Latest education updates from around the world
5 Best Canva Alternatives
As an experienced blogger and educator, I have had the opportunity to delve into the world of digital design, exploring a myriad of tools aimed at creating visually engaging content. Whether you’re designing a blog post graphic, an engaging social media post, or a compelling infographic, the importance of an intuitive and comprehensive design tool cannot be understated. Canva, for instance, has been a go-to for many due to its ease of use and an extensive library of templates.
However, whether you’re in search of different features, looking for something more tailored to your needs, or simply want to […]
New Video Explores How ‘Racket Club’ is Reimagining Tennis for VR
Resolution Games, the studio behind Demeo (2021), Blaston (2020), and Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs (2019), shared more info on how it’s engineering a new sport for its upcoming game Racket Club.
The studio released a new behind-the-scenes video that goes into detail about how Racket Club is played, where it came from, and what sets it apart from other racket sport experiences in VR.
In the video, chief creative officer Mathieu Castelli explains how Racket Club was built with realism in mind, offering up a sort of gameplay that could easily translate to real courts.
Castelli says that a big step […]
Another Rockstar VR Game Could Be in The Works, According to Actor’s Resume
Grand Theft Auto creators Rockstar Games could be working on an unannounced VR title, according to an actor’s résumé.
The news was first shared on the ResetEra forums, which linked the résumé of actor Michael Ursu, who is also known for his extensive work across film and TV as both an actor and voice actor.
Ursu lists a number of games on his résumé, including Silent Hill: Ascension, Wanderer VR, Adamantus, an undisclosed game from Genshin Impact studio miHoYo, an undisclosed Borderlands title, and an “Undisclosed Rockstar Game” where he would be the principal voice actor.
The résumé has since been updated […]
What is Infini-D Learning? The Company’s Co-Founder Explains
Infiniti Learning offers interactive STEM missions that foster classroom collaboration
How to Collaborate on Google Slides
Around this time every year I field a bunch of questions from readers who are moving into new jobs at schools that use Google Workspace for Education. And while I have a lot of Google Workspace tutorials available on my YouTube channel, I think it’s time that I update many of them. That’s why over the next few weeks I’ll be publishing some new Google Workspace for Edu tutorials. This week’s series of tutorials is all about Google Slides.
In the first post in this series I shared directions on how to make your […]
Best Alternatives to Kahoot
Kahoot is a game-based learning platform that allows educators to create fun, interactive quizzes that students can participate in using any device with an Internet connection. It adds a dose of competition to learning, fostering engagement and boosting knowledge retention in a playful way.
However, as captivating as Kahoot may be, the realm of EdTech is vast and brimming with alternatives that could cater to different teaching styles and learning needs. As a seasoned educator and an EdTech blogger, I have had the privilege to explore and review a wide array of these digital […]
15 Things That Caught My Eye at ISTE Live Today
This morning I got up at 2:30, drove to the Portland Jetport (PWM), and flew to Philadelphia to attend ISTE Live. My lack of sleep combined with having to remotely deal with some things at home meant that I wasn’t as focused as I would have liked to have been today. So rather than committing to an hour+ in any specific presentations I wandered around the poster sessions and through the vendor expo hall to see if there were any new-to-me things.
As I wandered the expo hall there were fifteen things that I […]
Vision Pro Dev Kit Applications Will Open in July
Apple says it will give developers the opportunity to apply for Vision Pro dev kits starting sometime in July.
In addition to releasing a first round of developer tools last week, including a software ‘Simulator’ of Vision Pro, Apple also wants to give developers a chance to get their hands on the headset itself.
The company indicates that applications for a Vision Pro development kit will open starting in July, and developers will be able to find details here when the time comes.
There’s no telling how many of the development kits the company plans to send out, or […]
Meta Launches Monthly VR Game Subscription Service for Quest
Meta today announced a new VR game subscription service that will give you access to two hand-picked Quest games per month, priced at $8 per month, or $60 annually.
