Critical Thinking, Game-Based Learning and Teachers

Coding, Creativity and the New Digital Fluency

Edsurge

JUNE 11, 2025

Creative Coding in the Classroom: From Game Design to Storytelling One example of creative coding comes from a curriculum that introduces computer science through game design and storytelling in Minecraft, a game-based learning platform used by millions of students worldwide. This inclusivity is intentional.

Ethics

Ethics Science Game-Based Learning Motivation

How Gamification Uncovers Nuance In The Learning Process

Teach Thought

JULY 10, 2025

Views Facebook Linkedin Print How Does Gamification Uncover Nuance In The Learning Process? Share a pic or an update and watch the ‘likes’ roll in, each one like a point in a game.

Gamification

Gamification Learning Motivation Learning Styles

5 Learning Strategies That Make Students Curious

Teach Thought

JULY 11, 2025

Views Facebook Linkedin Print These Learning Strategies Make Students Curious by Terry Heick Understanding where curiosity comes from is the holy grail of education. A learner playing and learning through play , nearly by definition, is curious about something, or otherwise they’re simply manipulating bits and pieces mindlessly.

Learning

Learning Students Critical Thinking Game-Based Learning

How Game-Based Learning Develops Real-World Skills

Edsurge

NOVEMBER 7, 2022

And that desire for change drew Vallon to Quest to Learn , a public 6-12 school in New York City focused on game-based learning. There are so many amazing ways to use games, game-like experiences and the design process to engage students. "I Or, we have a math teacher who uses Minecraft as an assessment.

Game-Based Learning

Game-Based Learning Skills Learning Middle School

A Serious Look at Game-Based Learning

Edsurge

OCTOBER 25, 2022

Can you share some of the obstacles you’ve faced promoting game-based learning? She was opening a public school in the city, modeled on game-based learning. I didn't have any background in games and learning, but I did have a background in curriculum design, school design and educational technology.

Game-Based Learning

Game-Based Learning Learning Curriculum Design Curriculum

Reflections on 50 years of Game-Based Learning (Part 3)

Edsurge

JANUARY 3, 2023

More than 50 years after Don Rawitsch introduced Oregon Trail in his eighth grade class, the debate continues : Can games become a legitimate tool for learning? Proponents of game-based learning have good reason to be optimistic—but also cautious. Making games cultivates a range of hard skills (e.g.

Game-Based Learning

Game-Based Learning Learning Critical Thinking Peer Review

Why Game Based Learning Is the Right Choice for Remote Teaching

Ask a Tech Teacher

OCTOBER 30, 2020

Here’s what a joint study from Legends of Learning and Vanderbilt University found: “…students who played the games outperformed their peers on standardized tests. Additionally, teachers saw dramatic increases in engagement and performance. It’s called Game Based Learning (GBL).

Game-Based Learning

Game-Based Learning Teaching Learning Assignments

Game-Based Learning Is Changing How We Teach. Here's Why.

Edsurge

FEBRUARY 4, 2019

I have to do a lot of the same strategic thinking that I enjoyed doing in that game.” He also ponders whether games can both teach and measure 21st-century skills, considers the barriers to a broader use of GBL in schools and discusses the not-so-mysterious motivational power of Pokemon. EdSurge: First things first.

Game-Based Learning

Game-Based Learning Teaching Learning Testing

SMART Technologies Launches AI Assist in Lumio to Save Teachers Time

eSchool News

APRIL 17, 2025

This new offering integrates AI Assist, an advanced tool designed to save teachers time and elevate student engagement through AI-generated quiz-based activities and assessments. ” “As a former teacher, I know firsthand how time-consuming it can be to develop engaging, high-quality assessments.

Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions Quizzes Technology Teachers

Next-gen learning: 5 digital tools to engage and inspire

eSchool News

JUNE 12, 2024

It feels as though every week brings a new tool, practice, or learning model that teachers need to incorporate into their classroom. The past year alone has seen an avalanche of new tech that all aims to be the next big thing in classroom learning. This is particularly true when it comes to technology.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking Learning Quizzes Game-Based Learning

12 lesser-known K-12 STEM education resources

eSchool News

FEBRUARY 18, 2025

eGFI: Engineering Go For It : Resources, games, and lesson plans to inspire K-12 students about engineering and technology careers. Tyto Online : A game-based learning platform for middle and high schoolers to explore science concepts through simulations.

