eLearning Trends That Have Become the Norm

It’s possible that you might have heard about how eLearning is changing education in America. The education system has been needing to change for a long time. EdTech, short for education technology, is giving educators new resources for educating young minds. Keep reading to take a look at some eLearning trends that have become the norm or are starting to become the norm. 

Mobile Learning Opportunities

Mobile learning opportunities are starting to become more prevalent in society. Many people think that kids will mostly be educated through mobile learning at some point in the future. Children can receive an education online without having to leave home and the educational opportunities are just as engaging as the ones that involve educators being present physically. There are also hybrid learning opportunities that combine some in-person learning with mobile or online learning opportunities. 

Video-Based Learning

Video-based learning is going to continue to become a bigger part of education. Kids are able to get a lot of information through watching videos instead of just having to read about things. For many children, this will be a more engaging way to learn about an important topic. It’s good to provide a mix of traditional reading-based learning with video-based learning to entice young minds. 

Game-Based Learning

Game-based learning is great because it allows kids to fully engage with activities, while learning about important topics. Video games really interest kids and they can be a force for good when used properly. There are many educational games that can help kids to learn about mathematics, science, and so much more. Game-based learning is getting more popular all the time and it is certainly not going to be going anywhere. 

Adaptive Learning

Adaptive learning technology allows students to get a tailored educational experience that meets their needs. Some EdTech makes use of AI and augmented reality to take this adaptive learning approach to the next level. What’s important to know is that EdTech makes it easier for kids to learn at a pace that is comfortable for them. Gifted kids will be able to continue to be challenged, while kids who need a bit more help will always have the right tools to learn.

from Manjula Reddy Nookala | Tech https://manjulareddynookala.net/elearning-trends-that-have-become-the-norm/
via IFTTT

Unexpected Homeschooling: Advice from a Homeschool Mom

I found myself homeschooling unexpectedly and suddenly about three years ago. I didn’t know how long I would be doing it, and I was absolutely terrified of messing it up. Even as an educator (I was a full-time college professor), I felt unequipped to take on the task, which felt endless. There were so many subjects to cover. There was so much outside of the actual educational material to recreate. It was all overwhelming.

So, I have a unique understanding of the situation many people are facing right now as they choose to homeschool in the face of uncertainty due to the pandemic. My “crisis schooling” situation was individual rather than collective, but I definitely understand the feelings of panic and insecurities that can rise up.

from ThinkFun’s Education Blog http://info.thinkfun.com/stem-education/unexpected-homeschooling-advice-from-a-homeschool-mom
via IFTTT

Activity Ideas for Connection While Social Distancing

Staying home with a 3.5-year-old since March has proven to be tough especially in the area of connectivity. Tessa was halfway into her second year of preschool and just coming out of her shell in terms of developing social relationships and forming friendships. While she has had plenty of toys, activities, and small adventures around the house and neighborhood, they have all been with me (her mom) and she has been itching to connect with her peers.

from ThinkFun’s Education Blog http://info.thinkfun.com/stem-education/activity-ideas-for-connection-while-social-distancing
via IFTTT

Family Fun: Indoor Obstacle Course Ideas

With technology playing such a huge role in our lives we often get sidetracked and do not engage in enough physical activity.

from ThinkFun’s Education Blog http://info.thinkfun.com/stem-education/family-fun-indoor-obstacle-course-ideas
via IFTTT

Failure: Friend not Foe

Let’s talk about the “F” word… failure! While it’s natural as parents and educators to want to protect our children, allowing them to experience failure is an important stage in learning and cultivating a growth mindset. Unless you’re free-solo climbing El Capitan, failing is rarely life-ending. So, say goodbye to “helicopter” or “lawn mower” parenting, and hello to a golden age of growth!

from ThinkFun’s Education Blog http://info.thinkfun.com/stem-education/failure-friend-not-foe
via IFTTT

The Pros and Cons of Game-Based Learning

You might remember playing video games in the classroom when you were a kid. Sitting down in front of an old-fashioned Apple computer and playing a game such as Oregon Trail could be a fun educational memory for you. Game-based learning is something that has the potential to be very effective and many people are making use of this game-based learning approach in the modern era. Take a look below at the pros and cons of game-based learning.

