Project-Based Learning Triumphs over Testing

May 14, 2013

It is possible, we hope more schools embrace project-based learning!

Watch School District Uses Project Based Learning Over Testing on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.

 

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Interest-Based Learning and Games ….. Duh!!!

April 17, 2013

Constance Steinkuhler describes a process that we are seeing over and over again with students in Zulama’s Entertainment Technology Academy courses. Underachievers and disinterested students suddenly come alive and re-engage when the things they are learning are relevant and matter to them.

Learning through games provides a bait-and-switch opportunity that teachers and schools really should pay attention to!

 

 

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Why Should Teens Care about the Bill of Rights?

April 16, 2013

Should schools be allowed to drug test students? How much private information should schools know, for instance if student’s parents are incarcerated? The answers to these questions are not as clear-cut as they might seem at first glance.

This video gives a great peek into Zulama’s Bill of Rights Course.

The Bill of Rights
by: bvaillancourt

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Charlie and Raquel Describe Zulama’s Game Academy

April 10, 2013

Bev Vaillancourt, an amazing, talented, and creative member of the Zulama team, created the following animation using xtranormal.

Watch it to better understand what students and teachers experience when they take courses in Zulama’s Entertainment Technology Academy!

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What do Digital Media, Learning, and Green Beer have in common?!

March 25, 2013

Attendees at the Digital Media and Learning conference

—Bev Vaillancourt, M.Ed., COI

Inspiration. Imagination Collaboration. That’s what filled the air at the Digital Media Learning (DML) conference last week in Chicago. Nikki Navta, Norton Gusky, and myself attended, proudly representing Zulama.

What do you find at a DML conference? Amazing stories of success with online media! We all know the power of social networking and gaming for youth. Add to that a sense of civic engagement and social justice, and the opportunity for positive change seems as close as a click of the keyboard. A standing ovation. That’s what highschoolers from Oakland, California, received from a room filled with educators for their community advocacy work. It was a special moment in the conference to have these kids share their media savvy. Talk about participatory learning. These kids have it nailed!

We all know kids love to play games. So do grownups! Imagine a room full of adults getting excited watching kids learn through games. What happens? Critical thinking. Common Core State Standards are addressed. And innovation driven by the 21st Century Skills. Learning and fun are rolled into one. What could be better?

Norton Gusky and I had the pleasure of sharing the enthusiasm of students enrolled in Zulama’s popular Entertainment Technology Academy with anyone who would listen during the round table cafe on Saturday. Interaction with so many amazing educators on Saturday was one of my favorite times of the conference.

As the conference ended, the Chicago River turned bright green and revelers filled the streets for Chicago’s famous St Patrick’s Day celebration. More than the green river, this conference ended with a green light, a big GO: run, gallop forward, carrying education into the age of technology, and changing the definition of school for the better. What an exciting time to be a teacher!

 

 

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Infographic: How to Become a Game Designer

March 15, 2013

We agree with most of this!

Taking Zulama’s courses in High School gives students a fast track to a career in game design. Talk to your principal or superintendent about bringing Zulama to your school!
How to Become a Game Designer
Courtesy of: Schools.com

 

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Zulama is a Bargain!

February 28, 2013

Given the costs outlined in this infographic,  why would anyone spend the $ to create their own e-learning courses when so many great options (like Zulama!!!) already exist. Where other than Zulama can you find so many expert-authored courses in subject areas that teens actually WANT to learn about (like video game programming!!!)?!

 

Determining the cost of a custom e-learning course

Determining the cost of a custom e-learning course infographic

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Pittsburgh is a Great Place to Be A Kid!!!

February 26, 2013

Kids+Creativity: Building a Regional Learning Network from Sprout Fund on Vimeo.

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iQ SmartParent with Jesse Schell, Nikki Navta, and “Dr G”

February 23, 2013

Dr. G hosted this video game-focused episode of iQ:smartparent, facilitating a conversation about what is good about video game consumption by children and what could be potentially harmful. Focused on getting parents to make informed, thoughtful decisions, Dr. G pushes forward the idea that video games are not good or bad, but that parents need to evaluate specific games. Her panelists Jesse Schell, Nikki Navta, and Dr. Brian Primack help give parents the tools they need to make informed decisions!

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Innovation in the Library (and elsewhere)

January 29, 2013

If you haven’t been paying attention to the changes at a “regular” but innovative district in southwestern PA, it’s time to check out Elizabeth Forward. It’s a small-ish rural district whose administration couldn’t believe the impact that dropouts and charter and cyber schools were having on their bottom line.

They decided to REALLY make some changes to ENGAGE their students. To give them even more reasons to come to school every day. And it’s working.

An old, dingy computer lab was renovated into a colorful, welcoming place to hang out and geek out.

Their library was also transformed into a modern media space.

The teaching staff was offered a chance to create their very own Entertainment Technology Academy. They are using Zulama’s Game Academy courses, as well as providing other engaging game-based learning opportunities.

Some recent press:

Library Transformation

SMALL Lab

 

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