Latest education updates from around the world
Food Science Lesson – What Makes Wings Spicy
Last week my post about the science of barbecue got some good traction on social media. To start this week I’ll continue the food science theme by sharing a PBS Learning Media lesson about the science of hot wings.
Some Like It Hot is a PBS Learning Media lesson that features a Compact Science video of the same name. As you might expect, the video explains what makes a food spicy and how the Scoville scale is used to indicate how spicy a food is. […]
How to Create Your First Google Slides Presentation
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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.
If you have never used Google Slides before, take comfort in knowing that it really […]
Advanced Google Forms Features for Teachers
Like I do at this time every year, in the last few weeks I’ve fielded 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 this week and over the next few weeks I’ll be publishing some new Google Workspace for Edu tutorials. This week has been all about Google Forms.
To wrap-up this week’s series about Google […]
Novels, Search, Street Views – The Week in Review
Good morning from Maine where summer weather arrived exactly on the summer solstice this year. After one of the rainiest Junes on record, it was nice to finally see the sun for a whole day! We’re hoping the nice weather continues for one more day as we’re holding a yard sale and lemonade stand today. It’s not the most exciting way to spend a Saturday so tomorrow we’ll make up for it with a fun family hike.
Last Saturday I announced a new Practical Ed Tech course that is starting on July 1st. If […]
100+ Hilarious Summer Puns
As someone who’s always had a soft spot for both the warmth of summer and the joy of a good pun, I couldn’t be more thrilled to share this fun-filled post with you. Summer, with its balmy days and soft, starlit nights, has a charm that’s as irresistible as a well-crafted pun. And if there’s anything that can make a summer day even more delightful, it’s laughter.
With that in mind, I’ve dived into the sunny depths of wordplay to bring you a treasure trove of summer puns, guaranteed to make your day brighter […]
32 Interesting Summer Fun Facts for Kids
Summer has always held a special place in my heart. Its arrival brings a sense of joy and anticipation that’s hard to match. Long sunny days, warm nights, and the overall aura of freedom and relaxation – yes, summer is indeed a season to look forward to.
As an educator and a perennial lover of all things summer, I believe this wonderful season presents a unique opportunity for learning. This is a time when kids are out of the confines of the classroom, immersed in a world full of vibrant experiences and phenomena […]
Vision Pro’s Modular Design Invites Apple’s Massive Third-party Accessory Ecosystem
One thing that didn’t get much attention during the announcement of Apple Vision Pro is the headset’s modular design. With straightforward connections and magnetic mounting, the company’s robust ecosystem of third-party accessory makers will no doubt be scurrying to offer options.
In a, perhaps surprising, move Apple built Vision Pro with modularity in mind. This is surely a recognition by the company that one size does not fit all when it comes to an XR headset.
When I tried Vision Pro for myself earlier this month, I found that ergonomics were one of the few places where it didn’t feel […]
Best Resources to Learn Coding Languages
The digital world is built on the foundation of coding, and with an ever-growing demand for these skills, there’s no better time than now to jump into this exciting field. Whether you’re a young learner, a student, a hobbyist, or someone considering a career change, the vast resources available online have made coding more accessible than ever.
In this comprehensive guide, I compiled for you this collection featuring some of the best coding resources I have covered in Educators Technology in previous posts. From interactive online courses and tutorials to robust coding platforms; from […]
VR Creation Tool ‘Masterpiece X’ Comes to Quest 2 for Free
Masterpiece Studio, the developers behind the titular PC VR creative suite, released a new version of its software built natively for Quest 2, something its creators hope will appeal to people looking for an easy way to make models, avatars, and other 3D assets.
Called Masterpiece X, the free creation tool is now live on the Quest platform, bringing with it the ability to remix existing models and make it your own through “a more playful and fluid workflow: 3D remixing, which is the process of creating new content by modifying old content,” explains studio founder Jonathan Gagne in […]
VR Sword Fighting Game ‘Until You Fall’ Now Available on PSVR 2 as Standalone Version
Until You Fall (2020), the critically acclaimed VR sword fighting game, is now available for PSVR 2.
The hack and slash rogue-lite has been available on SteamVR, Quest and the original PSVR since late 2020, however now its fun and lively sword fighting comes to PSVR 2.
Take note, the PSVR 2 port isn’t a free upgrade from the original PSVR version, but rather priced separately at $25 in the PlayStation Store.
Schell Games says its two-handed weapon update, which brings three two-handed weapons to the game, is also not supported on the older version of the game. Check […]
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The Battle of the Boroughs: A Win for Education and Esports
During the recent Battle of the Boroughs Minecraft Challenge, students weren’t the only ones who won
How to Use Pictures and Videos in Google Forms Quizzes
Like I do at this time every year, in the last few weeks I’ve fielded 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 this week and over the next few weeks I’ll be publishing some new Google Workspace for Edu tutorials. This week will be all about Google Forms.
Earlier this week I shared tutorials on […]
Three Fun Science Lessons to Try This Summer
As of yesterday afternoon both of my daughters are now on summer break. We have lots of plans for doing fun things this summer. We’ll be riding bikes, going fishing, visiting Story Land, and going to a couple of science museums. There will also be days when we don’t have anything planned. On those days I just might put on my teaching hat and try a few fun science lessons with my kids. Should you find yourself want to do the same, here are some resources you might want to consult.
