VARconnection

Future of K-12 SEL: curriculum integration

The pandemic healthcare crisis underscored the need for comprehensive K-12 SEL programs. Public schools experienced a jump in students seeking mental health services since the start of the pandemic, according to a May 2022 study by the National Center for Education Statistics. The majority surveyed are concerned about the lack of resources despite record-breaking federal … Continue reading →

Teach Coding Unplugged

It is possible to teach coding unplugged. For National Wellness Month, we’re showcasing Makey Makey, a popular STEAM education solution that is an ingenious way to get kids active and learning to code without all the screentime. Teaching code through invention literacy What is Makey Makey? It’s a perfect way to instill confidence in kids … Continue reading →

Keeping Students Safe Online

August is National Wellness Month, making it a great time to start working with your students to develop healthy online habits. Build your cybersecurity literacy to help your students navigate online safety in today’s hyper-connected world with these K-12 online safety tips and resources. Online Gaming Tips As e-gaming and Esports clubs increase in popularity, … Continue reading →

Boosting Education Equity by Combating Summer & COVID Slide

Schools that combat summer & COVID slide are bound to boost education equity. Summer slide has traditionally been an education equity issue because poorer students and those with learning disabilities are more at risk of falling behind in their learning over the summer. This fall teachers have to face yet another school year helping students … Continue reading →

How Schools Can Advance Accessibility and Equity (3-minute read)

Pandemic learning showcased the state of accessibility and education equity across the U.S. Advancing education for all students starts with reevaluating what inclusive education means at your school. How to reevaluate inclusive education To advance accessibility and promote education equity, one assistive technology specialist believes teachers should reevaluate these 3 inclusive education myths: Myth 1: … Continue reading →

3 LGBTQ Heroes for the Classroom

As LGBTQ Pride Month wraps up, here are 3 people we highlighted for 2022 that we think are worthy of mention in an LGBT-inclusive curriculum. Alan Turing Turing is credited as the creator of modern computer science and AI. He put his talent to use breaking German codes during World War II. James Baldwin Baldwin … Continue reading →

5 Ways to Create Inclusive Classrooms

When students can feel safe, they can focus on learning. Creating a classroom environment that is friendly and inclusive involves a 360-degree look at your teaching methods and materials. Here are 5 ways to create inclusive classrooms. 1. Prepare for teachable moments Planning for teachable moments will make a difference in developing a safe learning … Continue reading →

Overview: Pandemic Educational Funding [Infographic]

K-12 ESSER funds represent an unprecedented investment in education. Here’s your brief educational funding overview. Infographic text: Overview: Pandemic-related Educational Funding *After schools voiced concerns over spending ARP fund by September 30, 2024, The U.S. Department of Education announced on May 13, 2022, that it will consider requests for 18-month extensions in light of schools … Continue reading →

ESSER III Spending Plans [Infographic]

Get a snapshot of how schools plan to spend their ESSER III funds, which includes about 7.6% towards student mental and physical health. For schools looking to accelerate learning, there is possibly more time to research new solutions. On May 13, 2022, the Department of Education shared that they would consider requests for 18-month extensions … Continue reading →

#WomensHistoryMonth | Bookmark interactive classroom activity for 2023

Want a unique and interactive way to celebrate trailblazing women? Why not take your classroom on a virtual field trip next year? Read today’s blog post to learn more. #education #WomensHistoryMonth #socialstudies Continue reading →

4 Classroom Tools that Matter for Girls’ Success in STEM

Risk-takers succeed in STEM careers. Read today’s blog post to learn about 4 STEAM tools that can give girls the confidence to experiment, learn, and excel in the classroom and in their future careers. Continue reading →

Black History Month | Hero Shoutouts and Looking Ahead to BHM 2023

Here’s one last hurrah for our 2022 Black History Month heroes and one surprising thing we learned that you can use to celebrate next year. Continue reading →

3 Tips for Culturally Responsive Teaching

Do you understand your implicit biases? Take a Harvard test by Project Implicit and get 3 tips for creating a culturally responsive classroom. Continue reading →

Black History Month | Boosting Inclusivity in STEM

AI and machine learning have a dark side. Learn about it in this today’s VAR blog post. Continue reading →

K-12 Trends | VR Tech and the Metaverse

Companies like NIKE and Walmart are joining the Metaverse. What does this mean for education? Here are 3 tangible benefits to using VR in school now. Continue reading →

3 Reasons Why TCEA is More than PD

Teachers have experienced unprecedented challenges in the last couple of school years. Here are 3 reasons we encourage educators to attend TCEA 2022. Continue reading →

