Blended learning combines technology with traditional face-to-face instruction to leverage the best of both worlds. This approach to education has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its versatility and effectiveness. Before blended learning can be implemented in a classroom, it is important to consider what blended learning method is best suited for the particular environment, how to personalize teaching methods, and what resources can help enhance the student’s learning experience.

3 Ways To Implement Blended Learning In Your Classroom

Educators interested in implementing blended learning in their classrooms can do so in a few different ways. Technology has become more prevalent in the lives of learners over the last decade. Today, educators have the opportunity to implement technology into their everyday lessons by using information, tools, and resources that are readily available online. Although many different blended learning methods exist, the most commonly used methods include the flex model, the flipped classroom model, and the station rotation model.

Flex Model

The flex model of blended learning is often favored in schools that support a large number of at-risk or non-traditional students. With the flex model approach, learning materials are generally delivered over the Internet. Learning is majorly self-guided and students are encouraged to learn independently and practice new concepts in a digital environment. Although the flex model is one of the more popular methods used in schools that need to address students with academic, behavioral, or socio-economic challenges, it has been shown to be effective within almost all educational institutions.

Flipped Classroom Model

The flipped classroom model essentially flips the traditional relationship between classroom time and homework. In a flipped classroom environment, students learn with online lectures and coursework.

In-person class time is used for teacher-guided projects or practice. When students are introduced to content at home, they can work through the coursework in a school environment supported by a teacher and peers. The main goal of the flipped classroom model is to maximize a student’s potential by adhering to their social habits.

Station Rotation Model

The station rotation blended learning model allows students to rotate through a series of stations on a fixed schedule. At least one of these stations is usually an online learning station. The station rotation model is used in all school environments but is most common in elementary schools where rotating stations or centers are already a familiar concept. Under the station rotation model, students can complete all of the learning activities on the same schedule, usually when promoted by a teacher or the clock. This model is similar to the lab rotation model in which students rotate on a fixed schedule to a computer lab.

Personalize Teaching Methods For Each Student

Every student is unique in the way that they learn and ingest information. This means that not every blended learning model may be right for every student. It is important to consider the students’ various needs in a classroom and personalize their learning experiences to meet their individual needs. Students in every model should be provided with a diverse amount of resources and tools. Personalizing teaching methods enables students to work at their own pace and ability level. By personalizing teaching methods for each student, educators are better equipped to help students become more confident in their abilities.

Use Online Educational Games

Game-based learning has become a go-to instructional method in modern classrooms. The use of online educational games provides students with the opportunity to master basic curriculum and enhances problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Today, most educators employ some form of game-based learning in their blended learning environment as games have the power to explain, explore and reinforce learning materials. Online educational games can be played independently outside of the classroom or during regular class time. Online educational games also promote collaboration and friendly competition in some instances, as students can compete against one another.

Start Implementing Blended Learning With Legends of Learning!

Implementing a blended learning model in a classroom can help personalize student learning and boost motivation. The teacher and student can collaborate and educators can more easily access each student’s unique needs and learning style. Through blended learning, students can benefit from face-to-face instruction and the use of technology to have more control over their time and pace.

When online educational games are introduced into a blended learning model, both educators and students can thrive. For more information about implementing blended learning or searching online educational games, create a free account on Legends of Learning.

Unlock the potential and explore the benefits of hybrid learning as the transformative approach it is by seamlessly blending traditional classroom methods with digital innovation.

There is a lot of debate in the world of education about which learning model is better for students. Some people firmly believe that the tried-and-true traditional classroom instruction is superior to all other models, while proponents of online learning cite its flexibility and convenience as major advantages that allow it to bring education to people who would struggle to attend classes in person for some reason.

However, these days, there are a lot of middle-ground offerings that offer students many of the advantages that modern technology brings while preserving some of the aspects of traditional classroom learning that make it such an enduring and valued approach.

Top 5 Benefits Of The Hybrid Learning Model

Hybrid learning is a teaching and learning style that gives students the best of both in-person and online learning. It combines traditional classroom instruction with the flexibility afforded by doing classwork online.

In many cases, the students will attend some of their classes in person while having the convenience of being able to complete their work online, at home, on a schedule that makes sense for them. Here is a look at five of the biggest benefits of instituting the hybrid learning model.

