November Picks

These days, I read a lot. There is so much good content out there. Sometimes I wonder why I even write if everything has been written before. But then I remind myself that ideas get stronger and spread faster if they are mixed and presented in multiple forms. Other ideas take time to digest and convert into applicable action steps. 

The goal of this new monthly series is to feature colleagues’ articles that harmonize with this blog’s discussion on child learning and Edtech – I just couldn’t have written it better myself. :) Here we go! Enjoy the first list of picks, and I hope these indispensable voices will resonate with you too.

Featured articles for November 2021

Ensuring EdTech is truly educational by Natalia Kucirkova

This article wraps up everything I believe in with words and calls to action. When the message comes from someone with such experience and merit it can’t be ignored for long. From the opening paragraph, and it only gets better and better:

When parents or teachers hear the term “educational technology” or “EdTech”, they may wonder how the product will help their child and what the costs might be. As a researcher, I wonder how educational the technology actually is. Apps, e-books and online platforms often fall short of genuinely supporting children’s learning. Seemingly small design differences can make or break the learning experience.

For me, this article is a must-reference and a basepoint for my journey. Read full article

The Hidden Connection Between Habits and Learning by Scott Young - I found this article when I was researching Designing Habits for Young Minds. Curious about the similarities between learning and habit formation? To see “habits-as-learning” and “learning-as-habits” is mutually beneficial and will give you the capacity to cultivate patterns that are useful to you and change which you no longer need. Read full article

Education & EdTech: Towards comprehensive and accessible education, enabled by Design and Technological innovations by Think.Design

Well, this one is a surprisingly relevant and practical resource for designers. True to their brand name, Think.Design proves their understanding of and capability within the learning design industry. This article advocates the urgency and importance of action in order to improve EdTech, and highlights the opportunities for design and technology innovations in the educational system amid a global learning crisis. Read full article

Did you find any of these helpful or interesting? Let me know. What kind of information would you like to see in the next “monthly picks” post? 

Yours,

Polina