Getting playful with K-5 math & reading
- Part 1Can Roblox be used as a learning tool?
- Part 2 Getting playful with K-5 math & reading
Show Notes
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00:39Personalized learning with eSpark and AIeSpark is a personalized learning platform that provides educational games and videos tailored to each student's level. The platform uses AI to create reading comprehension quizzes based on a student's favorite topics, facilitating high-quality small-group instruction in classrooms.
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05:23Quantifiable learning gains with eSparkQuantitative data and independent studies from MIT and Columbia University indicate eSpark's impact on student achievement. Through appropriate usage, typically an hour to an hour and a half per week, dramatic gains in reading and math have been observed.
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06:50Reasons schools don't Adopt eSparks programSchools push back on adopting the program for two main reasons. First, they are overwhelmed with the numerous edtech options available. Secondly, some schools are satisfied with their current digital learning solutions and hesitant to make a change.
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07:53Integration of eSpark in the classroomElementary schools typically use 90-minute blocks for reading and math, with whole group time followed by small group rotations. eSpark fits into the station rotation model and is typically used four days a week for 20 minutes in math and reading.
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09:36The future of AI in education and SparkSpace's toolsAI will change the skills students need for success in professional roles and revolutionize education. eSpark will focus on improving accuracy in its math algorithms, leveraging AI for writing assistance, and helping children create their own video games.
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11:32Making math and reading playful at homeeSpark is specifically designed to be adopted and used by teachers in the classroom setting. However, tools like Khan Academy are more appropriate to be used by parents in the home.
Quotes
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"Kids are spending after school playing video games. So when you come in school, if it doesn't feel like a video game, or meet kids where they are, it's not going to be nearly as engaging as what they're doing after school." - David Vinca
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"Helping individualize instruction can be a powerful lift in learning growth." - David Vinca
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"We've had researchers from MIT and Columbia do independent studies of eSpark. They found dramatic gains in both reading and math when the dose of usage is appropriate." - David Vinca
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"AI will probably rewrite the skills people need to be successful in life and therefore what schools should teach. It's dramatically changing almost every professional job out there." - David Vinca
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"I'm excited for AI to help kids be creators, not just consumers of games. We're working on technology to help kids use AI to prompt it to help build their video games instead of just playing what other people have created." - David Vinca
- Part 1Can Roblox be used as a learning tool?
- Part 2 Getting playful with K-5 math & reading
Up Next:
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Part 1Can Roblox be used as a learning tool?
David Vinca, Founder and CEO of SparkSpace, delves into gamified learning. Excessive social media use has been associated with negative mental outcomes for younger children; however, not all screen time is unhealthy. Platforms like Roblox provide valuable opportunities for children to learn and develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and perseverance. Today, David discusses how Roblox can be used as a learning tool.
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Part 2Getting playful with K-5 math & reading
David Vinca, Founder and CEO of SparkSpace, delves into gamified learning. In a classroom of over 30 students, teachers face challenges in providing individualized instruction at varying academic levels. However, solutions like eSpark use a combination of assessments, educational games, and student interests to create engaging learning experiences that meet each child where they are. Today, David discusses getting playful with K-5 math and reading.
