Tag STEM

The Elective Course Effect: How Non-Major Requirements Can Shape STEM Identity

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Guest post by Tessa Dodson. Opinions expressed are those of the writer.

Walk through almost any school, and you’ll hear similar suggestions that students interested in STEM should take as many math, science, and technology courses as possible. While this advice is well-intentioned, it overlooks an important truth.

Students don’t develop a strong STEM identity solely by taking more STEM classes. They develop it by becoming confident thinkers, effective communicators, creative problem-solvers, and lifelong learners. Many of those qualities are cultivated through nonmajor requirements, especially courses in languages, social sciences, and humanities.

Why Electives Matter More Than You Think

When students enroll in electives, they often encounter learning experiences that differ from their core STEM coursework. Language classes strengthen communication and cultural understanding, and arts courses encourage creativity, observation, and design. History and philosophy ask students to evaluate evidence, construct arguments, and understand context.

Meaningful elective experiences often carry over into STEM learning. Instead of treating the arts and STEM as competing priorities, schools that use interdisciplinary learning can help students develop broader and more holistic skills.

Think of a student working on an engineering design project. Technical calculations are important, but so are presenting ideas to classmates, working through disagreements within a team and adapting solutions based on feedback. These are precisely the types of skills students develop through thoughtfully designed courses.

1. Building Better Problem Solvers

Many STEM challenges have no single correct answer. Scientists evaluate competing evidence, and engineers balance trade-offs. Medical researchers consider ethical implications alongside scientific data. Modern workplaces require individuals who can analyze information and make informed decisions, and 88% of employers look for candidates with evidence of problem-solving on their resume.

Students become stronger problem solvers when they learn to approach complex questions from multiple perspectives. Humanities courses frequently ask students to interpret ambiguous information, defend positions with evidence, and recognize nuance. Arts courses encourage experimentation, revision, and innovation. Language learning develops adaptability and pattern recognition while requiring students to navigate unfamiliar situations. Many colleges prefer that incoming students have at least two years of study in a world language.

Problem-solving habits and skills transfer naturally into STEM disciplines. When schools intentionally preserve nonmajor requirements, they create more opportunities for students to practice flexible thinking before they encounter technical challenges.

2. Improving Communication Skills

One misconception about STEM careers is that success depends primarily on technical expertise. In reality, today’s scientists, engineers, and technology professionals spend considerable time communicating. They explain findings to clients, present proposals to leadership teams, collaborate across departments, mentor colleagues, and translate technical concepts for nontechnical audiences.

However, students rarely develop these skills through technical coursework alone. Humanities courses can strengthen organization and evidence-based reasoning. Foreign language courses improve listening, perspective-taking, and communication. These professional capabilities complement technical knowledge and make it more impactful. According to 37 executives from the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, collaboration and communication are among the most valuable nontechnical skills for scientists.

3. Boosting Creativity That Drives Innovation

Innovation rarely comes from repeating established or old practices. Instead, breakthrough ideas emerge when individuals connect concepts across different disciplines. Some of history’s most influential innovators drew inspiration from art, literature, philosophy, or music alongside scientific inquiry.

Today’s technology companies value employees who combine analytical thinking with creativity. Arts education plays an important role in promoting this mindset. Whether students are composing music, designing visual media, or performing theater, they learn to receive feedback, experiment with new ideas, and embrace revision as part of the creative process. Those same habits support engineering design cycles, software development, scientific experimentation, and product innovation.

Personal Growth Extends Beyond Career Preparation

Education serves a purpose that is beyond preparing students for a particular profession. It also helps young people develop into curious, empathetic, and resilient individuals who can adapt to changing circumstances throughout their lives.

Literature courses invite students to consider perspectives different from their own. Philosophy asks students to consider ethical questions that rarely have simple answers. The arts foster self-expression, perseverance, and confidence through creative exploration.

By providing these experiences, you can contribute to students’ personal growth, helping them become more reflective, emotionally aware, and open to new ideas. They also strengthen qualities like resilience, adaptability, and intellectual curiosity, which are just as valuable in a STEM career as technical expertise.

By providing opportunities for students to explore interests beyond their primary field of study, you reinforce the idea that education is about growing into capable, well-rounded people, not simply preparing to become future employees.

More Students Will See Themselves in STEM

Some students discover their interest in STEM only after connecting technical concepts with their personal passions. For example, a student who enjoys storytelling may become interested in data visualization. A musician may discover acoustical engineering, or a visual artist may pursue user experience design.

When you encourage students to explore subjects beyond their intended major, you create opportunities for students to combine their passions rather than choose between them. As students begin to see how different subjects intersect, they are more likely to view STEM as a field where their unique talents and perspectives are valued.

This broader, more inclusive approach is especially important for students who may not identify with traditional STEM careers. By demonstrating that there are many ways to contribute to STEM, you can help more students develop the capabilities and confidence that are essential to building a strong STEM identity.

What Educational Leaders Can Do

Consider how your school’s policies support interdisciplinary learning. Start by examining whether scheduling practices unintentionally discourage students from taking electives outside their intended majors. When every period is devoted to technical coursework, students may lose valuable opportunities for broader, well-rounded development.

Next, you can encourage collaboration across departments. Invite STEM and humanities teachers to co-design interdisciplinary projects that address authentic problems. Students might combine environmental science with persuasive writing, computer science with graphic design, or engineering with ethics.

You can also celebrate diverse pathways into STEM. Highlight alums and professionals whose careers show the importance of interdisciplinary experiences. Share examples of computer scientists who value philosophy or healthcare professionals whose language skills improve patient care. These stories can help students understand that success in STEM does not require limiting themselves to technical coursework.

Rethinking Success

The pressure to optimize courses for college admissions or career readiness can unintentionally limit students’ educational experiences. Valuable learning also takes place in classes outside a student’s major.

When schools value nonmajor requirements, they focus on developing adaptable thinkers rather than just technically skilled graduates. This broad approach helps students communicate effectively, think creatively, collaborate well, and become resilient learners. They gain confidence in academic mastery and in their ability to address real-world problems.

About Tessa

Tessa Dodson is the Senior Writer of Classrooms.com, where she researches and covers educational policy, professional development, teacher support systems, and integration challenges that K-12 and higher education institutions may face. She aims to research and provide actionable insights for students, educators, school administrators, and other leaders.

About Rachelle’s work

I help schools and other organizations (law firms, healthcare professionals, business owners) implement AI responsibly through policy guidance, professional learning, and classroom-ready strategies grounded in both instructional practice and legal insight.

My sessions focus on helping teams:

• understand what AI can and cannot do

• recognize responsible-use considerations

• build confidence using emerging tools

•align implementation with organizational priorities

If your school, district, or organization is beginning conversations or looking to dive in and learn more about AI policy, professional learning, or responsible implementation, I’d welcome the opportunity to support your next steps through leadership workshops, keynote sessions, or strategic planning partnerships.

Preparing people is what makes AI implementation successful. Contact me via bit.ly/thrivineduPD for my training and speaking services.

About Rachelle

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is a Spanish and STEAM: What’s Next in Emerging Technology Teacher. Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher of Spanish and STEAM: Emerging Technology. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Doctorate in Instructional Technology. Rachelle’s focus was on the need for professional development for educators, specific to Artificial Intelligence. Rachelle specializes in Artificial Intelligence, AI and the Law, AI and Healthcare, Cybersecurity, and STEM. She has more than 8 years of experience teaching and presenting on AI in her classroom, as well as working with educators worldwide.

Rachelle is currently serving as the Grant Coach for an initiative through ISTE+ASCD and Pinterest. Rachelle works with a Task Force from 12 districts in the United States and assists with policy revision, professional development, and the design of digital wellness resources for students, educators, and families.

Rachelle provides professional development related to AI policy and implementation to school districts, universities, and organizations. She also presents and provides keynotes on AI at state, national, and international events and in schools. Rachelle also provides AI training for other industries, including business, healthcare, and legal fields.
Rachelle is an ISTE-certified educator and recipient of the ISTE Making IT Happen Award and several Presidential Awards for volunteer service to education. Rachelle received the EdTech Trendsetter Award from EdTech Digest in 2024 and 2026.