Increases Student Discipline & Focus

With hybrid learning, students have a lot more freedom to choose when they do their coursework as they are free from the rigid schedule of a traditional classroom. However, with this freedom comes the responsibility of ensuring they work at the right pace to get everything done on time. This is a valuable skill that can prove useful throughout the student’s lifetime.

In addition, because there are so many distractions at home, students will find that they need to focus to be successful and meet their deadlines. Moreover, the prospect of being able to enjoy the comforts of home when they are finished rather than having to stay in the classroom until the final bell rings at a set time may motivate them to focus harder so they can move on to other activities faster.

Students’ Ability To Interact With Other Peers & Their Teachers

Although learning completely online might be great from a flexibility standpoint, one big criticism of it is that it lacks the opportunity for collaboration with peers and interaction with teachers. With a hybrid model, however, this valuable aspect of learning is not lost. Discussion boards can be used to talk about course material and exchange ideas, and video conference calls and chats can be used to help form connections from wherever is most convenient for the students and their teachers. In addition, many introverted students are more comfortable participating in discussions online than they would be in person.

More Freedom & Flexibility For Students

The flexibility that comes with hybrid learning gives students a chance to practice prioritizing and planning. If they know an assignment is due on Friday, for example, they can break it down into smaller chunks to tackle each day. If the student knows that Thursday is going to be full of family commitments, they will have the flexibility to work ahead on Wednesday and still meet their deadline.

Enhanced Personal Support

Even though they have a lot more freedom, students are never truly alone when they are studying online. Interactive video chats, phone calls and emails can help them get the attention they need from their instructor at a time that is convenient for all parties involved. In a traditional classroom setting, in contrast, teachers may not be able to devote very much one-on-one time to the students who need it.

Fun & Learning With Online Educational Games

Hybrid learning presents the opportunity to make use of online educational games. These serve as a fun and highly engaging way to get students interested in the material that is being studied and drive home the important points in a memorable way. They also provide the opportunity to review material until it is retained without ever truly feeling like work.

For A Game-Based Learning Curriculum, Try Legends of Learning

If you would like to learn more about how online games can support your hybrid learning efforts, get in touch with Legends of Learning. They offer more than 2,000 curriculum-aligned games in the math and sciences fields to reinforce material in a way that is fun and interesting to students at each age level ranging from grades 1 through 8.

Students see a rise in test scores by half a letter grade on average when they play Legends of Learning’s games, and 92 percent of teachers who have tried them report that they wish to keep using them as part of their lessons.

Parents and teachers can keep track of the students’ progress, and it is easy to identify areas where more attention is needed. Best of all, students can enjoy Legends of Learning’s online learning games with a free trial on their site. Find over 2000 fun and curriculum-aligned games that engage students on their website and learn how parents, teachers, and school officials are super-charging their students with Legend of Learning games.

Getting students to engage in learning can be challenging. Some children may have difficulty focusing on the task at hand or may have a different learning style that is not well-suited for a traditional classroom environment. Remote learning gives school administrators and educators the opportunity to leverage technology in a way that gets students excited about the curriculum. There are many ways to make remote learning fun for students while still delivering a comprehensive learning experience.

4 Ways To Make Remote Learning Fun For Students

More schools are making the move to remote learning to keep students safe without sacrificing their education. However, many educators struggle to keep students engaged in their coursework from home, especially younger learners. When educators leverage certain technologies to make the learning process fun, students are more likely to retain focus and complete the assignments.

Here are several ways to make remote learning fun for students:

1. Make Slideshows Interactive

Slideshow presentations provide students with an interesting and highly-visual show that can be effective in conveying ideas and information. Slides can be used to create and present animations, facts about a particular subject, storybooks, videos and weekly lessons.

Interactive slides can help students gain valuable skills and take in knowledge in a way that does not feel like traditional learning. Slideshow software tools and features also give educators the chance to create interesting assignments that contain interactive elements like audio, video and embedded assessments. Students can also use different slideshow software to create interactive journals, stories and more.

2. Encourage Classmates To Be Social With One Another

One of the biggest concerns that administrators, teachers and parents alike have in regard to remote learning is the loss of social interaction between students. Students learn social cues by interacting with one another face-to-face. Social interaction is also critical for child development and aids in the formation of strong language skills, confidence, empathy, creativity and communication.

