Posts

Beyond Screens: Discovering the World Through Real Experiences

Image
      In her TEDxKids@BC talk, Miranda Andersen addresses the concept of "Nature Deficit Disorder," a term coined by Richard Louv to describe the negative effects of reduced exposure to nature. She emphasizes the importance of real, immersive experiences in nature for children's development, contrasting them with virtual experiences that lack the same benefits. Andersen advocates for reconnecting with the natural world to foster creativity, well-being, and a deeper understanding of our environment (Andersen, 2013). Exploring Nature and Animals in a Farm      Last year, my class had an incredible series of field trips designed to help the children learn by doing, rather than just watching videos or reading about experiences. One of the most memorable adventures was our visit to Calgary Farmyard, a vibrant 10-acre farm alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of real farm life. The children eagerly met and fed barnyard animals — goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, ...
1 comment
Read more

Games for Learning: An Adventist Perspective

        Game-based learning, simply put is playing a game that teaches you as you go. The game is the lesson. Playing it teaches you as you play. Gamification on the other hand is doing your usual learning tasks but with game-style rewards layered on top to make it more fun. These terminologies are getting popular these days as IT enthusiasts advocate games in the classroom.                  In her 2010 TED Talk, game designer Jane McGonigal argues that we can harness the motivational power of games to tackle real-world problems. She highlights that people currently spend three billion hours a week playing online games—but to address global challenges like hunger, poverty, and climate change, we need to boost that to 21 billion hours weekly. McGonigal presents the idea of the “epic win,” moments of unexpected success in gaming that inspire deep engagement and optimism and contrasts them with the self-doubt many feel in rea...
Post a Comment
Read more

Flipped Classroom in Early Education

     In a flipped classroom, traditional learning is “flipped”. Students first engage with new content such as video lectures or reading materials at home. Classroom time is then repurposed for interactive, hands on activities, discussions, and problem solving. This model encourages active learning, allows students to learn at their own pace by reviewing pre class materials as needed, and frees teachers to facilitate and provide individualized support (MADDraw Productions, 2012). It fosters deeper understanding, peer collaboration, and immediate feedback, while maximizing time for critical thinking and application rather than information delivery (Avella, 2017).       On the other hand, researchers analyzed 15 journal studies on K 12 flipped classrooms, focusing on pre class and in class learning activities, student achievement and attitudes, and encountered challenges. Pre class components included instructional videos and online exercises, while in c...
Post a Comment
Read more

Digital Storytelling

   Digital Story Sample          The practice of using digital tools to tell stories in educational settings, offers both advantages and disadvantages. According to researchers, digital storytelling invigorates teacher effectiveness by increasing student engagement, fostering creativity, and encouraging critical thinking. The approach supports language teachers in developing core competencies such as instructional planning, classroom management, and technological fluency. Researchers look at digital storytelling as a forward looking, learner centered strategy that can modernize language teaching methods and better align with the demands of contemporary education. Proponents advocate for embedding digital storytelling practices into teacher education programs to help educators navigate and thrive in digitally enhanced classrooms (Subhamol and Shobana, 2025). Khan also posited that videos could revolutionize teaching by providing visual clarity, flexible...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Four C's

     The video on collaboration highlights the importance of collaboration through three key standards: communicating with others, resolving conflicts, and managing tasks. These skills are essential in fostering teamwork, promoting understanding, and achieving shared goals in both educational and professional settings. The video effectively emphasizes how intentional collaboration builds confidence, trust, and problem-solving abilities among learners.       However, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges that can hinder collaboration, particularly when dealing with cultural differences, family values, religious beliefs, and even genetic predispositions. Cultural norms influence how individuals communicate—what’s considered respectful or assertive in one culture may be perceived differently in another. Similarly, family and religious values can shape one’s openness to collaboration, especially when group tasks conflict with personal principles. F...
Post a Comment
Read more

My Digital Students in the 21st Century

     The 21st century has dramatically transformed the way we view education, teaching, and learning. With the rapid advancement of technology, the rise of Generation Z, and global challenges that demand action, the role of the student—and the teacher—has evolved. As an educator, I concur that our schools must adapt to these changes, while still upholding timeless values and principles that shape responsible, grounded, and God-fearing individuals.       The video "21st Century Students" presents a powerful message: today’s learners need more than rote memorization and passive listening. I fully agree. While remembering and repeating are still important cognitive skills, they must be complemented with higher-order thinking—creative and critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making (Crombie, 2014) Our students must be thinkers, not just receivers of information. They must know how to evaluate what they see and hear, how to form their own conclu...
Post a Comment
Read more