She is the author of ten books, including “What the Tech? An Educator’s Guide to AI, AR/VR, the Metaverse and More! and “How to Teach AI: Weaving Strategies and Activities Into Any Content Area.” She has written curricula and courses on AI for all levels.

She is also a blogger for Defined Learning, EdTech K12, Edutopia, Getting Smart, and Tech & Learning. She is the host of the ThriveinEDU podcast, ISTE’s Learning Unleashed podcast, and The Lift by Amazon on BAM Radio Network. Contact Rachelle for your event!

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Learning Together in Immersive Worlds: Exploring Multiplayer in Delightex Edu

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

In collaboration with Delightex Edu.

I started using Delightex (formerly CoSpaces Edu) many years ago in my STEAM and Spanish classes. I dove into creating projects and finding options and opportunities for students to explore and have fun learning. For more than 9 years, I have used Delightex Edu with my students and have been continually awed by the platform’s enhancements.

Each year, a variety of new features are added to the already robust platform. What I love about it is that the new features spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and, most importantly, give students more ownership of their learning. The loss of these skills is a concern in the rapidly advancing technological landscape in education. Delightex continues to open up more opportunities for educators and students to leverage technology in meaningful ways. Earlier, they added the AI features and AI buddies, and now there is Multiplayer!

With the new Multiplayer activity, students and teachers can enter the same virtual Project and explore, communicate, and solve problems together in real time. Multiplayer has been a game-changer for my students and for educators who explore it! It is a great opportunity to engage students and promote digital citizenship and the appropriate, responsible use of technology.

For years, I’ve spoken about the need to move students from consumers to creators to innovators. With Delightex Edu, students do more than view and interact with stagnant digital content. Students create and collaborate to design interactive environments, dive into coding experiences, narrate and bring their stories to life, and create immersive worlds for themselves and others to explore. Multiplayer is a game-changer because it adds a whole new dimension, transforming students’ individual creations into shared learning experiences others can enjoy! And when that happens, it is so much more meaningful for learning.

Individual Exploration to Shared Experience

In a Multiplayer Project, teachers launch a live session, and then they become the host. Delightex Edu generates a join link and a session code that can be shared with the class. Students can choose a personalized avatar and enter the same virtual environment as their classmates. When they do this, they can explore, interact, complete challenges, and learn together.

Does it take a lot of time? No. It is easy to get started. Teachers can set up a Multiplayer Project directly or select Multiplayer when creating an Assignment. The technology itself is exciting, but the true value lies in the learning design. Multiplayer is not simply about interacting as avatars in the same digital space. Rather, it is an innovative option that creates opportunities for discussion, negotiation, shared decision-making, peer teaching, problem-solving, and reflection. It fosters the development of essential skills for students.

Why Multiplayer Learning Matters

Research has consistently demonstrated the value of active learning. Studies have shown that active-learning approaches improve student performance. Collaborative learning also creates academic, social, psychological, and assessment benefits because learners work together toward a shared goal or outcome.

Immersive learning environments also increase engagement by giving learners a sense of presence within the experience. In my own classroom, I’ve seen greater engagement, motivation, time on task, and more positive learning experiences. It is important to always focus on the learning target itself and then design the experience leveraging the technology in purposeful ways. This distinction is important. Multiplayer should be connected to clear learning goals. Perhaps students need to gather evidence, explain concepts, solve a challenge, evaluate competing ideas, or create something collaboratively. The virtual environment becomes a space for meaningful interactions rather than feeling like a digital field trip that lacks a clear learning purpose.

Ideas for Early Elementary Classrooms

For younger learners, Multiplayer Projects can emphasize exploration, communication, vocabulary development, and simple problem-solving.

Students might enter a virtual community and work together to identify important places such as a school, library, hospital, fire station, or park. They can discuss what happens in each place and how community members help one another.

To build literacy skills, students could explore the setting of a familiar story, identify characters and objects, and retell events in sequence. A teacher-created AI Buddy could serve as a story character, narrator, or guide, asking age-appropriate questions, and this is a great way to help students understand how to use AI safely to enhance learning.

For math, students could complete a shape hunt, sort virtual objects, compare quantities, or follow directional clues through a maze. In science, they might visit a habitat and identify what different plants and animals need to survive.

At this level, teachers can model digital citizenship by establishing expectations for movement, turn-taking, communication, and helping classmates.

Ideas for Middle School

As students become more independent, Multiplayer can support increasingly complex collaboration. In science, groups might explore a solar-system exhibition, identify planetary characteristics, and work together to solve a sequence of clues. They might investigate an ecosystem or enter a model of a cell and explain the function of each structure.

Social studies students could tour a virtual museum, analyze artifacts, compare civilizations, or participate in a simulation where they assume the role of a historical figure or community member. Rather than just reading about an event, students can explore different perspectives and discuss how decisions affected various groups.

Language arts students might enter the setting of a novel, examine visual clues, interview AI-powered characters, or solve an escape room based on plot, theme, vocabulary, and textual evidence.

World language students can practice asking for directions in a virtual city, ordering food in a restaurant, describing their surroundings, or completing a collaborative cultural scavenger hunt.

Ideas for High School

Students can use Multiplayer Projects for simulations, debates, design challenges, and role-based learning.

A government or civics class could simulate a town council meeting, a legislative hearing, a courtroom proceeding, or an international summit. Students could enter the environment with assigned roles, examine evidence, question one another, and negotiate a solution.

Science and career-technical education students could complete safety inspections, analyze environmental conditions, investigate virtual crime scenes, or troubleshoot a simulated workplace problem. Health science students might explore an anatomical model or practice communicating with an AI Buddy designed to represent a patient.

In literature and history, students could build and lead virtual exhibitions. Rather than submitting a traditional presentation, teams could design an environment, curate primary sources, create interactive characters, and guide visitors through their interpretation.

Creating the Future of Learning Together

The future of education is not simply about giving every student access to more technology. It is about creating opportunities for students to think, communicate, design, question, and solve problems together. Focusing on the learning goals and then adding in various methods and tools to reach those goals.

Delightex Edu’s Multiplayer feature brings these goals into a shared, immersive environment. Whether students are navigating a maze, exploring the solar system, touring a virtual museum, practicing another language, or solving a real-world challenge, they are actively participating in the learning process.

They are not just watching an experience unfold. They are inside it, learning together and building skills that will lead them to a successful future.

About Rachelle

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is a Spanish and STEAM: What’s Next in Emerging Technology Teacher. Rachelle is also an attorney with a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. Rachelle received her Doctorate in Instructional Technology, with a research focus on AI and Professional Development. In addition to teaching, she is a full-time consultant and works with companies and organizations to provide PD, speaking, and consulting services. Contact Rachelle for your event!

Rachelle is an ISTE-certified educator and community leader who served as president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. By EdTech Digest, she was named the EdTech Trendsetter of 2024, one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021, and one of 150 Women Global EdTech Thought Leaders in 2022.

She is the author of ten books, including ‘What The Tech? An Educator’s Guide to AI, AR/VR, the Metaverse and More” and ‘How To Teach AI’. In addition, other books include, “In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU,” “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,” “Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World, “True Story: Lessons That One Kid Taught Us,” “Things I Wish […] Knew” and her newest “How To Teach AI” is available from ISTE or on Amazon.

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions about Artificial Intelligence, AI and the Law, Coding, AR/VR, and more for your school or event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Bluesky, Instagram, and X at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also, check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

Join my show on THRIVEinEDU on Facebook. Join the group here.

Building Tomorrow’s Skills Today: Career-Connected Learning

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Technology is evolving at a pace we have never experienced before. There have been so many changes in the world through artificial intelligence, automation, data science, and other emerging technologies. These are reshaping industries in real time. As an educator, I feel this shift daily, and I try to push myself to keep learning and looking for opportunities to do more for my students. The challenge is no longer simply preparing students for a job. It’s knowing how to prepare them for careers that may not even exist yet and also supporting them as they develop a variety of skills to be prepared.