Fortunately, there are many resources available that allow students to interact with one another without having to resort to social media. Educators may use safe online platforms where students can engage in live messaging, video meetings and similar technology to remain social.

3. Play Trivia Games

Trivia games can help students practice important facts while encouraging kids to expand their intelligence and improve their mental capabilities. Trivia games are also competitive in nature which gets students excited about playing and winning. The use of trivia games can be especially useful in remote learning as educators are able to share their screen with students to create a collaborative environment.

Trivia questions can be found on nearly all subjects and for all age groups. Many trivia game resources even offer software that allows students to answer trivia questions on their own smartphone or other internet-enabled devices, giving each child a fair shot at winning the game.

4. Implement Online Educational Games Into Your Curriculum

Online educational games provide more than just a fun distraction for students who may be experiencing stress after the move from a traditional classroom environment. These innovative games can also be useful tools for online learning since they are aligned to state curriculum standards.

Online games force students to stop and think, as well as to learn from their mistakes. Repeated play enables students to take in important information or practice facts that they learned previously in the virtual classroom. Implementing online educational games into a school curriculum also helps to boost class cooperation and motivate students to learn.

Benefits Of Using Online Educational Games

The use of online educational games in remote learning can deliver a wide range of benefits. Online educational games allow students to engage in competitive and cooperative gameplay in a controlled environment. In addition, educational games encourage students to use their working memory to solve problems. This can improve mental cognition and enhance the student’s problem-solving skills.

The use of online educational games as part of a lesson helps to associate a positive reward with learning. Students are more likely to gain interest in a lesson when they know that games are involved. Learning through gameplay can also be less stressful than learning through worksheets or online quizzes. Online educational games can be a useful way for students to demonstrate their skill, knowledge and understanding of a particular subject.

Sign Up For A Free Legends of Learning Account Today!

Teachers often strive to make learning fun for students but this is not always easily achieved, especially in an unfamiliar remote learning environment. To make the process easier, Legends of Learning offers thousands of online educational games for teachers and students who want to combine fun and education. Each game is aligned to a specific state standard. Sign up for a free account today at Legends of Learning.

Administrators and teachers want to provide students with an opportunity to stay engaged with their schoolwork while working outside the school building. That is what remote learning can deliver. Also called distance education, remote learning occurs when educators and students are not physically present in a traditional classroom environment. Instead, coursework is relayed via technological means, such as live video conferencing, online educational games, email messages, discussion boards and virtual assessments.

How Does Remote Learning Work?

Remote learning is commonly used when scheduling conflicts, disasters or illnesses prevent learning from occurring in a traditional classroom. The teacher will establish a virtual connection with students through a learning management system (LMS), such as Google Classroom. Students are responsible for signing in daily and completing assignments and reading information posted by the teacher.

While the online class program acts as a ‘home base’ for students and educators, teachers may also leverage other online resources to create a more comprehensive and engaging curriculum. Video conferencing platforms like Skype, Zoom, or Google Hangouts allow teachers to connect live with students, while online educational gaming sites like Legends of Learning enable students to learn in a fun and interactive way.

Benefits Of Remote Learning

The quality of remote learning has improved considerably in recent years as both educators and students have become more comfortable using technology for learning purposes. Some of the top benefits of remote learning include the following:

Flexibility

Technology makes it easy for educators to structure their virtual classrooms in a similar way that they would structure their traditional ones. This flexibility enables educators to take attendance, hand out assignments, conduct lectures and set scheduled class times to help replicate the traditional classroom experience that most students have become accustomed to up until that point.

Remote learning also provides flexibility in other ways. Both educators and students can eliminate the commute to school, which saves time and money. Teachers have access to a wealth of online educational resources that can be leveraged to help students learn at their speed, making remote learning more customizable than traditional classroom learning.

Personalized Learning

Not every student learns at the same pace. In some cases, a student may fall behind in a traditional classroom when they cannot absorb the material fast enough. Remote learning helps to minimize this problem by allowing students to work at their own pace in the comfort of their own home.

