ISTE 2019’s “Best of” list gives insight into upcoming edtech trends. Continue reading
Filed under makerspaces …
Obstacles to Adopting Classroom Tech and How To Overcome Them
According to the Driving K-12 Innovation report by the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), the two major obstacles for K-12 innovation are the gap between technology and pedagogy, and the relationship between technology and the future of work. The Gap Between Technology and Pedagogy K-12 schools tend to purchase new technology without envisioning how … Continue reading
4 Important Education Programs with Increased Funding
Before the buying season for the 2019-2020 school year is upon us, awareness of the allocation of funding within schools may be helpful when making purchasing decisions. TRIO and GEAR UP Funding: $1.060 billion and $360 million respectively, an increase of $50 million and $10 million from 2018. Program Details: TRIO and GEAR UP are … Continue reading
What’s Ahead for EdTech in 2019?
As we start kicking off the new year, let’s take a moment to discuss what’s ahead for EdTech in 2019. Computational Thinking, Robotics, and Coding As we see an increase in makerspace and STEAM, computational thinking, robotics, and coding will continue to grow in 2019. Schools will be looking for solutions to help their students … Continue reading
Top 5 Posts of 2018
Can you believe that 2018 is coming to a close? 2018 has been a great year to say the least. We’ve heard a lot about STEAM education, collaborative classrooms, and so much more. Here is your 2018 recap from VAR Connection. #1 Infographic: Decision Makers in School Districts #2 How to Increase Girls’ Interest in STEM … Continue reading
9 Way to Make a Better Makerspace
Makerspaces are becoming the favorite way to bring STEAM learning to the classroom. Research shows that makerspaces help elementary students develop critical thinking, design thinking, and problem-solving skills. Research from Macquarie University in Australia shows how teachers can use makerspaces to improve teaching and learning outcomes. Using makerspaces has led to higher student engagement, confidence, … Continue reading
How VR and AR are Helping Students Learn
Imagine how different your learning experience would’ve been if you could hold a beating heart when learning about anatomy, walk through the solar system when learning about planets, and take a trip to Australia to see a Kangaroo. Only Ms. Frizzle could take her kids on these trips in the Magic School Bus. Now today’s … Continue reading
How the U.S. Ranks in AI Career Readiness
Businesses are adopting robotics and artificial intelligence rapidly throughout the world. However, the U.S. is trailing in how it is helping prepare young people for an automated workplace. According to a study, intelligent automation is boosting the relevance of STEM skills as well as soft skills. On the other hand, only a few countries are … Continue reading
How to Increase Girls’ Interest in STEM
Last week we shared key takeaways from Microsoft’s Closing the STEM Gap report. Through this report, we learned why girls aren’t interested in STEM classes and careers. So how can districts increase girls’ interest in STEM? Provide exposure to positive role models. Girls expressed that they are more likely to show interest in STEM if … Continue reading
How to Get Students Excited about STEM
Science, technology, engineering, and math are important topics for children to learn and essential in today’s culture. Through these fields we can help the environment, transform healthcare, and improve our country’s security. According to the Counsel of Advisors on Science and Technology, there aren’t enough students in STEM undergraduate programs in the U.S. to meet … Continue reading
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