3 Reasons Educators Should Attend FETC

What a wild ride 2021 was for teachers. FETC can help teachers pivot their technology strategy in the new year. Here are 3 reasons educators are going to want to head to Florida to attend FETC January 25-28. Continue reading →

6 Benefits of Robotics Competitions

Learn about the benefits of robotics competitions beyond sparking curiosity for STEM fields. Continue reading →

EdTech Highlight: Creating a Modern Classroom with Wacom

Join us for a 4-part blog series to boost motivation and participation among your students. You’ll learn digital teaching tips and explore a remote-ready tool that makes lessons interactive. In Part 2, you’ll learn the importance of a flipped classroom. Continue reading →

Meet a few of our favorite Native American Scientists

It’s a wrap! Check out spot-light worthy accomplishments from these scientists that we highlighted throughout November’s Native American Heritage Month. Continue reading →

Kids Online Learning Statistics for 2020

Discover the top concerns parents had about education during the 2019-2020 school year to inform how you share student progress moving forward. Continue reading →

5 Reasons Why Robotics Classes are Beneficial

5 Reasons Why Robotics Classes are Beneficial Continue reading →

6 Ways to Teach Sustainability in School

6 Ways to Teach Sustainability in School Continue reading →

Celebrating STEM/STEAM Day in Class

Today is STEM/STEAM Day! Here are 4 ways to celebrate in your classroom and help find ways to close the gender and racial gaps in STEM. #K12 #STEM #STEM Continue reading →

EdTech Trends and Tools for Back-to-School

Whether teaching in-person, remote, or hybrid classes this upcoming school year, all teachers will face the same age-old issue of how to pull students back into learning after a long summer break. Luckily, educators have the latest EdTech trends on their side to drive student engagement.

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Navigating the Digital Human Experience

The digital human experience. What is it? Who builds it? How to we navigate it? What jobs and industries might be created in this new space? In today’s blog we take the first few steps into navigating this experience through an exhibit curated by Matthew Hodge, an Interactive Game Design teacher at CART, an indie game developer, and our guide through this new digital landscape. Continue reading →

3 Tips for Using YouTube in Education

Curious about how to use YouTube in your lessons? We have some tips on var connection as part of our #SocialSummer series. Check it out here! Continue reading →

3 Tips for Using Twitch in Education

Curious about how to use Twitch in your lessons? We have some tips on var connection as part of our #SocialSummer series. Check it out here! Continue reading →

4 Tips for Using TikTok in Education

Curious about how to use #Tiktok in your lessons? We have some tips on var connection as part of our #SocialSummer series. Continue reading →

3 Ways to Make Summer Learning More Engaging with Social Media

Meet them where they are at This applies to both the content and the platform. Knowing where your students are watching content, and the types of content they like, you can work elements of that into your lessons, and post on the right platform for your audience. Don’t be afraid to remix Instead of always … Continue reading →

[Infographic] U.S. Department of Education’s Vision to Promote Education Equity

When Secretary of Education Cardona laid out his vision for pandemic learning recovery, he included plans to improve the U.S. education system and reduce education inequality. Here are the 4 key action areas the U.S. Department of Education vowed to address in 2022 and beyond and a few of the ways schools can support these … Continue reading →

3 Ways to Promote Student Well-Being

Teaching the whole child can promote better focus and learning. Here are 3 ways to boost student well-being. Continue reading →

3 Ways Teachers Can Be (SEL)fish

The Great Resignation of 2021 continues to plaque employers into 2022, and K-12 schools are not immune. Teachers continue to take on extra roles to fill in gaps left by colleagues who resigned, which will only accelerate burnout. As schools scramble to find substitutes and hire replacement teachers, educators may find the most immediate relief … Continue reading →

3 Ways Game-Based Learning Empowers Autistic Students

Some autistic students have an affinity for technology, and educators can leverage different technologies to encourage socialization and boost learning. Here are 3 ways game-based learning empowers autistic students. Continue reading →

Coding 101: What is the Robot Operating System (ROS 2)?

Understanding the basics of what ROS 2 is will help support schools in building their computer science and coding programs. Don’t worry you don’t have to be techy to understand. Continue reading →

Rethinking Math Education to boost STEM Equity

Weed-Out Math Classes Must Go Promising tech and other STEM careers may continue being out of reach for many students if college math departments treat calculus classes as weed-out classes for math majors. A five-year study published in 2019 explores STEM undergraduate attrition and suggests a link between college calculus and students abandoning STEM majors. … Continue reading →

Computer Science 101: Creating gateways to STEM careers

National Robotics Week, also known as RoboWeek, is well under way for 2022. Here’s why this event matters. Continue reading →