Technology

To Increase Student Motivation, Focus on Real-World, Project-Based Learning

Presenter linkSuzie Boss
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Categories: 21st Century Skills, Instruction, Technology

Based on Implementing Project-Based Learning

When Hurricane Harvey flooded neighborhoods and destroyed property in Houston, Texas, teachers didn’t take long to turn the natural disaster into meaningful learning. In schools across the Humble Independent School District, students engaged in a wide range of projects that focused on protecting and restoring the Lake Houston Watershed—using drones to survey riverbanks, inventing devices to filter drinking water, and participating in hands-on conservation efforts.

These students have no reason to ask the tired question, “When will we ever need to know this?” Read more

Ransomware and Fake News in 2017: Why We Need to Teach Global Digital Citizenship

Presenter linkAndrew Churches
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Categories: Literacy, Technology

Based on the book Growing Global Digital Citizens.

By this time of year, most of us have reflected on the past and thought about the lessons learned and resolutions made. 2017 has been a year of milestones, events, and changes. There are many that we can examine critically, but there are two that are significant and worthy of discussion and review: “Wanna Cry” and fake news. Read more

Why Games Work: Game Design Theory and Why It Can Be So Enthralling

Presenter linkAllison ZmudaPresenter linkMarie AlcockPresenter linkMichael Fisher
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Categories: 21st Century Skills, Instruction, Technology

Based on The Quest For Learning: How To Maximize Student Engagement

Have you ever tried to pry yourself or someone else away from an immersive experience? You might hear back, “Just a few more minutes … then I can stop,” or “When I figure this out, then it is a good time to take a pause.” The real value of games is in how they balance problem solving and engagement. They do this with no sense of failure but rather a commitment to hope and gamers’ genuine belief that if they keep trying and working, they will win. Read more