Technology has made it possible to gain access to class materials at any time of the day and work through the materials at a comfortable pace for the student. This helps each student get on an even playing field and learn more effectively. Teachers can also reach students one-to-one via video conference software to help them along.

Helping Visual Learners

Children learn in different ways. While some students perform better when they hear information delivered in an audible form, others are more visual learners. Remote learning caters to visual learners as they can see the course materials in front of them and look at the materials repeatedly to form a better understanding of the information.

The use of visual assignments, online games and other coursework can enrich a student’s learning experience. Remote learning is also flexible enough to be adapted by students who learn in other ways, such as face-to-face teaching by educators through live video calls.

Engagement Through Online Educational Games

Online educational games encourage students to become active participants in the learning experience. Many children enjoy playing games outside of the classroom and are delighted to have the opportunity to play games as part of their daily coursework.

Today, online educational games are readily available and cover an extensive range of subject matters. Many games are directly aligned to the standards that must be covered by the teacher. These games are also available for students of all ages and provide a fun challenge and motivation to “win.” Educators that incorporate online educational games into the virtual classroom often find that students are more excited about learning.

How To Implement Online Educational Games Into Your School’s Curriculum

There are many different ways that educators can implement online educational games in their classroom curriculum. Many educators find success by including game time as a designated activity within lesson plans. Others use games to draw student attention to a particular lesson topic. Online educational games can also be used at the end of a lesson to reinforce the information that was learned.

Speak To The Professional Online Educational Game Company

Are you interested in incorporating online educational games into the school curriculum? Legends of Learning offers more than 2,000 curriculum-aligned science and math online educational games for teachers and students, that can assist teachers in distance learning, blended learning or hybrid learning models. Create a free account or contact Legends of Learning to learn more.

Ongoing technological advancements have made learning at home easier than ever in recent years. The internet has gone from a place to look up information and quick facts, to a widely accepted method of delivering entire courses and instructing students remotely. However, attending classes in person has some benefits that cannot be duplicated online. This has led to the development of hybrid learning, an approach that offers the best of both worlds.

What Does Hybrid Learning Entail?

Hybrid learning combines traditional classroom instruction with digital course delivery. It sees teachers instructing in-person students and remote students at the same time, and this may also be supplemented with asynchronous teaching methods to support the face-to-face instruction, such as the study of written or recorded content and online assignments. Some schools are also assigning field trips, such as museum visits, in students’ own time to facilitate social distancing.

One big benefit of hybrid learning is its flexibility. It allows students to interact with their teachers in person to get help with topics that require deeper explanation and lab time for classes where hands-on experience is important. At the same time, it gives students time to learn independently and work through their assignments at a pace that suits their individual schedules and learning styles.

Hybrid learning tools may include video conferencing, online exercises, pre-recorded and live video instruction, learning management systems, online exercises and online educational games. Hybrid learning is gaining greater attention in the COVID-19 era, with a majority of students experiencing either a primarily online setting or a hybrid learning approach this school year.

Some schools are using a hybrid strategy that divides a class into smaller groups that take turns attending in person or online to keep classroom sizes down and improve safety on campus while still ensuring everyone gets an equal amount of face-to-face time with their teachers. Experts believe this type of learning may outlive the coronavirus and remain relevant long after any widespread threat of contagion subsides.

Hybrid learning should not be confused with blended learning, which has similar elements but some important distinctions as well. In blended learning, in-person teaching is combined with asynchronous learning methods, such as instructional videos and educational games that students work on in their own time. This requires all of the students to attend classes in a physical classroom at the same time.

How Do I Implement A Hybrid Learning Course?

There is no single best way to implement a hybrid learning course. The most effective approaches are adapted to the subject matter and the needs of the students. Some hybrid learning options might lean heavily toward the in-person component, with students meeting often to discuss the material and get feedback. Others might opt for a 50/50 approach. In this case, half of the learning takes place during regular classroom meetings to introduce core concepts. The other half is delivered through online reinforcement and reading outside the classroom.

Teachers who implement a hybrid learning course need to determine their goals and map out the synchronous and asynchronous elements that will form the course. They can then create a schedule that factors in the students’ availability and any safety concerns. Many teachers opt to collect or create their online content before the semester begins so they can focus more on their students once the course gets underway. Plans may be adapted during the semester in response to feedback from students.

