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I have long advocated playful learning for students that incorporate hands-on design and learning. I began using Minecraft in the classroom about 7 years ago because I saw it's potential for both of those. Then a couple of years ago Microsoft purchased Minecraft and created an education edition that I was eager to explore. I've … Continue reading The Latest From Minecraft EDU
Bloxels had one of the biggest overhauls of any edtech platform recently. While the same basic elements of playful creation from Bloxels Builder remain, the entire structure of the Bloxels EDU system has shifted. They are no longer meant for small individual activities, but they are now able to support a whole classroom structure. I'm … Continue reading EdTech Updates 2018: Bloxels EDU, A Walkthrough
It wasn't that long ago that I shared some of what was new with Breakout Edu along with some games I created this past year. In it, I shared how Breakout EDU has moved towards a subscription model. That doesn't mean you can't still access tons of amazing content or create your own Breakout resources for … Continue reading EdTech Updates 2018: Breakout EDU
This was originally part of a guest post on the WNET Education blog. Introduction Educators have long been familiar with PBS as a go-to source for educational materials, and teachers like me striving to create a playful classroom environment enjoy their wide selection of learning game from Mission U.S and Nova Labs for older students … Continue reading A New Accessible Math Game From PBS
For more information, you can view the original post on BreakoutEDU. Overview Right now I'm drawing on the many Breakouts I've already facilitated for students and staff to prepare a large Breakout EDU adventure that involves gamified quests in time to present it at ISTE. I realized as I piece it together that Breakout EDU has made … Continue reading What’s New With Breakout EDU
This article is the original version of an article that was modified to appear on EdSurge as part of their larger discussion on personalized learning. As a special education teacher, I work with students who struggle academically and generally have a low tolerance for frustration—but the same kid who gives up after trying a math … Continue reading Profiles For Playful Learning
How Should History Be Studied? With civil unrest in several countries and historic levels of political engagement, it would seem like quality civics education is more necessary than ever. I had a person recently question me about whether games or graphic novels can really convey the depth necessary for a real understanding of history? He … Continue reading Best Digital Games for Social Studies
There are a number of reasons to turn to game-based learning for assessment and instruction like internalizing motivation and increasing resilience as I have explained in the past. So despite the old adage that 'today's kids have no attention span because of video games', there is plenty of research that shows the opposite is true. In fact, … Continue reading Google Forms & Game-Based Learning
This post is part of my selection as the BrainPOP Certified Educator for September 2017. You can view the first part of my interview as well as my post about all that's new at BrainPOP for more information. Personal Gaming History I've always been a deeply competitive lover of games. It may have started with … Continue reading Get In the Game With BrainPOP
I was selected to be September's Certified BrainPOP Educator of the Month. This is part 1 of 2 posts that will also be posted on the BrainPOP Educator Blog. History and Background: What grade(s) do you teach? Subject area? I am a special educator and STEM Coach who has teaches in New York City’s District … Continue reading BrainPOP CBE of the Month