STEM

STEM Interdisciplinary Education Critical Thinking

Cybersecurity to Be Taught to K-8 students across North America for Free

eSchool News

OCTOBER 27, 2022

Cyber Legends intends to change that with engaging, curriculum-aligned lessons, masked as a fun video game. The game teaches kids about passwords, identity theft, scams, phishing, cyber bullying, sexting, social media issues and much more. Cyber Legends also comes with tons of free resources to help teachers, parents, and children.

Mobile Devices

Mobile Devices Critical Thinking Game-Based Learning Students

The 2 stages of successful early STEM education revisited

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2018

The purpose of my position as an Academic Technology Specialist is to help teachers feel comfortable embedding new technology into their classrooms. Working alongside teachers and helping their students with rapidly evolving technology is an incredible experience.

STEM

STEM Education Beliefs Game-Based Learning

This District Rolled Out Minecraft and Teacher Collaboration Skyrocketed

Edsurge

FEBRUARY 11, 2019

He says adding M:EE to the district’s robust technology arsenal is helping students master the oft-cited Four Cs of education—critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Getting a laptop for every kid was one thing, but having the teachers know what that meant was another. Kids open up with Minecraft.

Teachers

Teachers Game-Based Learning Skills Elementary School

The 2 stages of successful early STEM education

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

The purpose of my position as an Academic Technology Specialist is to help teachers feel comfortable embedding new technology into their classrooms. Working alongside teachers and helping their students with rapidly evolving technology is an incredible experience.

STEM

STEM Education Beliefs Game-Based Learning

5 ways to integrate gamification into your classroom

eSchool News

JANUARY 10, 2025

As a fourth-grade teacher, Ive seen how gamification can transform a regular lesson into something my students look forward to. “Games are among childrens favorite activities, especially for primary school students. . The variety keeps students engaged because each game offers a different experience.

Gamification

Gamification Multiple Choice Questions Motivation Social Studies

Engaging the reluctant reader: Benefits of gamified learning in literacy education

eSchool News

JANUARY 6, 2025

Reaching reluctant and disinterested readers can be challenging, frustrating, and discouraging for teachers, who fully grasp the importance of literacy skills. Many educational games fall into this category. Educators need creative and authentic ways to engage students in reading without it seeming forced or gimmicky.

Failure

Failure Motivation Gamification Cognitive Development

4 ways to encourage play in education

eSchool News

APRIL 25, 2024

A quick Google search on the topic will confirm that play is a primary vehicle for learning , so naturally, teachers should make a point to include plenty of it in their weekly lesson plans. It’s all too easy for modern education to become locked into rigid policies and learning models.

Gamification

Gamification Education Intelligence Critical Thinking

We Asked Teachers What They Want From Edtech. Here’s What They Said.

Edsurge

JANUARY 22, 2018

But these efforts have fallen short of meaningfully transforming learning. Edtech initiatives that reduce teachers to the role of facilitator often overlook the important role the teacher plays in activating rich learning experiences for students.

Teachers

Teachers Writing Feedback Assignments

The Critical Power Skills Needed for the AI Era

Edsurge

JANUARY 24, 2024

Considering how AI has rapidly entered education conversations, teachers and administrators are certainly represented in this statistic. But how can teachers and schools fulfill this obligation when the future is so uncertain? Critical Skills in the Age of AI Which skills is the natural next question.

Skills

Skills Critical Thinking Intelligence Game-Based Learning

MDM solutions and gamification make perfect interactive learning partners

eSchool News

MAY 10, 2023

In addition, gamification can improve student skills such as active learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Moreover, instant feedback lets students quickly learn the proper sequence of doing things. Students also learn to make adjustments during, and not after, the learning process.

Gamification

Gamification Interactive Learning Disabilities Learning

K-12 Tech Innovation News

eSchool News

DECEMBER 11, 2023

One notable piece of K-12 tech innovation news is the integration of interactive devices and digital learning tools, transforming static learning spaces into dynamic, multimedia-rich environments. These devices and tools empower teachers to create engaging lessons, fostering a more interactive and collaborative learning experience.