Some best practices teachers have reported include incorporating meaningful face-to-face time to inspire additional self-guided learning, and using formats and file types that are easily accessible across devices, even for students who do not have high-speed internet.

Can I Utilize Online Educational Games?

Online educational games are incredibly useful tools in modern classrooms, but they can be particularly valuable in hybrid learning models. Students studying at home can be easily distracted, and these games boost engagement and keep students interested in the material. Many online games are made to align with curriculum used across the country.

Sign Up For A Free Trial Today!

As many schools head into an uncertain fall semester, online instruction is taking on a greater role in education. Safety concerns have prompted teachers to look to online learning methods in greater numbers than ever before, and online educational games can play an important role in boosting engagement among students, especially when they are not physically with their fellow students.

If you would like to learn how educational games can help your children achieve more in school, sign up for a free trial of Legends of Learning today. Our math and science games aimed at students in third through eighth grade are used widely by teachers around the country. We offer more than 2,000 games that are curriculum-aligned to reinforce what children are learning at school in a fun and effective way.

While traditional methods like written assignments and textbooks remain cornerstones of education, many schools are embracing the rising tide of game-based learning, recognizing their power to boost engagement and academic success.

Many parents and teachers are already aware of how video games can spark children’s interest in a wide variety of topics. This is something administrators can take advantage of by implementing game-based learning in their schools. Picture a student meticulously constructing elaborate structures in Minecraft, their pixelated world sparking an interest in architecture and engineering principles. The urge to understand the science behind their virtual creations leads them to delve into real-world building blocks and physics concepts.

Top 6 Ways Game-Based Learning Can Help Improve Schools

Game-based learning has been revolutionizing education, and even corporate training is getting on board with this useful approach. At the grade school level, there are several ways that educational games help students and teachers meet their goals without losing interest, including those engaging in remote learning. Let’s explore six ways that game-based learning can help improve schools.

Provide In-Depth Learning, Promoting Critical Thinking Skills

Forget endless worksheets. Educational games reward students for swift yet strategic decisions, honing their critical thinking and problem-solving muscles. Games can also build up fluency through repetition.

Schools can find educational games that support existing lesson plans and are aligned with standards such as Common Core, GSE, TEKS, NGSS, and SOL.

The best game-based learning platforms will offer games that have been tested by teachers and students to ensure their effectiveness.

Lessons Are Reinforced Through Quiz-Like Games

Quiz games don’t just make learning fun, they supercharge it. By pinpointing weak spots and repeating tricky concepts in playful ways, they build confidence and crush test anxiety.

The result? Smiling students and soaring scores! This can result in better test scores when the time comes for students to take longer and more rigorous exams.

Increased Engagement & Interest, Especially For Students Who Have Difficulty Focusing

Keeping students’ interest is a challenge for even the best of teachers.

Ever wished you could see those sparks of curiosity ignite across every student’s face? Look no further than playful learning! Games aren’t just recess in disguise; they’re powerful tools that open doors to deeper understanding and make the prospect of learning downright thrilling.

Here’s the magic behind it:

• Engagement Explosion: Games turn passive absorption into active participation. Students become explorers, strategists, and collaborators, tackling challenges and conquering concepts in exciting scenarios. Suddenly, history isn’t just dates on a timeline; it’s a treasure hunt through the past!
• Understanding Takes Root: By applying knowledge in engaging contexts, games solidify understanding and build confidence. Math isn’t just equations; it’s building rocket ships and navigating galaxies. The connections become clear, making learning truly meaningful.
• Focus Becomes Fun: Research shows that educational games can improve attention and focus, even for children who struggle. The interactive nature keeps minds engaged, transforming “paying attention” from a chore to a natural part of the learning adventure.

In a study from the College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University, teachers reported a dramatic increase in engagement among their students who learned using games. Research has shown that using game-based learning can help children who struggle to focus and pay attention.

Students Are More Willing To Participate In Discussions & Collaborative Activities

Educational games go beyond academics, fostering valuable social skills like teamwork and conflict resolution. Whether collaborating to conquer a virtual dungeon or navigating tricky in-game dynamics, students learn communication, compromise, and support each other toward a shared goal.

