Year
Space Salvage is an upcoming single-player VR space flight game that’s all about collecting trash and fighting enemy factions. In space!
Developed by UK indie studio Fruity Systems, Space Salvage tosses you into the corporate sci-fi landscape as a small cog trying to rise up the ranks of Space Salvage Corporation (SSC).
The studio says that while it’s all about skillfully maneuvering your space pod through over 30 dynamic galactic crash sites, tasking you to find and collect all the lost cargo, it’s also set to be “riddled with dry humour and 80s sci-fi pop culture references.”
Players will also […]
Gale in Context Literature Helps High Schoolers Thrive
Gale in Context Literature Helps High Schoolers Thrive
What is Labster and How Can It Be Used for Teaching? Tips & Tricks
Labster is a virtual laboratory testing space for schools and colleges.
What is Learnosity’s GPT-4 Powered Test Generating Tool? The CEO Explains
A new GPT-4-powered tool from Learnosity can instantly generate questions and detailed and varied feedback. Here’s what educators need to know.
How to Quickly Turn Your Writing Into Videos
ChatGPT might be the first thing you think of when you read AI today, but there have been plenty of other AI tools before it. One such tool is Lumen5. Lumen5 is a tool that will produce a video for you based upon your written work.
To create a video with Lumen5 you can enter the URL of your published work or submit the […]
Hello History – Have a Chat With Hundreds of Historical Figures
I’m taking the week off to do a bunch of fun things with my kids. While I’m away the most popular posts of the year so far will reappear.
Hello History is a new AI app that I wrote about last week. Almost immediately after I published my blog post about Hello History I started to get questions about it. To address a bunch of those questions, I created the short video overview that is embedded below.
Video – How to Use Hello History to Chat With Historical […]
10 Creative 5th Grade First Day of School Activities
As an educator with decades of experience in the classroom and now an edtech blogger, I fully understand both the joys and jitters that accompany the first day of school—especially for our fifth graders who are at such a critical juncture in their learning journey.
The first day sets the tone for the rest of the year. It’s an opportunity to foster an atmosphere of excitement, curiosity, respect, and community in your classroom. Yet, it’s often challenging to find the right activities that make everyone feel comfortable and engaged, while also setting a strong academic tone.
So, based on my […]
What to Do on The First Day of School ? 10 Creative Ideas
In my experience, the first day is more than just about syllabus distribution or rule setting; it’s about setting the tone for the rest of the year, forming those vital initial connections, and igniting the spark of curiosity that drives learning. With each new set of students, I’ve tweaked, adjusted, and experimented with my first day routine, always aiming for a blend of fun, warmth, and an atmosphere of eager anticipation for the year ahead.
In this post, I’m eager to share with you some strategies and activities that I’ve found effective over the years, and that have turned […]
10 Engaging Lesson Ideas for the First Day of School
In this post, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite lesson ideas for the first day of school. Each of these activities is designed not just to educate but to build a strong sense of community, inspire curiosity, and create a love for learning that will carry through the entire year.
Whether you’re a seasoned teacher looking for fresh ideas, or a rookie preparing for your first day in the classroom, I hope these suggestions will make your first day as exciting and meaningful as it can be.
Check out our Back to School Resources […]
Best First Day of School Quotes
In the whirl of first-day jitters, the excitement of fresh school supplies, and the anticipation of new lessons, one of the most powerful tools we can share with our students is the power of words. That’s why I’ve compiled this comprehensive list of first-day-of-school quotes that serve to inspire, encourage, and put a little swing in the step of anyone marching into a new academic year.
Whether you’re a teacher seeking the right words to spark a light in your students, a parent wishing to uplift your child on their first day, or a student looking for that touch […]
Ten Tools for Gathering Real-time Feedback From Students
I’m taking the week off to do a bunch of fun things with my kids. While I’m away the most popular posts of the year so far will reappear.
Chat tools and polling services provide good ways to hear from all of the students in a classroom. These kinds of tools, often referred to as backchannel tools, allow shy students to ask questions and share comments. For your more outspoken students who want to comment on everything, a feedback mechanism provides a good outlet for them too. Over the years I’ve used a variety of feedback […]
Three Good Tools for Recording Brainstorming Sessions
I’m taking the week off to do a bunch of fun things with my kids. While I’m away the most popular posts of the year so far will reappear.
Earlier this week on Practical Ed Tech I published an article about using the Nominal Group Technique for classroom brainstorming sessions. What follows is an excerpt from that article.
Fun First Day of School Activities
As a seasoned educator with many years spent in the classroom and now an edtech blogger, I understand the anticipation, excitement, and, yes, even the slight nervousness that comes with the first day of school. The first day sets the tone for the entire academic year, and it’s the perfect opportunity to establish a vibrant, welcoming, and collaborative learning environment.
Throughout my teaching career, I’ve always believed in the importance of making learning enjoyable, engaging, and interactive. That’s why I love the idea of infusing the first day of school with activities that are not only fun but also […]
14 Hands-on First Day of School Activities for Elementary Students
As a former teacher with many years spent enthusiastically navigating the vibrant chaos of elementary classrooms, I know firsthand the whirlwind that the first day of school represents. The anticipation, the jitters, the sea of new faces – it’s a day of nervous excitement for students and teachers alike. Now, as an educator sharing insights in the edtech landscape, I’ve continued my journey of nurturing curious minds, albeit from a different vantage point.
