The algebraic group Spin[subscript 3 × 3] arises from spinning collections of the numbers 1-9 on a 3×3 game board. The authors have been using this group, as well as a corresponding online application, to introduce undergraduate students to core concepts in group theory. We discuss the benefits of using this deceptively simple, toy-like puzzle in…

A Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) application, TextMix, was developed as a proof-of-concept for applying Natural Language Processing (NLP) sentence chunking techniques to creating 'sentence scramble' learning tasks. TextMix addresses limitations of existing applications for creating sentence scrambles by using NLP to parse and scramble…

An online virtual escape-room game was created using the Google Forms survey app for an undergraduate chemistry lab class. Zoom video conferencing service was used to make the activity a collaborative learning experience. The theme was an escape from an abandoned chocolate factory, and the students solved problems to move to the next section or…

Discovery of planets outside our solar system, known as extra-solar planets or exoplanets for short, has been at the forefront of astronomical research for over 25 years. Reports of new discoveries have almost become routine; however, the excitement surrounding them has not. Amazingly, as groundbreaking as exoplanet science is, the basic physics…

We propose a novel model for learning environments to target the characteristics of digital natives and to improve informal learning practices, i.e. the exploration, discovery and self-monitoring of learning content and the reflection on learning activities. The Mobile Playful Learning Environment (MPLE) model is defined as consisting of seven…

In this contribution, we want to share the experiences we had in a project that aimed at helping students select their own learning paths. Learning paths were a specific sequence of "edublocks" (learning activities) first-year students at the University of Barcelona could choose in a course: "Uses, possibilities and limits of…

Merging the content of learning with the motivation of games can be a successful combination, if done properly and supported by the appropriate tool. Towards this goal, we developed Diagram[character omitted]atic an environment used to gamify the in-classroom activity of designing diagrams during a lecture. Using Diagram[character omitted]atic the…

The CollaTrEx framework for collaborative context-aware mobile training and exploration is designed for the in-situ collaboration within groups of learners performing together diverse educational activities to explore their environment in a fun and intuitive way. It employs both absolute and relative spatio-temporal context for determining…

In response to an iPad initiative at a mid-sized New England university, all faculty, junior and senior undergraduates, and graduate students were required to have iPads by the first day of class in the fall semester of 2013. Goals of the initiative focused on preparing future teachers to use the iPad as a teaching and learning tool so they could…

Current education standards in the U.S. require school students to read and understand complex texts from different subject areas (e.g., social studies). However, such texts usually contain figurative language, complex phrases and sentences, as well as unfamiliar discourse relations. This may present an obstacle to students whose native language…

Maree Skillen provides a practical guide to using the free, Skitch app to promote mathematical exploration and understanding. Five activities are provided, with links made to the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics.

An iPad® can be used to teach students to graph parabolas with ease and grasp vocabulary quickly. Parabolas come to life for students in this easily implemented activity described in this article. Teachers can use this tool in a fun and interactive way to not only address these graphing and vocabulary concepts but also introduce and explore…

The inclusion of technology in the classroom is an increasingly important feature of effective instruction. The implementation of Common Core Standards in many states also requires teachers to consider new pedagogical strategies to support meaningful learning. This article explores the intersection between technology demands and curricular change…

This paper describes a novel Electrical Machine and Power Electronic Training Tool (EM&PE[subscript TT]), a methodology for using it, and associated experimental educational activities. The training tool is implemented by recreating a whole power electronics system, divided into modular blocks. This process is similar to that applied when…

The field of education is experiencing a rapid shift as internet-enabled distance learning becomes more widespread. Often, traditional classroom teaching pedagogical techniques can be ill-suited to the online environment. While a traditional entry-level class might see a student attrition rate of 5-10%, the same teaching pedagogy in an online…