Teachers even witness shy blossoms bloom, guiding classmates and tackling challenges, as the playful environment encourages participation and builds connections. It’s learning at its finest, powered by the magic of shared adventures.

Game-Based Learning Increases Student Confidence & Knowledge Of Material

Educational games don’t just teach; they tailor! Feedback loops adjust difficulty and questions to each student’s pace, while motivational features fuel perseverance and growth.

No more frustration, just “try again!” moments that solidify understanding.

Games build confidence through leveled challenges, proving that even small steps lead to big wins. It’s personalized learning wrapped in a fun, engaging package!

Teachers’ Enthusiasm Is Increased Due To Student Engagement & Performance

The aforementioned Vanderbilt study revealed magic! 92% of teachers embracing game-based learning wanted to keep exploring, captivated by the surge in student engagement and academic leaps.

Why? Games level the playing field!

They adjust automatically, offering struggling students extra time on tricky concepts while letting others zip ahead. Differentiation made fun – teachers can cater to individual needs without holding anyone back. It’s a classroom transformation fueled by the power of play!

Reach Out To Legends of Learning Today

Games are a big part of students’ lives these days. They play them on their computers, tablets, and cell phones, but they rarely play them in the classroom. This means that many schools are missing out on a powerful opportunity to get students excited about learning and help them retain more information.

If you are an administrator looking for ways to improve your school and your student’s grades, reach out to Legends of Learning today to find out how their thousands of curriculum-aligned science and math games are helping make class time more effective and improving test scores for students across the country.

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Competition Sponsored by Calliope Games Challenged Students to Design the Next Great Trivia Game for Kids

Legends of Learning, Inc., the leading game-based learning platform in the United States, has announced the grand prize and runner-up winners for the Design Your Own Trivia Game, a STEM competition sponsored by Calliope Games. The competition was the fourth of Legends of Learning’s game-based learning competition series designed to engage kids at home with interactive and collaborative team-based STEM competitions during virtual/hybrid learning.

“We are excited to announce the Grand Prize and Runner-Up winners of the Design Your Own Trivia Game competition,” said Joshua Goldberg, Co-Founder of Legends of Learning. “Our judges were especially impressed by the creativity of the participants’ trivia choices. We greatly appreciate the effort, attention to detail, and thought all participants put into their submissions. We encourage them and other students throughout the country to participate in future competitions which can be found at https://www.legendsoflearning.com/stem-competitions/.”

A special thank you to Calliope Games for sponsoring this competition.

Additionally, Legends of Learning and Calliope Games would like to recognize all of the incredible teachers and parents who assisted their students with this competition.

The Grand Prize Winners were:

• The Wonder Wolves (Calvert County Public Schools, MD)
• Wayne’s Class (Latin School of Chicago, IL)

The Runner Up Winners were:

• The Three Amigos (Lutheran Schools of Ohio, OH)
• Addison Meyer (Ankeny Community School District, IA)
• Challengers (Norlights International School, Oslo, Norway)
• Asa and Andrew (Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC)
• Aces (Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL)
• Team MC (The School District of Philadelphia, PA)
• The Three Musketeers (The School District of Philadelphia, PA)

About Legends of Learning

Legends of Learning is the leading game-based learning platform in the United States, with over 2,000 curriculum-aligned games covering Kt-8th grade science and math.  Legends of Learning believes that by working with our human nature to learn through experience and play, we can accelerate the pace of learning for humanity.  Legends has over 2 million students using the platform in all 50 states and D.C.  Whether you are a 4th grader learning about Fractions or a 7th grader learning about Cell Structure, you can learn more effectively through games on the Legend of Learning platform.

About Calliope Games

Calliope Games is a family-run company publishing fun, affordable, quality tabletop games meeting the time constraints of our busy 21st-century lifestyles since 2009. We pride ourselves on creating games that are easy to learn, fun to play, and accessible to gamers of all ages. Our mission is about facilitating experiences people will remember for a lifetime; it’s about the relationships, camaraderie, and the laughter we share. That’s what’s truly important.