Called Meta Quest+, the subscription service will be available to Quest 2, Quest Pro and eventually Quest 3 users.
Similar to PlayStation’s PS Plus service, Meta is offering up two specific redeemable titles on the first of each month which you can download and keep for as long as you’re a paid member.
Meta says members can cancel at any time, which would mean you’d lose access to each game you redeemed, […]
How to Use Audio and Video in Google Slides
Around this time every year I field a bunch of questions from readers who are moving into new jobs at schools that use Google Workspace for Education. And while I have a lot of Google Workspace tutorials available on my YouTube channel, I think it’s time that I update many of them. That’s why over the next few weeks I’ll be publishing some new Google Workspace for Edu tutorials. This week’s series of tutorials will be all about Google Slides.
In the first post in this series I shared directions on how […]
How to Magically Make a Presentation in Minutes
There are some people who love and enjoy the process of making slideshow presentations. Then there are people like me who enjoy presenting, but don’t necessarily enjoy making the slides. For folks who identify with me on that front, Canva’s Docs to Decks tool is for you!
Docs to Decks is Canva’s AI-powered tool for making presentations in minutes. To use it you simply type an outline or copy and paste a written document into the tool. Once you’ve done that you just need to click “convert” and a presentation is made […]
Microsoft Releases Initial Azure Cloud Rendering Support for Quest 2 & Quest Pro
Microsoft announced it’s released a public preview of Azure Remote Rendering support for Meta Quest 2 and Quest Pro, something that promises to allow devs to render complex 3D content in the cloud and stream it to those VR headsets in real-time.
Azure Remote Rendering, which already supports desktop and the company’s AR headset HoloLens 2, notably uses a hybrid rendering approach to combine remotely rendered content with locally rendered content.
Now supporting Quest 2 and Quest Pro, developers are able to integrate Microsoft’s Azure cloud rendering capabilities to do things like view large and complex models on Quest.
Microsoft says […]
AI’s Big Deal: AI in the Classroom Continues to Evolve
The history of AI in the classroom, where it is now, and where it’s going
What is Starfall Education and How Can It Be Used for Teaching? Tips & Tricks
Starfall Education is an early learning education resource for parents and teachers to use with young children.
6 Powerful Alternatives to Quizlet
In the ever-evolving world of educational technology, Quizlet has secured a firm foothold as a leading tool for streamlined, interactive learning. This digital platform specializes in offering a variety of study modes, including flashcards, tests, and interactive games, all aimed at improving knowledge retention and making studying more engaging.
However, as diverse as the learning styles are, so are the tools available to cater to them. While Quizlet may be a great resource, it’s far from the only one in the game. In my journey of exploring and reviewing educational tools, I have encountered several […]
Why STEM is more important for students than ever
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) has long been a popular acronym in education circles. Providing teachers with the tools and techniques to deliver these subjects to students has never been more important. In this podcast, Lauren Tarshis, SVP Editor-in-Chief & Publisher, Classroom Magazine Division, Scholastic Magazines+, and Patty Janes, Vice President, Science, Math, and Art at Scholastic, break down how one of the world’s great curriculum providers approaches STEM subjects and provide insights on how teachers can integrate these concepts into everyday teaching and learning.
3 ways teachers can navigate the evolving field of computer science
As recently as a decade or two ago, technology education consisted of typing, learning to draft emails, or doing a little work in a spreadsheet. Learning those skills may have been relegated to a business information class or weekly trips to a computer lab. Today, most students are expected to learn to code, and most states have coding requirements—some starting as early as kindergarten.
That’s a significant change in less than a generation. Computer science is a rapidly advancing field; educators have to make those changes if they are going to prepare their students for the modern world. Trying […]
4 ways to build engineering into your curriculum
Key points:
Engineering doesn’t have to be intimidating
Engineering helps students learn the mechanics of their world
Engineering is arguably one of the most useful and relevant subjects in our schools today. Its impact on our world cannot be overstated. Engineers are the ones who help humanity reach the moon, explore the depths of the ocean, assist in the treatment of serious illnesses, and even design many of the games our students play.