Potential Benefits

The potential benefits of using game-based learning are varied. Firstly, games are going to be a very good way to get kids interested in educational topics. Video games can help to present educational topics in ways that are fun for children. It might help kids to pay attention to subjects that they would otherwise shy away from.

Games can also be very versatile. A game does not have to simply focus on covering one subject only. You can use one game to teach kids about many different educational concepts. A game that has been developed well enough might help to teach kids about many fundamental educational topics. Game-based learning can also teach kids to think in different ways.

Video games can be very strategic and they teach kids to use their brains instead of just trying to use brute force to get through a problem. Even if you look at traditional video games that are meant for entertainment, you can see that many of them involve significant layers of strategy. Kids can benefit from thinking in new ways and learning to solve puzzles within a game world. It can help kids to learn how to use their intelligence and it can be a very rewarding experience.

Potential Negatives

The potential negatives of game-based learning aren’t really very pronounced. Game-based learning is basically a good thing but there are some negatives to watch out for. For instance, children might become so engaged in the game that they will not want to pay attention to other educational experiences. Also, this method of learning has not been tested for as long as text-based learning has.

from Manjula Reddy Nookala | Tech https://manjulareddynookala.net/the-pros-and-cons-of-game-based-learning/
via IFTTT

Activities to Teach Kids About the Ocean

The ocean is a vast place and trying to teach students about all that it encompasses can be a bit daunting for both teacher and student. Where to start? What is important to learn? These are obstacles that can present themselves when trying to teach kids about the ocean.

Thankfully, you can start just about anywhere and be able to explain important and substantial portions of the ocean. What might be easier is dividing these lessons into sections. Try talking about the layers of the ocean first, the animals in the ocean next, and then the science of the ocean.

Splitting things up can help kids digest the information more easily. Here are a few activities that you can implement to help kids learn about the ocean more effectively.

Learn About How Sharks Float

Sharks are one of the most well-known animals in the ocean, thanks to television and movies. But there is still a great deal we do not know about them. Learning how they float, for instance, could be performed with a simple science experiment.

This gives the students a tangible application to see the science. The activity will then be both fun and informative like few other lessons can be.

Explore Different Shells

Anyone who has been to the beach before has no doubt seen a shell. Learning about the different types of shells and where to find them in the oceans can be something that ties together an experience from the real world with a lesson. Anything that can connect to a real-life experience will help kids learn more effectively.

Observe the Difference in Density of Fresh Water Versus Salt Water

We are all aware of both fresh and salt water and why we are not supposed to drink the latter. But what else do we know about these two types of water, really? Exploring the density differences can help to make the aforementioned real-life connection. Plus, those kids who have never been to the ocean can experience salt water firsthand.

from Manjula Reddy Nookala | Science https://manjulareddynookala.com/activities-to-teach-kids-about-the-ocean/
via IFTTT

Shiver Me Timbers! Ideas for Pirate Themed Play

When one of my sons was little, he loved toy pirate ships. He had several, and he would play for hours. He had a few pirate-themed books that he enjoyed reading. We lived in Southern California during those years, and we would often visit Disney and cruise the pirate ride.

from ThinkFun’s Education Blog http://info.thinkfun.com/stem-education/shiver-me-timbers-ideas-for-pirate-themed-play
via IFTTT

Outdoor Activities to Develop Handwriting Success

Now that summer is here, most families are spending lots of times outdoors. While working on academic skills throughout the summer is important, there are lots of ways to build them into outdoor fun time.

from ThinkFun’s Education Blog http://info.thinkfun.com/stem-education/outdoor-activities-to-develop-handwriting-success
via IFTTT

Two Colorful Ways to Increase Copying Speed

One problem continually faced by teachers, OTs, and parents is that they would like to help their student/child copy faster.

from ThinkFun’s Education Blog http://info.thinkfun.com/stem-education/two-colorful-ways-to-increase-copying-speed
via IFTTT