Competition Sponsored by Medifast® Challenged Students to Design an Experiment to Test a Hypothesis about the Healthy Habits of Healthy Eating and Hydration or Healthy Motion

Legends of Learning, Inc., the leading game-based learning platform in the United States, has announced the grand prize and runner-up winners for the Healthy Habits Virtual Science Fair, sponsored by Medifast. The competition was the third of Legends of Learning’s game-based learning competition series designed to engage kids at home with interactive and collaborative team-based STEM competitions during virtual/hybrid learning.

“We are excited to announce the Grand Prize and Runner-Up winners of the Healthy Habits Virtual Science Fair,” said Joshua Goldberg, Co-Founder of Legends of Learning. “Our judges were especially impressed by the hypotheses created and tested by students and their families.  We greatly appreciate the effort, attention to detail, and creativity all participants put into their submissions. We encourage them and other students throughout the country to participate in future competitions which can be found at https://www.legendsoflearning.com/stem-competitions/.”

The team “Triumph”, a grand prize winner from Logan City School District, UT, is featured in the above photo with his Sloth Running Team Medal after he finishing biking his 5k!

A participant from Baltimore County Public Schools, who was selected as a runner up winner, shared his experience with the Legends of Learning team:

Trémen McBride is a middle school student at Baltimore County Public Schools. He is humbled and grateful for being selected amongst thousands of contestants nationwide, in the Legends of Learning Virtual Healthy Habits Science Fair Competition, for his hard work in his investigation on testing his hypothesis on the presence of Vitamin C. He’s been a fan of math for as long as he can remember and later developed a self-interest in technology. His interest in science matured through his early exposure and participation in various STEM camps and coding challenges introduced to him by his mom…Trémen gives a special thanks to his 7th grade Science teacher Ms. Perry who inspired and supported him in science last year, along with his mother and Ms. Jenkins, who encouraged him in his decision to enter the Legends of Learning contest.

A special thank you to Medifast for sponsoring this competition.

Additionally, Legends of Learning and Medifast would like to recognize all of the incredible teachers and parents who assisted their students with this competition.

The Grand Prize Winners were:

• Triumph (Logan City School District, UT)
• Blink Twice (Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL)

The Runner Up Winners were:

• Dream Team (Soledad Unified School District, CA)
• Jumping Jacks with Beth (Latin School of Chicago, IL)
• LMS Hornets (Guilford County Schools, NC)
• Watts Family (Cobb County Public Schools, GA)
• Team Delahoussaye (Cobb County Public Schools, GA)
• Keira’s Quarantine Snacks (Los Olivos Elementary School District, CA)
• Science Panther (Al-Mamoor School, NY)
• Healthy Scientists (Lammersville Unified School District, CA)
• The Effect of Healthy Motion on Heart Rate (Al-Mamoor School, NY)
• Food Fuel (Al-Mamoor School, NY)
• V-TAB (Baltimore County Public Schools, MD)
• Waqiah and Bisma (Al-Mamoor School, NY)

About Legends of Learning

Legends of Learning is the leading game-based learning platform in the United States, with over 2,000 curriculum-aligned games covering Kt-8th grade science and math.  Legends of Learning believes that by working with our human nature to learn through experience and play, we can accelerate the pace of learning for humanity.  Legends has over 2 million students using the platform in all 50 states and D.C.  Whether you are a 4th grader learning about Fractions or a 7th grader learning about Cell Structure, you can learn more effectively through games on the Legend of Learning platform.

About Medifast

Medifast is the company behind one of the fastest-growing health and wellness communities, OPTAVIA®, which offers Lifelong Transformation, One Healthy Habit at a Time®. Based on nearly 40 years of experience, Medifast has redefined direct selling by combining the best aspects of the model. Its community of thousands of independent OPTAVIA Coaches teach Clients to develop holistic healthy habits through products and clinically proven plans, the Habits of Health® Transformational System and comprehensive support from a community of like-minded people. In 2019, Medifast expanded the OPTAVIA movement globally, beginning with the Asia-Pacific region. Medifast is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and was named to Fortune’s 100 Fastest-Growing Companies list in 2019 and Forbes’ 100 Most Trustworthy Companies in America List in 2016 and 2017. For more information, visit www.MedifastInc.com or www.OPTAVIA.com.

There is no question that life changed dramatically as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and one of the biggest transformations can be felt in the realm of K-12 education. With over 100,000 schools closing their doors to try to stem the spread of the virus, teachers and students alike were plunged into the world of distance learning. Although some were well-prepared, for many schools and districts this was a major new challenge.