One of the most important tasks we face as educators on that inaugural day is to foster a welcoming environment that makes our young learners feel […]
10 Engaging High School First Day of School Activities
I’m excited to be sharing this post with you, especially if you’re gearing up for another fantastic school year. From my years in the classroom, I’ve learned that the first day is more than just a day; it’s the starting point of a year-long journey of discovery, learning, and growth. Therefore, the activities and tone set on this day can significantly influence the rest of the school year.
In this post, I’m excited to share some unique and engaging first-day activities for high school students that I’ve curated over the years. These activities aren’t just fun ice-breakers or team-building […]
12 Engaging First Day of School Activities for Middle School
After spending many wonderful and insightful years in the classroom, encountering the joy, curiosity, and occasional chaos that define middle school, I’ve shifted gears to focus on supporting fellow educators through my writing and consulting.
I still vividly remember the thrill and nervous energy that accompanies the start of a new school year. That first day, with its clean slate and infinite possibilities, can truly set the tone for the months ahead. It’s a day filled with anticipation for both the students, who are ready to learn, grow, and make new friends, and the teachers, who are eager to […]
One of PC’s Greatest VR Games Since ‘Half-Life: Alyx’ is Coming to PSVR 2 Later This Year
Vertigo 2 (2023), the critically acclaimed shooter adventure, is officially on its way to PSVR 2.
Perp Games announced during its VR Summer Showcase that it’s partnered with developer Zach Tsiakalis-Brown of Zulubo Productions to bring the Half-Life-style sci-fi shooter to PSVR 2. Both a digital and physical release is said to arrive sometime “later this year.”
Launched on PC VR in March, Vertigo 2 returns you to the universe’s robot and alien-infested science facility, serving up some very VR-native design alongside its patently funny and quirky cast of characters. We liked the game so much we gave […]
How to Use Live Presentation Mode in Microsoft Forms
Microsoft Forms has a lot of features that make it better than Google Forms for classroom use. Those include a built-in timer and embedded use of Immersive Reader. This week Microsoft added another great feature to Microsoft Forms. That feature is a live presentation mode.
The new live presentation mode in Microsoft Forms takes your existing Forms and instantly transforms them into live polls! The best part is that at any time you can switch back to using your Forms in the standard format.
To use the live presentation mode in Microsoft Forms simply pick […]
Cars, Cards, and LEGOs – The Week in Review
Good morning from Maine where I’m up early (I’m always up early) and getting ready for my neighborhood’s annual Founders Day events to support our little library. I’ll be helping with the car show. One of my favorite cars that will be on display is the 1934 Packard seen in my photograph above. If you want a fun research challenge, find the name of the movie star who owned the car. Email me if you think you found the answer or if you just want me to tell you the answer.
I hope that […]
Best Online Textbook Rentals
As an educator and former teacher, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with textbooks. The search for affordable options, lugging around heavy books, and the inevitable clutter once the semester ends – we’ve all been there. That’s why I’m thrilled to shed some light on a modern solution that addresses these challenges: online textbook rentals.
This innovative approach has transformed the way students access their course materials, offering a more cost-effective, practical, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional textbook purchasing. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of exploring various platforms offering this service, and I’ve seen […]
What Is Amazon Prime Student? A Teacher Review
As an experienced educator and EdTech blogger, I know first-hand how essential the right resources can be in shaping a student’s academic journey. That’s why I am thrilled to introduce you to Amazon Prime Student.
This membership program is specifically designed for higher education students, offering a suite of benefits that can greatly enhance their academic and personal experiences. From speedy delivery on necessary supplies to access to vast libraries of movies, music, and games, the advantages are plentiful and the costs are affordable.
What is Amazon Prime Student?
Amazon Prime Student is a […]
Sales of Valve’s Index Headset Are Waning After Years of Surprising Longevity
Valve’s Index VR headset is now more than four years old. Despite its age, the headset continued to sell at a surprising rate over the years—but as they say, nothing lasts forever.
Valve launched Index with the goal of setting the bar for PC VR headsets to beat. And by many measures it accomplished that goal. Despite the $1,000 price tag and the headset’s age, Index remains the second most-used headset on Steam at 18.38% of active headsets on the platform (though a distant second to Quest 2 at 42.05%) as of June 2023. Even with just one headset, […]
What Is Amazon Kindle Kids – A Teacher’s Review
Amazon Kindle Kids is definitely an excellent product that has been under my radar for the last few months. Now that I have a chance to test it and experience its workings firsthand, I’m thrilled to share with you my insights.
What is Amazon Kindle Kids?
Amazon Kindle Kids is a dynamic, customizable platform designed specifically for children, providing an exciting range of books, videos, apps, and games. Not only does it offer an educational and engaging space for kids to explore, but it also equips parents with unparalleled controls to curate a safe […]