Learning Styles

Learning Styles Intelligence Blended Learning Gamification

CodeMonkey, Sunburst Digital partner on coding curriculum

eSchool News

MAY 31, 2016

classrooms will now have access to CodeMonkey’s coding curriculum, including software programming and critical thinking. Software programming and critical thinking are the new building blocks for our children to compete within a 21st century global workplace.

Curriculum

Curriculum Game-Based Learning Critical Thinking Languages

5 educators share their ISTE experiences

eSchool News

JULY 11, 2018

The keynotes, presenters, vendors, and attendees of #ISTE18 dialed in hard with a connected line of perspective, practical strategies, and game-changing edtech tools to push all students full STEAM ahead into the new school year. That said, we also know that how each student learns is unique to each individual student. All means all.

Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions Education Quizzes Game-Based Learning

K–12 Schools Should Teach Soft Skills to Prepare Students for the Future Workforce

EdTech Magazine

AUGUST 30, 2018

Today, social and emotional learning tools are in high demand, with employers seeking people who have not only professional and technical skills, but also the ability to collaborate and work with a team, critical thinking capabilities, professionalism and effective communication talents. .

Skills

Skills Teaching Critical Thinking Game-Based Learning

The Impact of Inclusive STEM Education

Edsurge

MAY 15, 2024

STEM education is not just about science and math; it develops skills such as creativity, communication, empathy and critical thinking that complement technologies like generative AI and coding. Preparing future global innovators takes a district-wide team of facilitators, classroom teachers and school administrators.

STEM

STEM Interdisciplinary Education Science

Playing Games Can Build 21st-Century Skills. Research Explains How.

Edsurge

FEBRUARY 12, 2019

Research has shown our brains are “ wired for pleasure ,” and that games are an effective way to learn because they simulate adventure and keep our brains engaged and happy. But what exactly do we learn from them? The answer is likely yes, but, much like games themselves, it’s complicated.

Skills

Skills Critical Thinking Game-Based Learning Failure

8 maker tools to inspire next-gen innovation and design

eSchool News

MARCH 14, 2016

All of the challenges are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards, and the kit includes a 120-page teacher’s guide. Teachers are extremely busy, and they have the hardest job in the world,” Bdeir said. My students’ vocabulary is changing,” one teacher said. They’re using words like ‘prototype.’

Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions Game-Based Learning Science Critical Thinking

How Blockchain Can Encourage Learning

Edsurge

MAY 19, 2022

The training content is broken up into short, personalized learning “pills” based on personal goals. As students answer questions, they collect points and receive formative feedback to develop critical-thinking skills.

Learning

Learning Motivation Quizzes Elementary School

CUE 2018: 5 Steps to Create More Accessible, Personalized Professional Development

EdTech Magazine

MARCH 16, 2018

Teachers have a lot on their plates, and they often felt like the technology coaches were just adding more to their plates,” said Denise Douglas, the district’s educational technology coordinator, in a March 16 session at the Spring CUE 2018 conference. DougieFreshTech says voice and choice make teachers more excited about #PD.

Accessibility

Accessibility Coaching Game-Based Learning Critical Thinking

How to Use Video Games in the Classroom

Teach Hub

APRIL 10, 2024

The idea of using video games in the classroom may sound like an oxymoron, but it’s clear that when students are engaged, they are learning. Using video games in the classroom as an innovative approach to engage students can work. Additionally, one study found that video games can help students with ADHD focus.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Methods Critical Thinking Interactive Learning Game-Based Learning

65 ways equity, edtech, and innovation shone in 2022

eSchool News

DECEMBER 23, 2022

Here’s what they had to say: The demand for online learning will continue to grow in 2022 and possibly lead to the creation of virtual schools, which would introduce new AR and VR learning processes. This will help them focus on the quality of their lessons without the heavy financial strain that many teachers deal with today.

Hybrid Learning

Hybrid Learning Communication Accessibility Languages

There’s No Such Thing As Being Bad at Math: How Neuroscience Is Changing the Equation

Edsurge

SEPTEMBER 18, 2017

As a society ever more reliant on technology and STEM-based careers, we must shatter the myth that math skill is inborn and reinforce that it is the result of intention and practice. The tech sector is responding to the need for lifelong learning with online services focused on adult learners, an approach that is important and useful.