Make a Solar […]
Microsoft’s Lack of XR Strategy Could Lead to Another Zune Moment
At least from the outside, it appears Microsoft isn’t actively competing for a seat at the XR table, which is fairly odd coming from a company that pioneered enterprise AR while simultaneously wrangling some of its top OEM partners to make a fleet of PC VR headsets for consumers in 2017. Microsoft gained a great early start, but now the Redmond-based tech giant is positioned to play catchup, which historically hasn’t worked out that well. Could we be in for another ‘Zune moment’? If Microsoft goes in half-cocked, maybe.
Microsoft released the first-gen Zune in 2006, an MP3 player […]
22 Summer Quotes and Sayings
If there’s one thing that I’ve always loved about summer, it’s the feeling of endless possibilities it brings. The warmth of the sun, the extended daylight, the soft whispers of the wind through the leaves – it’s as if nature itself is inviting us to revel in the joy of being alive.
And how can we encapsulate this unique spirit of summer? Through words, of course! Words have the power to transport us, to help us relive our favorite memories, and to inspire us to make new ones. That’s why I’ve always been fascinated with summer quotes, sayings, […]
Quest 3 Pops up in Best Buy Listing With Clues About Resolution, Release Date
Quest 3 was announced just three weeks ago, and yet the headset is already listed at Best Buy. Though the headset’s resolution hasn’t been officially announced, the page gives us a big clue.
Meta offered a partial reveal of Quest 3 earlier this month, promising that we’d get a more full look at the new headset during the company’s annual XR conference, Meta Connect, at the end of September. The timing of the headset’s reveal came just ahead of the reveal of Apple Vision Pro (and we don’t think that was a coincidence).
Now, just three weeks later, Quest […]
Valve Index is Currently Selling for $600 Refurbished from GameStop
Looking to get your hands on arguably the best PC VR headsets out there? Well, you might consider GameStop’s refurbished units for $600.
Used, refurbished units typically sell through GameStop for $700, which includes the full kit and kaboodle: SteamVR tracking base stations, Index motion controllers, cables, and of course the Index headset itself.
Now that package is on sale for $100 off, bringing it way below its $1,000 all-in price when new. All you’ll need left to play a host of SteamVR content, such as the award-winning Half-Life: Alyx, is a VR-ready PC.
Before plonking down those six crisp Benjamins […]
What is aiEDU and How Can It Be Used for Teaching? Tips & Tricks
aiEDU is an artificially intelligent AI literacy program designed to help all teachers and students.
5 FAQs About 25 Search Strategies You Need to Know
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Last Saturday I announced the launch of a new course titled 25 Search Strategies You Need to Know. In the five days since then a bunch of you have registered for the course, thank you! Even more of you have sent me questions about the course. Here are the answers to some of those questions.
1. Can I get CEU hours/ contact hours for this course? Every lesson is intended to take you about one hour to complete. When you complete the course I will give you a certificate of completion for five hours. […]
How to Customize Google Forms Themes
Like I do at this time every year, in the last few weeks I’ve fielded 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 this week and over the next few weeks I’ll be publishing some new Google Workspace for Edu tutorials. This week will be all about Google Forms.
The last couple of days I published […]
The Science of Barbecue
A couple of evenings ago I finished watching the second season of Barbecue Showdown on Netflix. While watching it I picked up some good tips that I’ll be using when I cook foods in my smoker this summer. In fact, one of them I’ll be putting to use when I cook on Sunday. And as we head into a nice weekend for barbecuing here in Maine, I’m reminded of a video lesson about the science of BBQ.
Years ago Be Smart published a video about the science of barbecue. In the video you’ll see […]
Best Websites for Learning Coding
In our modern world, coding has ascended from a niche technical skill to an essential part of education. It’s not merely about understanding the intricate workings of computers but also about nurturing a rich tapestry of skills and competencies that can propel students’ success, both within the classroom and beyond.
Embarking on the adventurous journey of coding and untangling the threads of programming languages offers students a unique opportunity to uncover the mystique of the digital realm. Along this path, they naturally acquire an array of invaluable soft and social skills.
From critical and creative […]
Best Online Coding Courses
Now that technology and AI is taking over, coding has turned from a specialized skill to a language of the future. It’s like a magic spell with the power to create, innovate, and transform everything from our daily routines to the way industries operate. Whether you’re a student looking to gain a competitive edge or an individual hoping to change careers, learning how to code can open doors to limitless possibilities.
But let’s be real – diving into the world of coding can be a bit overwhelming. So many languages, so many techniques, and, […]
Apple Releases Vision Pro Development Tools and Headset Emulator
Apple has released new and updated tools for developers to begin building XR apps on Apple Vision Pro.
Apple Vision Pro isn’t due out until early 2024, but the company wants developers to get a jump-start on building apps for the new headset.
To that end the company announced today it has released the visionOS SDK, updated Xcode, Simulator, and Reality Composer Pro, which developers can get access to at the Vision OS developer website.
While some of the tools will be familiar to Apple developers, tools like Simulator and Reality Composer Pro are newly released for the headset.
Simulator is […]