When I think about how to prepare students for the uncertainty around the world of work, I look at insights from the World Economic Forum and its Future of Jobs research. While AI was listed as #3 for 2027 and is now listed as #1 for 2030, the other rankings reinforce what we already know: adaptability, analytical thinking, creativity, and resilience are becoming increasingly important in our world.

If we cannot predict the careers that will exist five or ten years from now, the best we can do is prepare students to be flexible thinkers, confident problem-solvers, and ethical technology users. And this is why I believe that career-connected learning is essential.

Redefining “Career Ready”

When I thought about “career ready,” I aligned it with strong academics plus essential skills of communication, collaboration, and the other “soft skills.” These are still relevant and necessary for success, however with the changes in technology, there are other areas that I believe must be addressed and become part of preparing students to be career-ready. remain foundational. Now, I include:

  • Digital and AI literacy
  • Ethical reasoning in technology use
  • Data awareness and cybersecurity knowledge
  • The ability to evaluate and question AI-generated information
  • Comfort navigating complex digital systems

Students need to understand how to use tools like generative AI. And that means using it to enhance and not replace their own learning. They can learn to brainstorm with AI, analyze outputs for bias or inaccuracy, and be able to recognize when human judgment must be at the forefront, providing consistent oversight. Research and interviews of employers have shown that employees will be expected to work alongside AI systems. That preparation has to begin in our classrooms from K through 12 and beyond.

Career-connected learning ensures students understand how what they are studying connects with real careers and real-world impact.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

According to projections highlighted by the World Economic Forum, millions of roles will be displaced due to automation, while millions of new ones will emerge. This is not the first time. More than 100 years ago, thousands of traffic light controllers in New York were displaced due to automation. They did not all lose their jobs, some shifted into others. And many of these new positions demand higher-order thinking, digital agility, and ethical decision-making.

I like to talk about some career options that minimally existed a few years ago:

  • AI prompt engineer
  • Ethical technologist
  • Data privacy consultant

These are some of the many growing fields of work and some which are increasing because of AI. I think about how we are preparing our students and believe that career-connected learning will help to show the connections between classroom content and workforce relevance. I also believe this is something that can be done in every classroom and in all content areas.

What Does Career-Connected Learning Look Like?

Career-connected learning is more than occasional career days. It is something that is embedded into daily instruction, not an extra element. It can include a variety of possibilities, such as:

  1. Project-based learning connected to community or industry challenges. (Builds relevance for students).
  2. Integration of AI, data science, and emerging technologies
  3. Authentic problem-solving rooted in real scenarios
  4. Partnerships with local businesses, universities, or nonprofits
  5. Coding, AI, and cybersecurity challenges

Through opportunities like these, we can foster the development of student agency. When students understand how what they are learning connects to real opportunities, it sparks curiosity, increases students engagement and motivation. Learning is more purposeful, authentic, and meaningful.

Some ideas:

Artificial intelligence is an area that students need to understand. They need to know, how AI systems function, how to evaluate the outputs, how bias can be embedded, and what the ethical responsibilities are for using AI. In career-connected classrooms, AI might be used to discuss and explore how the legal field, healthcare and business industries, and schools are using AI tools. They can engage in role-playing that focuses on ethical decision-making. The goal is for students to leverage AI as a partner, rather than a replacement in learning.

STEM is a great option to focus on career-connected learning. In my own classroom experiences, I’ve seen what happens when students combine AI tools with engineering design, language learning, and problem-solving. When students train image classifiers and then collaborate, problem-solve, and evaluate where the model fails, they are not just learning about the technology, they are developing skills in critical analysis and bias detection.

Cybersecurity is another area that is seeing tremendous growth. Students need to understand how their data is collected, protected, and in some cases, misused. There are hundreds of thousands of cybersecurity roles unfilled in the United States alone, yet many students and perhaps even educators, have not heard of careers such as a threat analyst or a security operations engineer. Lessons on cybersecurity can be done in all classes. Here are some examples that I have shared:

  • English: Analyze phishing emails as persuasive writing
  • History: Debate privacy vs. security
  • Math: Explore encryption models
  • Technology: Investigate AI-related vulnerabilities

Career-ready also means a Human-Centered Future

With all of the technology, especially with AI and automation, we have to keep focused on what makes us uniquely human. Technology will continue to evolve, even faster than it has been. But empathy, integrity, resilience, and collaboration will always matter and we need to make sure that students develop these skills.

With career-connected learning opportunities, we will prepare students for success in the future, even in careers that don’t exist. We will offer opportunities for them to discover their interests and purpose and be prepared to embrace the changes they will encounter and be successful.

About Rachelle

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is a Spanish and STEAM: What’s Next in Emerging Technology Teacher. Rachelle is also an attorney with a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. Rachelle received her Doctorate in Instructional Technology, with a research focus on AI and Professional Development. In addition to teaching, she is a full-time consultant and works with companies and organizations to provide PD, speaking, and consulting services. Contact Rachelle for your event!

Rachelle is an ISTE-certified educator and community leader who served as president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. By EdTech Digest, she was named the EdTech Trendsetter of 2024, one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021, and one of 150 Women Global EdTech Thought Leaders in 2022.

She is the author of ten books, including ‘What The Tech? An Educator’s Guide to AI, AR/VR, the Metaverse and More” and ‘How To Teach AI’. In addition, other books include, “In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU,” “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,” “Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World, “True Story: Lessons That One Kid Taught Us,” “Things I Wish […] Knew” and her newest “How To Teach AI” is available from ISTE or on Amazon.

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions about Artificial Intelligence, AI and the Law, Coding, AR/VR, and more for your school or event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Bluesky, Instagram, and X at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also, check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

Join my show on THRIVEinEDU on Facebook. Join the group here.

Shaping the Future of Digital Literacy with AI

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

In collaboration with Delightex Edu. All opinions are my own.

Over the past 9 years, using Delightex Edu (formerly CoSpaces Edu) with my students, I have seen it continually add features that spark curiosity, boost creativity, and offer more engaging ways for students to build their knowledge. I have often said that we need to move students from consumers to creators, to innovators, and with Delightex Edu, students don’t just consume content, they create immersive worlds. Students and educators can design 3D worlds, build interactive environments, and leverage all of the options for coding and creating a more authentic and personalized product.

Delightex Edu is a highly visual, user-friendly, intuitive system that helps students develop essential skills such as collaboration, creativity, logic, problem-solving, and more that will lead to future success. These are skills that have been in demand, and they are not changing, but what is changing is the “how” students can develop these and other essential future-ready skills.

Most recently, Delightex has added AI features to its already robust platform. Artificial intelligence is not a futuristic concept. I have been speaking about augmented and virtual reality and AI for more than eight years, and these concepts are not going away. They have become part of everyday life, shaping how we work, communicate, and create.

As digital literacy evolves, students need opportunities not just to use AI, but also to understand it, question it, and use and create with it responsibly. Delightex Edu’s latest update takes what it already offers to a new level. AI enhances the creative experience, expanding what students can build while engaging them in hands-on, safe, and exciting learning opportunities.

The new AI features focus on three essential principles: smarter creation, deeper learning, and safe innovation.

AI to amplify creation and not replace student creativity

One of the most important things that I have shared with students and educators is that having the new AI features should not be thought of as a substitute for students’ own thinking and creativity. Instead, it should amplify learning while also teaching students about AI’s capabilities in a safe space, which is what matters as we help them build content skills and AI literacy.

Students are still in control and taking the lead as they create and apply their knowledge in new ways. They are still the designers, the coders, the curious learners, and the storytellers. AI is just another tool in the Delightex toolbox. They now have more opportunities to learn about prompting, how to generate images they want, and be able to develop true AI literacy alongside computational thinking skills.

AI Buddies: Bringing Worlds to Life

Whether for students or educators, Delightex Edu is so much fun to dive into and start creating with, especially with AI Buddies, which are AI-powered 3D characters that can talk, react, and express emotions through real-time animations. AI Buddies are defined by creating a short prompt and can act as guides, tutors, narrators, or characters in a story. AI Buddies make it so much fun for anyone creating with Delightex.