Math

Math Beliefs STEM Motivation

Leveling Up Language Learners’ 21st-Century Skills with Minecraft

Edsurge

FEBRUARY 18, 2019

We then paired up, and the newbies learned gameplay tips and tricks, most of which was conducted in English. Critical Thinking Minecraft is truly an open-world game. When a player spawns to start a new game, the map stretches in all directions. Without the inspiration of the game, that would not have happened.

Languages

Languages Language Skills English

Change the Game: Using Minecraft to Teach Students with Autism

Edsurge

JANUARY 28, 2019

The game personifies creativity and collaboration. If designs are complex, they require planning and critical thinking to solve such challenges as determining what material will meet our aesthetic or how we can adapt to the natural environment around us.

Teaching

Teaching Students Motivation Skills

Mindsnacks–Learning in Bite-sized Pieces

Ask a Tech Teacher

OCTOBER 7, 2016

Though these are game-based learning, there’s no plot as you might find simulated games. Think Number Munchers rather than Minecraft. Each app includes personalized learning, an enhanced review mode, and additional challenges to keep students motivated. Insider Tips. Insider Tips.

Languages

Languages Language Learning History

Why School Leaders Need To Be Trained Like Jet Pilots

Edsurge

FEBRUARY 27, 2017

Right before your first staff meeting you are confronted with a challenge with which you have no experience: a teacher comes to you in great distress because she is being bullied by a fellow teacher. Successful simulations enable participants to: Exercise critical thinking and decision making Experience consequences Receive feedback.

Evaluation

Evaluation Schools Coaching Participation

How this educator integrates Dungeons & Dragons into the curriculum

eSchool News

OCTOBER 7, 2024

Fast-forward to 2024, marking the game’s 50th anniversary. I’m now an English teacher and case manager at NewHope Academy in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where we integrate Dungeons & Dragons into our curriculum. Looking back, it’s a little funny, but it also highlights how different things were back then.

Curriculum

Curriculum Education English Critical Thinking

Coding, Creativity and the New Digital Fluency

How Gamification Uncovers Nuance In The Learning Process

Trending Sources

5 Learning Strategies That Make Students Curious

How Game-Based Learning Develops Real-World Skills

A Serious Look at Game-Based Learning

Reflections on 50 years of Game-Based Learning (Part 3)

Why Game Based Learning Is the Right Choice for Remote Teaching

Game-Based Learning Is Changing How We Teach. Here's Why.

SMART Technologies Launches AI Assist in Lumio to Save Teachers Time

Next-gen learning: 5 digital tools to engage and inspire

12 lesser-known K-12 STEM education resources

Cybersecurity to Be Taught to K-8 students across North America for Free

The 2 stages of successful early STEM education revisited

This District Rolled Out Minecraft and Teacher Collaboration Skyrocketed

The 2 stages of successful early STEM education

5 ways to integrate gamification into your classroom

Engaging the reluctant reader: Benefits of gamified learning in literacy education

4 ways to encourage play in education

We Asked Teachers What They Want From Edtech. Here’s What They Said.

The Critical Power Skills Needed for the AI Era

MDM solutions and gamification make perfect interactive learning partners

K-12 Tech Innovation News

CodeMonkey, Sunburst Digital partner on coding curriculum

5 educators share their ISTE experiences

K–12 Schools Should Teach Soft Skills to Prepare Students for the Future Workforce

The Impact of Inclusive STEM Education

Playing Games Can Build 21st-Century Skills. Research Explains How.

8 maker tools to inspire next-gen innovation and design

How Blockchain Can Encourage Learning

CUE 2018: 5 Steps to Create More Accessible, Personalized Professional Development

How to Use Video Games in the Classroom

65 ways equity, edtech, and innovation shone in 2022

There’s No Such Thing As Being Bad at Math: How Neuroscience Is Changing the Equation

Leveling Up Language Learners’ 21st-Century Skills with Minecraft

Change the Game: Using Minecraft to Teach Students with Autism

Mindsnacks–Learning in Bite-sized Pieces

Why School Leaders Need To Be Trained Like Jet Pilots

How this educator integrates Dungeons & Dragons into the curriculum

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