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I was having a twitter debate the other day with a teacher about homework. I feel very strongly that we need to create an educational system that does not need to require homework to reach the necessary learning goals. For me, though, this goes beyond homework. When it comes to my daughter I feel very […]
January 17, 2013
I’ve just created a short demo of XYFlyer: As a note this demo was created for the NYC Schools Gap App Challenge. Here’s my submission: XYFlyer.
January 7, 2013
Thanks to @sethleavitt I was able to test out XYFlyer with about 60 8th graders this morning. (there’s really nothing more nerve-wracking as 60 8th graders using your website for the first time. they have an amazing ability to find bugs.) Although they certainly made me feel like XYFlyer has plenty of room for improvement, […]
December 6, 2012
Here is a quick breakdown of the strategies and methods I’m exploring with Light It Up, a fractions puzzle game derived from the game Refraction. Update Some people have asked me about the differences between Light It Up and Refraction. They are almost exactly the same, but there are some differences. Those differences are described […]
November 8, 2012
I’m currently working on Light It Up, a puzzle game that teaches fraction concepts. It’s based very closely on Refraction, but for various reasons I wanted to create a different version. Currently in this game there is a piece that takes two fractional lasers and adds them together in to one laser. In order for […]
September 27, 2012
There are three main components to puzzle-based learning (or just puzzles in general): A Goal: You are trying to solve some problem and it will be clear if and when you solve it. Feedback Loops: You will get feedback on your progress, helping you determine whether your hypotheses are getting you closer to your goal […]
September 6, 2012
I’m working on a short essay for an essay competition. I’m trying to summarize my thoughts on how we can approach learning from a new perspective (most concisely described as a puzzle) that will more effectively encourage a lifetime love of learning. I’d love to hear anyone’s thoughts on the contents of the essay. The […]
June 20, 2012
I was just playing around with Motion Math, working on a review for The Puzzle School and I came across one of their games where if you don’t answer fast enough then a pin pops your bubble and you have to start over. I’ve never been a big fan of this type of motivation. It’s […]
June 19, 2012
The concept of failure is very present in modern day education. We use the threat of failure as both a means of motivating, so that you don’t fail, and of filtering, preventing those students who did fail from moving forward. This concept of failure is only part of the picture in the real world, though. […]
June 17, 2012
At The Puzzle School we’re essentially trying to teach through trial and error. Which means we aim to create environments (puzzles) where you can solve challenges through trial and error. This means that the environment is simplified, making it easier to come up with hypothesis to “try” and where there is feedback that makes it […]
January 23, 2013
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