AI Buddies are a fun addition to any project. They respond via text and can also use expressive animations that make interactions feel more natural and believable. Students can set proximity triggers in their environment so that an AI Buddy responds automatically when someone enters a specific area of a scene. This was a game-changer because it shifted the static environment into a more responsive and immersive experience.

When I think about the possibilities and how AI buddies will amplify learning, they can help students create more engaging stories, interactive simulations, and even role-based learning. Imagine having a historical figure who can speak to students. Or a science class or a language class, with a virtual guide who can walk users through a location unique to the content. Characters in a story can respond differently depending on the choices the player makes.

These possibilities also bring some reminders. Safety, especially when it comes to AI, is critical. With Delightex Edu, teachers control student access by license, class, or each individual student. Guardrails, Content Guard, and AI History ensure that any interactions stay age-appropriate, transparent, and are reviewable by the teacher.

AI Skills: Coding and AI Literacy

When AI Buddies are added to each student’s Project, it brings their story and their world to life. With AI Skills, students can decide how the characters will act.

AI Skills enables students to design actions using visual coding and assign them to AI Buddies. Using Delightex’s CoBlocks system, AI Skills combine traditional visual logic with the use of simple prompts. Students still define conditions, test behaviors, and refine outcomes as they have been able to do, but now with AI Skills, the characters can respond in more natural ways to dialogue and intent.

When learning to code, students were programming only event-based responses, for example, “when this happens, do that.” However, now, students think about how these intelligent systems are able to interpret meaning. It can lead to great conversations in the classroom, and students or teachers can talk about questions such as:

  • How does a character decide what action makes sense?
  • What happens when prompts are unclear?
  • How do logic and language work together?

AI-Generated 360° Worlds Inside 3D Scenes

One of my favorite new AI features is that I can dream big and create fun prompts that generate beautiful images. Through Delightex Edu’s Skybox integration, you can generate AI-powered 360° images right inside 3D scenes. Before this feature was added, scenes were limited, but now any 3D scene can be transformed into a fully immersive 360° environment, truly expanding creative possibilities. Students can instantly generate any backdrop they can imagine for their stories, simulations, or virtual field trips. Once they create their new background, they can select from all of the options for characters, objects, and more. It boosts student engagement and promotes more experiential learning.

Why This Is Important for the Future of Learning

As I explored these recent updates, I realized they are moving us toward what digital literacy should look like in an AI-powered world.

Whether early learners, older students, or educators, everyone needs opportunities to create with AI and understand its capabilities. And, they need to be able to do so in safe environments where experimentation is encouraged, guardrails are in place, and active learning is available. Delightex Edu is a platform where AI enhances creativity, deepens understanding of new technologies, supports the acquisition of content knowledge, and prepares students for future work and learning.

Always at the forefront with great features that bring amazing learning possibilities to students, I’m looking forward to more features from Delightex. And I am excited for all students who will be able to apply their knowledge in exciting and innovative ways!

To learn more and have fun creating, visit delightex.com/edu. Explore the gallery, check out the resources, and then start your own project! Have fun learning!

About Rachelle

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is a Spanish and STEAM: What’s Next in Emerging Technology Teacher. Rachelle is also an attorney with a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. Rachelle received her Doctorate in Instructional Technology, with a research focus on AI and Professional Development. In addition to teaching, she is a full-time consultant and works with companies and organizations to provide PD, speaking, and consulting services. Contact Rachelle for your event!

Rachelle is an ISTE-certified educator and community leader who served as president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. By EdTech Digest, she was named the EdTech Trendsetter of 2024, one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021, and one of 150 Women Global EdTech Thought Leaders in 2022.

She is the author of ten books, including ‘What The Tech? An Educator’s Guide to AI, AR/VR, the Metaverse and More” and ‘How To Teach AI’. In addition, other books include, “In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU,” “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,” “Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World, “True Story: Lessons That One Kid Taught Us,” “Things I Wish […] Knew” and her newest “How To Teach AI” is available from ISTE or on Amazon.

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions about Artificial Intelligence, AI and the Law, Coding, AR/VR, and more for your school or event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Bluesky, Instagram, and X at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also, check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

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Vibe Coding and an Hour of AI Adventure for AllClassrooms

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

A New Twist on the Hour of Code

Computer Science Education Week has been recognized in December each year. The timing selected to coincide with the birthday of Grace Hopper, a pioneer in computing. Every year during Computer Science Education Week, classrooms around the world plan activities to participate in the Hour of Code, to inspire everyone to explore the possibilities and opportunities available through coding. But this year the plans may be a little bit different. There has been a shift to focusing on the Hour of AI.

Over the past three years, AI has continued to advance and bring more tools into our classrooms and the world. There are so many possibilities available when it comes to AI and coding and the technology has continued to improve. Now, through a collaboration between Imagi Labs and Lovable, educators and students can dive into coding, without even writing a single line of code. It sounds impossible but it is true. Code is written by educators and students, simply by describing what they want. This is Vibe Coding. And the best part is that you don’t need to have a background in coding to be able to get started! My recent experience with Lovable and Imagi has shown how easy it is to build an app, create a game and more, by simply using natural language prompts. (Sign up to learn more during the Tuesday, December 9th webinar here).

And when it comes to AI, there has been a valid concern around data privacy. With Imagi and Lovable, it is easy to get started without the need for sharing student data or involving a time-consuming and complex setup. Vibe coding and the resources available help to promote computer science and AI literacy in all classrooms and focus on healthy and intentional use of AI.

So What is Vibe Coding?

Vibe Coding is way to dive into coding without writing lines of code. Rather than writing out lines of code, you simply use words to describe the vibe of the program that you want to create and then AI helps to build it. Think about what happens with prompting. With vibe coding, you use natural language prompts to describe the kind of game or app you want to create, and then AI takes care of the task of generating the code. With my more recent experiences, I’ve explored Imagi and Lovable, which is an AI-powered platform that lets anyone (with or without coding experience) create websites, apps, and games by simply describing them.The focus of coding shifts to the wording and then the ideas turn into a working project. You spend time considering the concept, refining the descriptions, and iterating throughout the process.

I have used Imagi Labs for over a year and now, with the new learning experience via vibe coding, I have more ways to focus on Computer Science and AI literacy. Imagi has partnered with Lovable to make vibe coding more classroom-friendly and easier to get started. Through Imagi, educators have access to ready-made curriculum and a special school-safe mode for Lovable that does not require personal student accounts. So now all students can join in an Hour of AI activity safely and experience AI-driven coding, which educators can facilitate with more comfort and confidence.

Why Hour of AI and Vibe Coding?

The Hour of AI is an evolution of the Hour of Code, which I have participate in with my students for years. Initially I thought about it as just an hour, but the reality is that it is meant to be an hour that then inspires you to continue to bring coding and computer science opportunities into all classrooms. There is a growing need to build foundational AI literacy skills in addition to computer science skills, in order to prepare students for the future. Through these resources, whether Hour of Code or Hour of AI, the goal is to show students that anyone can explore AI and coding.

Vibe coding is the perfect activity to explore because it makes it even easier. I think about it like this: if you and your students can write a sentence, explain a concept, then you can start creating with code. Vibe coding does not require prior coding experience. Through Imagi and Lovable, there are tutorials that provide proof that anyone can learn to code and they can do so in a fun, AI-powered way. Commonly referred to as a plug-and-play, I think it is another great opportunity for the Hour of Code/AI season this year! And, to learn how to use it, join us for a great conversation and demo!

A peek at Tuesday’s webinar.

Creative Coding

What I have always enjoyed during the Hour of Code activities or Computer Science Education Week activities, are the reactions of the students! Whether they build a game or just learn more about coding and become excited about the possibilities, it is always a great learning opportunity for them and for me too.