Unfortunately, engineering can often feel like a separate unit or idea that teachers need to explain. With many of today’s educators already feeling overwhelmed with the responsibilities of teaching, […]
From inspiration to impact: Attracting women to STEM
Key points:
The bottom line: Representation matters
Encouraging a passion for STEM from a young age will keep more women in STEM
The number of women working in STEM jobs has increased 31 percent over the past decade, but women continue to be outnumbered by men in some of the fastest-growing and highest-paying jobs—including roles in engineering, computer science, and the physical sciences. Although women make up half of the total U.S. college-educated workforce, they only represented 34 percent of the science and engineering roles in 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Not […]
4 ways to use ChatGPT in your STEM classroom
Key points:
ChatGPT isn’t a tool to be feared–it can contribute greatly to STEM learning
AI tools aren’t going away, and harnessing their capabilities is important
“If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.” – John Dewey
Back in 2007 when I was teaching Algebra I at the local middle school, the biggest question for mathematics teachers on our campus was whether students could use their calculators while doing classwork and on standardized tests. A few years later, the discussion changed to an argument about the pros and cons of using a
4 ideas to consider when designing a STEM lab
Key points:
STEM labs are engaging environments that encourage exploration
With the right tools and supports, students develop and grow 21st-century skills
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is focused on developing students’ skills and connecting these subject areas, preparing them for future careers and the real world. It’s a key area of teaching worldwide and thousands of schools are now investing in learning spaces specifically designed to support STEM–called STEM labs.
What is a STEM Lab?
A STEM lab is a learning environment where students, irrespective of grade, can come together and actively participate in hands-on or practical STEM learning. These […]
3 essential tools to make elementary science easier
Key points:
Interactivity and engaging resources can make science more approachable
Elementary school teachers need easy-to-use science tools that will grab students’ attention
During my time as a kindergarten teacher, I learned three major lessons about our youngest learners’ relationship to science. Specifically, I learned that elementary school students are predisposed to being excited to learn about their world, are naturally curious about how the world of nature works, and benefit highly from learning about the STEM/STEAM-related professions they might someday consider pursuing.
My current role as a PreK-12 science curriculum specialist affords me the opportunity to work alongside a variety of […]
How to elevate climate literacy for future scientists
Key points:
A majority of teenagers want to learn about climate change in school
New Jersey became the first state to implement comprehensive climate instruction across all grades and subjects
The climate crisis is undermining decades of progress in global health and poverty reduction. We look to our next generation of planetary heroes for solutions, but are we educating them in climate literacy?
Climate-literate people understand the principles of Earth’s evolving climate system, the complex interconnections, the influence of humans, and scientific approaches to mitigation. They make informed and responsible decisions on actions that may affect climate, and communicate about climate change […]
5 fun STEM videos for hard-to-engage students
Key points:
STEM education can be challenging, but engaging tools can help
Explore these videos on various STEM topics, found on TED-Ed Lessons
STEM education is a critical topic for all students, but it’s also notoriously difficult to engage students in STEM topics–particularly as the content becomes more challenging. But with a few fun STEM videos, students might be a bit more interested in learning.
The videos below are all found on the TED-Ed platform. Educators can build lessons around any TED-Ed Original, TED Talk, or YouTube video. Once you find the video you want to use, you can use the TED-Ed […]
Bringing robots to early education classrooms in rural Nevada
Key points:
Students don’t need one-to-one device access to learn robotics concepts
A playful and project-based approach to robots works best with younger students
See related article: Robotics plays a key role in early STEM education
As part of our educational outreach to the community, PBS Reno createdCuriosity Classroom for preschool through 4th-graders. The program, which is free to schools and districts, uses on-air, online, and print resources to help parents, caregivers, and childhood educators prepare children for success.
As we were researching trends in STEAM education to update our program, we noticed that robots were at the […]