Best Digital Games for Science

There are so many wonderful ways to explore the science of the world around us from robotics, to hands-on exploration to the intersection of science and pop culture. And these are crucial given the ever increasing necessity of technology in our world coupled with the simultaneous and antithetical growth of science denialism. That's why in … Continue reading Best Digital Games for Science

Changing The Game: Using Minecraft to Address 21st-Century Learning For Student With Autism

This post was originally a guest post for EdSurge. Power of Play Renowned philosophers and educators throughout history, including Plato, Comenius, Locke, Rousseau, Froebel, Piaget, and Papert, have lauded the power of play in teaching, especially for young learners. Modern research continues to demonstrate that playful learning, especially when digital and multi-modal, improves educational outcomes. It’s baffling that I still have to … Continue reading Changing The Game: Using Minecraft to Address 21st-Century Learning For Student With Autism

The Latest From Minecraft EDU

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

What’s New With Breakout EDU

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

Profiles For Playful Learning

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

Best Digital Games for Social Studies

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

Google Forms and Game-Based Learning

Google Forms & Game-Based Learning

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

Get In the Game With BrainPOP

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

virtual-reality

A New Reality

This post is part of a continuing series on game-based learning in connection with the Games For Change Festival. If you’re interested in seeing what lies ahead in educational gaming, I suggest following the Games for Change organization. You can also look at Glass Lab Games, Schell Games, and Filament Games who are all pushing the boundaries … Continue reading A New Reality