With opportunities to build and customize their own video game, it draws them right in. The specific project they’ll create is totally up to them, which sparks creativity and builds confidence and excitement in learning. What makes it even better is how students build it. Simply by typing their ideas in plain text, through a prompt, they end up with code that is quickly generated. For example, a student might start with a prompt like, “Create a game where a cat catches falling treats and earns points.” Lovable’s AI will take their prompt and generate an initial game which may have a cat sprite at the bottom of the screen that you can move, and treats dropping from the top. Students then test the game to see how it works and collaborate to improve it.

From there, the creative iteration kicks in. Maybe one student wants the game to be about space, not fruits. They just need to ask the AI to switch the theme. Typing in “Change it to a space game catching asteroids instead of treats.” Starting with games to have students catch items is a great way to get started and because students’ games can be adapted and relevant to any subject or story, the activity will help to engages their personal interests and connect meaningfully with classroom content. The AI takes care of the coding, but students remain the designers, guiding the outcome with their descriptions. And this is how we move them from consumers to creators and innovators!

This process also introduces the concept of prompt refining and debugging in a very digestible way, especially if they are limits in the number of prompts they can use. It requires them to really think through and be specific. Once generated, if the game doesn’t run exactly right on the first try, students then learn to tweak their description by adding more details. They may say to move an item faster or change the color to a lighter shade. Students work on debugging by having a conversation with the AI, which helps them to problem solve too. Students learn how to write prompts and debug creatively while building their game and it results in less frustration and instead sparks curiosity. Students can consider: What happens if I ask the AI to do this? How can I change the appearance of the characters or the background? for a few examples.

Students can publish or share their game, which they always enjoy! For some students, this may be the first time they’ve coded something playable, which is a huge confidence boost and hopefully the moment they realized that coding (and AI) can be creative, fun, and most importantly, something that everyone can do. And another benefit is the collaboration that happens. Want to join us and learn together? Sign up here for our livestream happening Tuesday!

Building AI Literacy and CS Skills

Beyond the excitement of making a game, vibe coding activities provide impactful instructional value. It aligns with traditional computer science foundations and emerging AI literacy standards. Lessons available have been mapped to AI Literacy competencies from the AILit framework, including skills to Evaluate, Create, and Design with AI.

  • Evaluate: Students practice critical thinking by examining what the AI produces and deciding if it’s acceptable or needs some tweaking. For example, if the AI’s first attempt has a bug or the theme is slightly off, students must decide whether to accept the result, refine their prompt, or start again. Students learn to question the AI output rather than trust it immediately, which is a key AI literacy skill they need to develop.
  • Create: Rather than simply playing and consuming a game, students can now collaborate with generative AI to create one. They continue to refine the results and reflect on how their prompts (their thought processes) lead to different outcomes It’s an easy way to introduce how human creativity and AI can work together, rather than have AI replace their thoughts. Students see that AI can assist their creativity, but that their own ideas and adjustments actually are behind the project.
  • Design: By the end, students are able to describe how an AI system like Lovable helped them to build a solution to a problem or project idea. They realize that they have designed a simple software product by leveraging AI and how AI tools might help solve problems in any field. I think this is a great way to engage students in a discussion in any subject or to focus on community issues. A focus on designing with AI for real-world contexts.

Using these tools, students are learning classic computer science concepts in an age-appropriate way. They understand algorithmic logic (the game has rules like “if the cat catches treats, the score increases”), and they practice testing and debugging (when their game doesn’t work as expected, they try again and iterate). The difference is that the AI handles the syntax and heavy coding, which allows students to focus on logic and the game design. It is truly empowering for younger learners and for any learner that may hesitate to try traditional coding. Now, they learn to code in a way that breaks down the challenges that may come from receiving coding errors.

Teacher Support

Trying a new tech tool in class can be time-consuming, but Imagi + Lovable make it easy to dive in. There are a variety of teacher supports available to help teachers feel prepared and confident, even if it’s the first time exploring AI and coding in the classroom. A few of the features:

  • Detailed Lesson Plan: A step-by-step lesson guide is provided, outlining the learning objectives, timing for each part of the activity, discussion questions, and potential student responses. It’s basically a script you can follow or adapt.
  • Slide Deck: There are ready-to-use slides designed for projecting in class while you run the Hour of AI. They introduce key concepts (like “What is AI?” and “What is vibe coding?”), show visual examples, and include prompt examples to guide students. There are also speaker notes.
  • Account Setup Is Simple: Imagi handles creating student accounts for Lovable with one click. The focus is on privacy-first (accounts are anonymous and expire after the event).
  • Troubleshooting Help: Technology is great until it isn’t. But for this, don’t worry because the Hour of AI pack includes a troubleshooting guide for common issues.

There are more supports available! –> Sign up here for our livestream happening Tuesday!

By participating in this event and exploring Vibe coding during the Hour of Code/AI, we are helping students build foundational AI literacy in an engaging way.

If you’ve been thinking about coding and AI, then Computer Science Education Week and the Hour of AI are the perfect time to dive in. Set aside an hour for vibe coding and see the impact when students see their ideas come to life.

Ready to get started? Join the webinar or sign up to get the recording and resources!

Let’s work on fostering creativity and building AI literacy for every student…one vibe at a time!

About Rachelle

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is a Spanish and STEAM: What’s Next in Emerging Technology Teacher. Rachelle is also an attorney with a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. Rachelle received her Doctorate in Instructional Technology, with a research focus on AI and Professional Development. In addition to teaching, she is a full-time consultant and works with companies and organizations to provide PD, speaking, and consulting services. Contact Rachelle for your event!

Rachelle is an ISTE-certified educator and community leader who served as president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. By EdTech Digest, she was named the EdTech Trendsetter of 2024, one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021, and one of 150 Women Global EdTech Thought Leaders in 2022.

She is the author of ten books, including ‘What The Tech? An Educator’s Guide to AI, AR/VR, the Metaverse and More” and ‘How To Teach AI’. In addition, other books include, “In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU,” “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,” “Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World, “True Story: Lessons That One Kid Taught Us,” “Things I Wish […] Knew” and her newest “How To Teach AI” is available from ISTE or on Amazon.

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions about Artificial Intelligence, AI and the Law, Coding, Cybersecurity, STEM, AR/VR, and more for your school or speaking event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, and X at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also, check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

Join my show on THRIVEinEDU on Facebook. Join the group here.

CodeMonkey Review: Fun, Effective, and Engaging for All Classrooms

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

In collaboration with CodeMonkey. All opinions are my own.

As an educator with over nine years of experience in teaching, researching, and presenting on artificial intelligence, educational technology, and computer science, I enjoy trying out new coding and STEM-related platforms and tools with my eighth-grade STEAM students. My students and I have enjoyed using CodeMonkey this year because it sparks curiosity in learning about coding, and they are excited to work through the activities. It does this through engaging gameplay, structured curriculum, teacher resources, and essential topics, all of which are available in one easy-to-navigate place.

This was my first year using CodeMonkey in my STEAM course, where I cover many topics such as AI, augmented and virtual reality, coding, robotics, and other emerging technologies. I also train other educators and often speak at conferences, and one question that I am asked is what educators should use with elementary students to get them started with STEM. I always enjoy finding resources that work well for even the youngest learners, while also offering more challenging topics for high school students. And these platforms must offer a robust, standards-aligned platform that makes a real impact. I took a closer look at the new curricula and believe that educators will become more confident as they get started with CodeMonkey, especially with all that is provided to make it easy to implement in every classroom.

My first impressions of CodeMonkey’s Typing and Computer Science curricula is that it is colorful and engaging, Intuitive, and definitely student-centered

I noticed right away how kid-friendly it is. The platform was clearly designed with the student in mind, especially younger learners in grades K–8. The characters are animated, each lesson is interactive, and the exercises are gamified which keeps students engaged in learning.

The K–8 Typing Course uses a mix of activities, exercises and games that help students learn proper finger placement, improve typing speed, and develop accuracy— while having fun in the process. Students are excited to move to the next level! It’s also fun for teachers to see the impact on students as they build these essential skills.

I always look at the navigation of these tools and platforms. The CodeMonkey platform is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Younger students will be able to log in and get started with minimal teacher guidance, while older students can work through structured lessons, receiving teacher and program feedback, and self-paced learning. The program offers a lot of autonomy, which is a benefit to students as they develop self-awareness, self-management, and student agency.

The Typing Curriculum includes:

13 courses

92 lessons (ranging from 10–35 minutes each)

760+ exercises

Progress tracking

Teacher Dashboard

Accuracy and Speed Assessments

Educators want better ways to scaffold student learning. I recommend trying out “Ready, Set, Type! Jr” which offers 7 lessons and 118 exercises and is ideal for students in grades K through 2, who are just starting to recognize the keyboard. It makes it fun for students as they build typing skills, which can be stressful at the start.

In “All Fingers Aboard” and “The Secret of Symbols,” students start to build up to more complex words, punctuation marks, symbols, and using the number pad. When working through these exercises, it is not just about providing students with drills that were common in the past. These resources provide challenges, mini-games, and even reward systems that help to keep students engaged and excited about learning. An approach like this is incredibly effective in helping younger students build comfort with the keyboard while also building their confidence in their digital abilities. Being comfortable and confident while learning is so important for student growth. Get started with CodeMonkey today!

Teacher-Friendly Features

When I start using a new program or platform, I also explore the teacher features and see how easy it is to get started and also to find information related to student progress and other resources available for teachers. With CodeMonkey, there is a comprehensive teacher dashboard. Teachers are able to track individual student progress, typing accuracy and speed, and student engagement levels. It provides real-time data that teachers can use to quickly adjust instruction or provide in-time help for students.

About Rachelle

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is a Spanish and STEAM: What’s Next in Emerging Technology Teacher at Riverview High School in Oakmont, PA. Rachelle is also an attorney with a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. Rachelle received her Doctorate in Instructional Technology, and her research focus was on AI and Professional Development. In addition to teaching, she is a full-time consultant and works with companies and organizations to provide PD, speaking, and consulting services. Contact Rachelle for your event!

Rachelle is an ISTE-certified educator and community leader who served as president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. By EdTech Digest, she was named the EdTech Trendsetter of 2024, one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021, and one of 150 Women Global EdTech Thought Leaders in 2022.

She is the author of nine books including ‘In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU,” “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,” “Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World, “True Story: Lessons That One Kid Taught Us,” “Things I Wish […] Knew” and her newest “How To Teach AI” is available from ISTE or on Amazon.

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions about Artificial Intelligence, Coding, AR/VR, and more for your school or event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Twitter(X) and Instagram at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Als, check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

Join my show on THRIVEinEDU on Facebook. Join the group here.

The Future of AI Education: Leveraging the Power of Nous AI

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

In collaboration with MatataStudio EDU, All opinions are my own

As educators, we seek innovative ways to prepare our students for the future. Whether we choose different teaching methods or leverage the technology available to us, we have to make sure they are prepared to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. According to recent studies, the global AI job market is expected to grow exponentially in the coming decades. However, a significant skills gap threatens to limit opportunities for many individuals.

Educators must ensure that all students have opportunities that will equip them with the necessary skills. By incorporating tools like the Nous AI Set, educators can help bridge this gap, ensuring their students are not only employable but also leaders in the workforce. Introducing them to AI concepts early on is essential, and with the MatataStudio EDU and their great robot kits like the Nous AI Set, we can help students build these essential skills.

For educators seeking to prepare students for a world increasingly driven by AI and STEM, the MatataStudio Nous AI Set is a game-changer. Its modular design, real-world applications, and extensive resources make it an invaluable addition to any classroom. My students are excited to explore the possibilities of becoming innovators and problem-solvers.

Experience in STEM or AI is not necessary because the Nous AI Set provides everything educators need to create a dynamic, engaging, and impactful learning environment.

Real-World Applications in the Classroom

You may be wondering how to use Nous AI in the classroom. Because the MatataStudio Nous AI Set is such a versatile, modular AI educational robot, it is easier for educators to bring AI-focused learning experiences to elementary and secondary schools. The Nous AI offers students an opportunity to independently or collaboratively explore AI technologies and bring abstract AI concepts to life through practical, hands-on activities. Here are some ways it can be used in the classroom:

  • Autonomous Navigation
    Programming the robot to follow paths or avoid obstacles teaches students about the principles of autonomous driving.
  • AI-Generated Content
    Exploring AI-generated music, art, or text (AIGC) enables students to understand the creative potential of AI technologies.
  • Image and Object Recognition
    Students can train the robot to recognize and categorize different objects, introducing them to machine learning and neural networks.
  • MatataChat: Engage students with AI-powered chatbots that can respond to queries and provide information.
  • Neural Networks: Introduce the concept of artificial neural networks, inspired by the human brain, and the role networks have in carrying out complex tasks like image and speech recognition.
  • Speech Recognition Projects
    By programming the robot to understand and respond to voice commands, students gain insights into natural language processing and its real-world uses, such as virtual assistants. Engage students with activities that teach them how machines can process and understand spoken language.

Students can choose one of these areas to focus on and build something of interest or something for fun. Great examples include an Automatic Door, a Smart Fan, a Car, or the Gimbal set that teaches students about advanced face and color tracking.

What Makes the Nous AI Set Special?

The Nous AI Set is a versatile, modular AI educational robot tailored to the needs of primary and secondary school students. What sets it apart is its ability to make complex AI concepts accessible, engaging, and practical for learners of all skill levels.

Key Features

  • Advanced AI Functions Students can explore state-of-the-art AI technologies, including:
    • Machine learning
    • Neural networks
    • Machine vision
    • Speech recognition
    • Autonomous driving capabilities
    • AI-generated content (AIGC)
    • Interactive MatataChat functions
  • Hands-On Learning Opportunities The Nous AI Set emphasizes experiential learning. Students can collect data, train AI models, and deploy them using graphical and Python programming interfaces.
  • Durable, Flexible Design Built with a sturdy metal structure, the robot is compatible with building block systems. Its structure fosters creativity and adaptability, which allows students to design and reimagine their projects.

Why all educators need to bring AI and STEM into the classroom

AI is rapidly transforming industries, from healthcare to finance and transportation. STEM skills are increasingly in demand, especially as we move toward the future and look at the Job Skills Outlook. By introducing these concepts early on, we can:

  • Cultivate Future Innovators: Inspire the next generation of AI researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
  • Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Encourage students to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions.
  • Foster Problem-Solving Abilities: Equip students with the tools to tackle challenges and find innovative solutions.
  • Enhance Computational Thinking: Develop logical reasoning and algorithmic thinking skills.
  • Prepare for the Future Workforce: Ensure students are ready for the jobs of tomorrow, which will increasingly rely on AI and automation.

Resources to Support Educators

One of the standout aspects of MatataStudio is the extensive support available for educators. Their curriculum guides, aligned with ISTE and CSTA standards and the 5 Big Ideas for AI, provide step-by-step instructions for integrating Nous AI into various learning environments. Building the robot is easy to do with their step-by-step instructions. Additionally, tutorials and professional development workshops ensure that educators are confident in teaching these advanced topics.

These resources save valuable time and effort. Everything you need—from lesson plans to assessments—is ready to go, allowing you to focus on fostering creativity and exploration in your students.

About the Author:

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is a Spanish and STEAM: What’s Next in Emerging Technology Teacher at Riverview High School in Oakmont, PA. Rachelle is also an attorney with a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. Rachelle received her Doctorate in Instructional Technology, and her research focus was on AI and Professional Development. In addition to teaching, she is a full-time consultant and works with companies and organizations to provide PD, speaking, and consulting services. Contact Rachelle for your event!

Rachelle is an ISTE-certified educator and community leader and served as president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. She was named the EdTech Trendsetter of 2024 by EdTech Digest, one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021, and one of 150 Women Global EdTech Thought Leaders in 2022.

She is the author of nine books including, ‘In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU,” “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,” “Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World, “True Story: Lessons That One Kid Taught Us,” “Things I Wish […] Knew” and her newest “How To Teach AI” is available from ISTE or on Amazon.

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions about Artificial Intelligence, Coding, AR/VR, and more for your school or your event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Twitter(X) and Instagram at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

Empowering Students Through CodeMonkey: A Journey into Coding and AI

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

A post in collaboration with CodeMonkey. All opinions are my own

I remember when I started to learn how to code as a seventh grader many years ago and the impact it had on me. Writing lines of code and seeing what we could create was fascinating. Back then, we did not have the powerful tools or resources available in our classrooms today. As a student, I did not realize how beneficial of a skill coding was then, nor how much of an increasing demand for coding skills there would be.

As educators, we want to ensure that we prepare students for the future with the right skills and a variety of learning experiences to build those skills. Learning about STEM, especially AI and coding, is at the top of the list. I’ve taught a STEAM course to 8th graders for the past 8 years, and a lot of what we cover involves AI and coding. When I came across CodeMonkey, I couldn’t wait to try it in my classroom and share it with other educators.

CodeMonkey is a great option that benefits every student, regardless of their starting point and comfort level with coding. For educators wanting to dive into coding and unsure where to begin, CodeMonkey’s K-8 curriculum offers a great choice because it focuses on developing coding skills, fostering digital literacy, and introducing AI concepts to all students. Its design makes it easy for educators to get started in any classroom. I enjoyed learning more while chatting with Jonathan Schor, the CEO and Co-Founder of CodeMonkey, on my ThriveinEDU podcast!

Curriculum for Every Learner

One of the standout benefits of using CodeMonkey is that it helps educators meet students where they are. Preschoolers who are just learning about computational thinking can do so with CodeMonkey Jr. Elementary students can learn about logic by using Beaver Achiever. When students get stuck, they can get a hint to help them continue the coding process! It’s so much fun with the coding, sounds, and animations!

Students enjoy trying to problem-solve when different animals come up, and they have not programmed the right shake to be made!

Courses like Dodo Does Math and Coding Adventure teach students to use code to solve problems and express their creativity. Students need to use the ruler, do math, figure out steps and learn the process of coding to carry out the task. So much fun!

When students reach middle school, they are better prepared to explore more complex concepts, like designing their games in Game Builder or exploring artificial intelligence in the award-winning AI for Kids curriculum. CodeMonkey offers something for all grade levels. The Artificial Intelligence lessons are great for building students’ understanding of AI, its components, how it works and building their skills in various areas.

Diving in with CodeMonkey

Whenever I try something new, I like to dive in on my own and just know enough to get my students started. It is fun to learn with and from them. In my 8th-grade STEAM classroom, I started my students with CodeMonkey’s advanced courses like Coding Chatbots and the AI for Kids curriculum since we had spent a lot of time learning about AI. These courses resonated with students who were excited about these rapidly advancing topics. I was thrilled to see their interest in continuing to work independently and sharing their learning with me and their classmates.

Beyond building coding skills, I also see how CodeMonkey’s gamified, scaffolded approach helps to empower students of any age to build their confidence and skills in coding. Building confidence is key, especially as I have seen how frequently students tend to be afraid of coding or hesitant to start for fear of being unable to figure it out and problem-solve. However, the support provided by CodeMonkey helps students become more comfortable with learning about coding, which leads to increased confidence.

Some of CodeMonkey‘s great features are the user-intuitive drag-and-drop functionality of block-based coding and the logic-driven challenges of Python. Each course helps teach students about core programming concepts while fostering creativity and problem-solving, which are essential skills for future preparedness. I also appreciate its emphasis on ethical considerations.

In my classroom, we discuss bias in AI, privacy concerns, and the societal impact of automation. Engaging students in discussions focused on these ethical considerations helps them understand that coding is not just about algorithms—it’s about understanding the implications and how to safely, ethically, and responsibly leverage this technology.

How CodeMonkey Benefits All Students

By the time students reach the 8th grade, they’re ready for more complex challenges and real-world coding applications. CodeMonkey’s progressive curriculum helps educators to provide great learning experiences for all students. My students have enjoyed working in Python-based courses like Banana Tales and Coding Chatbots, which move them beyond basic coding into text-based programming, focusing on logic, creativity, and problem-solving.

For students new to coding, the structured, scaffolded approach ensures they don’t feel overwhelmed. Each lesson builds on the previous one, and the platform’s gamified elements make it feel more like an adventure than a traditional coding class.

Bringing Artificial Intelligence into Every Classroom

The AI course is one of the highlights of using CodeMonkey with my 8th graders. Covering foundational AI concepts like machine learning, neural networks, and the ethics of AI, this course bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Now that my students know they can train models using image and pose recognition and then apply these skills to create games, the learning becomes more authentic and meaningful.

In class, we also connect these AI lessons to broader societal implications. For example, we discuss how neural networks are used in everything from social media algorithms to self-driving cars. Then, we connect it back to real-world scenarios the students can relate to. When we do this, it sparks meaningful conversations about the impact of technology on our lives. It highlights the importance of responsible AI use—a topic I’m passionate about as an educator and attorney.

Building Real-World Skills

CodeMonkey isn’t just about coding; it’s about preparing students for the future. Through its courses, students develop essential skills like problem-solving, planning, and critical thinking, which are invaluable not only in STEM fields but also in life.

For example, in the Game Builder course, students can design their games from scratch, learn to iterate on their ideas, debug their code, and test for user experience. This mirrors the iterative design process used in tech startups, giving students an idea of what creating in a professional environment would be like.

Digital Literacy and Citizenship

In addition to coding, CodeMonkey offers a Digital Literacy course that introduces students to the safe and responsible use of technology. This has been especially valuable in my 8th-grade emerging technology class, where we discuss topics like the metaverse, AI ethics, and digital citizenship and focus on cybersecurity and topics like phishing. CodeMonkey’s approach aligns seamlessly with these discussions, reinforcing that coding is not just a technical skill but a tool for thoughtful and ethical problem-solving.

Coding Tools for All Teachers

As a classroom teacher, one of the things I appreciate most about CodeMonkey is how user-friendly it is. When I explore new tools, I always evaluate how long it will take to get started, what the learning curve might be, and what it offers for all educators. In CodeMonkey, the Classroom Dashboard provides teachers with a clear overview of student progress, making it easy to identify students needing extra support quickly. Automatic grading and detailed lesson plans save time, allowing me to focus on fostering creativity and critical thinking.

CodeMonkey’s resources make it easy for teachers new to coding to get started, but I can’t recommend it enough. Whether teaching block-based coding to younger students or diving into Python and AI with older students, this platform has something for everyone. Its intuitive design, gamified approach, and focus on real-world skills make it an invaluable resource for K-8 classrooms as they prepare students for the future.

At a time when technology is evolving faster than ever, teaching coding and AI isn’t just an optional extra; it’s a necessity. Platforms like CodeMonkey make coding approachable and enjoyable—for teachers and students. As someone who has seen firsthand the impact it can have, I’m excited to continue exploring what’s possible with this incredible tool.

If you’re an educator ready to take your students on a coding adventure, CodeMonkey is the perfect place to start. CodeMonkey doesn’t just teach coding; it fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a love of learning that will serve students well in any field they pursue. There are so many support resources available for educators! You can find lesson plans, videos, webinars, and more!

It’s a great option for introducing coding to kindergarteners or guiding 8th graders through AI and Python. CodeMonkey offers a curriculum that adapts to students’ needs and inspires them to keep pushing through and having fun with it. Listen to my podcast with CEO and Co-Founder Jonathan Schor here. Happy coding!

About Rachelle

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is a Spanish and STEAM: What’s Next in Emerging Technology Teacher at Riverview High School in Oakmont, PA. Rachelle is also an attorney with a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. Rachelle received her Doctorate in Instructional Technology, and her research focus was on AI and Professional Development. In addition to teaching, she is a full-time consultant and works with companies and organizations to provide PD, speaking, and consulting services. Contact Rachelle for your event!

Rachelle is an ISTE-certified educator and community leader who served as president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. By EdTech Digest, she was named the EdTech Trendsetter of 2024, one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021, and one of 150 Women Global EdTech Thought Leaders in 2022.

She is the author of nine books and a blogger and podcaster.

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions about Artificial Intelligence, Coding, AR/VR, and more for your school or event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Twitter(X) and Instagram at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also, check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

Join my show on THRIVEinEDU on Facebook. Join the group here.

Marty the Robot: Your Classroom’s AI Companion

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Post in collaboration with Robotical. Opinions expressed are my own.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept. It has been around since the last century, but it has advanced rapidly in the past few years, especially with the launch of ChatGPT and generative tools. Whether or not we ever realized it, it has been and will continue to be a part of our everyday lives. Think about your daily activities using AI, from the voice assistants on our phones to the recommendation algorithms on our favorite streaming platforms like Netflix. As educators, it’s crucial to equip all students with the knowledge and skills to understand, interact with, and even create AI-powered technologies. But how?

Marty: Your AI-Powered Teaching Assistant

Marty the Robot is a fantastic tool for introducing AI concepts to students of all ages. Marty is a humanoid robot that is specific for education. It is a hands-on, engaging way to provide all students with the opportunity to learn about and explore machine learning, robotics, and computer science. In today’s digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) is all around us. For the younger generations, they have grown up using and relying on AI, and in likely most cases, without even noticing it.

As educators, there are many ways we leverage the power of AI to assist us with tasks, save time, promote productivity, and more. For example, voice assistants respond to our commands, streaming services curate personalized recommendations quickly, and educational apps adapt to individual learning styles, which create personalized learning journeys for students and help us provide the best opportunities for our students.

AI should be part of elementary school students’ learning experience. Whether they learn the basic concepts or have opportunities to work with an AI-powered tool, it is important to move our students beyond passive consumption and empower them to engage actively with these technologies. By understanding how AI works and how to create it, students can become not just users but innovators.

Marty the Robot: A Hands-On AI Companion

I was thrilled when I received Marty the Robot for my classroom. Marty is a mixture of hardware and software that brings AI concepts to life and engages all students. Marty offers a unique opportunity for students to explore the world of machine learning and robotics and have fun in the process!

Why Choose Marty?

Humanoid Design: Marty’s humanoid form fosters a strong emotional connection with students, making learning more enjoyable and memorable.

Versatile Programming: From screen-free coding to advanced Python programming, Marty supports a wide range of coding skills and learning styles. It meets students’ interests and specific needs.

Customizable AI: Students can teach Marty to recognize sounds, images, and other stimuli, allowing them to create personalized and interactive experiences. It gives them more opportunities to create and innovate.

Curriculum-Aligned Resources: Marty has an extensive library of educational resources, including lesson plans, activities, and tutorials, aligned with various national and regional curricula.

Durable: Marty is a reliable and long-lasting educational tool built to withstand classroom use and even some falls.

Real-World Applications of AI with Marty

Image Recognition: Teach Marty to identify objects, colors, and patterns, fostering visual perception and problem-solving skills.

Sound Recognition: Train Marty to respond to voice commands and sound cues, developing auditory processing and language skills.

Obstacle Avoidance: Implement AI algorithms to enable Marty to navigate obstacles autonomously, teaching students about spatial reasoning and decision-making.

Facial Recognition: Use advanced AI techniques to teach Marty to recognize faces, and students can evaluate its accuracy for detecting faces too..

STEM Learning and Beyond

Marty is more than just a robot; it’s a gateway to a world of STEM possibilities. By building and programming Marty, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills.

Marty can be used to explore cross-curricular topics, such as language arts, social studies, and art. For instance, students can write stories about Marty’s adventures, create artwork inspired by his design, or study historical figures who have contributed to the field of robotics.

Empowering Future Innovators

By introducing students to AI and robotics through engaging tools like Marty, we are shifting them from consumers and creators and empowering them to become the next generation of innovators. As technology advances, it’s essential to equip all students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in our rapidly changing world.

Marty the Robot will engage students and spark creativity and curiosity for learning. By embracing AI and robotics education, we can hopefully inspire our students to become problem-solvers, inventors, and dreamers.

It has been so much fun to see students learning about AI and coding with Marty!

To learn more about Marty the Robot, head to https://robotical.io/. You can even request a trial of Marty, too!

About Rachelle

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is a Spanish and STEAM: What’s Next in Emerging Technology Teacher at Riverview High School in Oakmont, PA. Rachelle is also an attorney with a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. Rachelle received her Doctorate in Instructional Technology, and her research focus was on AI and Professional Development. In addition to teaching, she is a full-time consultant and works with companies and organizations to provide PD, speaking, and consulting services. Contact Rachelle for your event!

Rachelle is an ISTE-certified educator and community leader who served as president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. By EdTech Digest, she was named the EdTech Trendsetter of 2024, one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021, and one of 150 Women Global EdTech Thought Leaders in 2022.

She is the author of nine books including ‘In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU,” “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,” “Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World, “True Story: Lessons That One Kid Taught Us,” “Things I Wish […] Knew” and her newest “How To Teach AI” is available from ISTE or on Amazon.

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions about Artificial Intelligence, Coding, AR/VR, and more for your school or event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Twitter(X) and Instagram at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

Join my show on THRIVEinEDU on Facebook. Join the group here.

4 Student Engagement Boosters for the Fall!

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth 2 Comments

Keeping students engagemed throughout the school year can be a challenge. Integrating hands-on learning activities such as STEM, project-based learning (PBL), outdoor activities, gamification, and more helps maintain student engagement and develop essential skills like creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Now that most schools have been in session for a few months, educators like myself might be looking for new ideas to explore. Some may already be seeing a decrease in student engagement. While the start of a new school year brings great excitement, that can wear off as activities pick up, colder months set in, and the content becomes more complex. Keeping all students engaged in authentic and meaningful learning experiences becomes even more critical during this time and throughout the year. 

Along with engaging students more in learning, It’s important that we find ways to foster essential skills, such as creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking, while making lessons authentic and relevant. In my experience, I have advocated for bringing STEM to all classrooms. Other ideas besides STEM activities include involving students in more active and even outdoor learning, challenge, or project-based learning (PBL) opportunities and using some out-of-the-box ideas. Each of these methods is versatile, and when combined with tools like Defined resources, they help to boost student engagement, spark curiosity, and, best, students retain their content knowledge even more.

Essential Skills Development

As we see so many changes happening in education, especially with technology like AI and other digital tools, students need to develop essential skills that will prepare them for the in-demand careers of the future. According to the World Economic Forum Job Sills Outlook for 2027, these skills include creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, and now, number three is AI and big data. STEM-related activities provide all students with an excellent way to build these skills. Whether done through coding lessons, hands-on projects, or exploring scientific concepts, STEM encourages students to think critically and solve real-world problems and hopefully spark an interest they may not have realized they had.

Continue reading the original article on Defined Learning.

About Rachelle

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is a Spanish and STEAM: What’s Next in Emerging Technology Teacher at Riverview High School in Oakmont, PA. Rachelle is also an attorney with a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. Rachelle received her Doctorate in Instructional Technology, and her research focus was on AI and Professional Development. In addition to teaching, she is a full-time consultant and works with companies and organizations to provide PD, speaking, and consulting services. Contact Rachelle for your event!

Rachelle is an ISTE-certified educator and community leader who served as president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network. By EdTech Digest, she was named the EdTech Trendsetter of 2024, one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers to follow in 2021, and one of 150 Women Global EdTech Thought Leaders in 2022.

She is the author of nine books including ‘In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking,” “Unconventional Ways to Thrive in EDU,” “The Future is Now: Looking Back to Move Ahead,” “Chart A New Course: A Guide to Teaching Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World, “True Story: Lessons That One Kid Taught Us,” “Things I Wish […] Knew” and her newest “How To Teach AI” is available from ISTE or on Amazon.

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions about Artificial Intelligence, Coding, AR/VR, and more for your school or event! Submit the Contact Form.

Follow Rachelle on Twitter(X) and Instagram at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

Join my show on THRIVEinEDU on Facebook. Join the group here.