The widespread school closures and lockdowns represented many people’s first experience with distance learning. Although technical readiness and school and teacher preparedness presented many challenges, certain benefits of distance learning became clear: if schools can successfully implement online and hybrid learning environments, they will be better prepared to handle all sorts of school closures, such as from extreme weather events, and better serve individual students staying home for illness in the future. Additionally, many districts were able to leverage CARES Act money to purchase chromebooks and other devices for students and expand internet capabilities. These changes will have benefits for years to come.

This has led to a renewed interest in online learning. Although no one can say for certain how many schools will be open and in-person this academic year, one thing is for certain: the increasingly widespread availability of device and internet access enables a lot of effective ways to engage students in non-traditional learning environments.

Distance Learning vs Online Learning

The terms “distance learning” and “online learning” are often used interchangeably, but there are some important distinctions. Both types of learning require the use of similar online learning tools, but the place where the learning takes place differs. In online learning, students might be in a classroom with their instructor while working on digital lessons. With distance learning, students work online at home while their teacher assigns work and checks in with them digitally.

There are also differences in the way teachers and students interact. Online learning entails in-person interaction between teachers and students on a regular basis. With distance learning, learning may be largely asynchronous, with fewer direct interactions among students and teachers, utilizing digital forms of communicating such as video calls, discussion boards and approved messaging apps.

Tips For Teachers To Succeed With Distance Learning

Many teachers were not familiar with distance learning prior to the spring closures. Distance learning presents its own set of challenges. Here are some tips for success in teaching students remotely and making the most of the potential advantages it offers.

Focus On The Needs Of Each Individual Student

Educators recognize the value in focusing on the unique learning needs of each student. Asynchronous learning opportunities presented by distance learning can enable teachers to better customize lessons for groups of students with differing needs. Check-ins with students needing attention can be conducted while other students are working on their assignments without the effect of disrupting the entire class.

Understand Each Student Has Their Own Unique Home Situation

Students’ home situations can vary greatly. Parents and other caregivers may or may not be available or able to assist students with technical concerns and ensure they are staying on top of their assignments. Many students require additional attention and support to stay on top of their work without the structure of the classroom.

In addition, technical barriers associated with devices and internet connectivity can make it harder for some students to meet deadlines. Many successful teachers provide additional flexibility when teaching remotely, while still holding students accountable through empathetic outreach for those struggling to keep up.

Continue To Provide Meaningful Academic Feedback

Teachers successfully deploying distance learning maintain connections with their students and provide them with meaningful academic feedback beyond grades and scores. Distance learning also presents a great opportunity to ask students to give feedback and demonstrate learning in flipped-classroom models.

Utilize Engaging Tools Such As Online Educational Games As A Resource

Over 90% of school-age kids play video games regularly. Weaving online educational games into lessons can be a great way to boost engagement and maintain student attention while learning remotely.

Group games can also be a great way to build community and offer students an opportunity to socialize with their peers. Many companies offer games that are aligned with curriculum so students can learn essential material in ways that maintain their engagement.

Reach Out To Legends of Learning For More Information

Legends of Learning is committed to helping teachers make diverse learning environments productive for their students. If you would like to learn more about exciting new ways of engaging your students in remote learning, reach out to the experts in online educational games at Legends of Learning for more information by contacting them here.

Competition Sponsored by Gamewright Challenges Students to Design the Next Great Card-Based Games for Learning Math and Science

Legends of Learning, Inc., the leading game-based learning platform in the United States, has announced the grand prize and runner-up winners for the Build the Next Great Card-Based Learning Game Competition, sponsored by Gamewright. The competition was the second of Legends of Learning’s game-based learning competition series designed to engage kids at home with interactive and collaborative team-based STEM competitions during virtual/remote learning.

“We are excited to announce the Grand Prize and Runner-Up winners of the Build the Next Great Card-Based Learning Game Competition,” said Joshua Goldberg, Co-Founder of Legends of Learning. “Our judges were especially impressed by the prototypes created and played by students and their families.  We greatly appreciate the effort, attention to detail, and creativity all participants put into their submissions. We encourage them and other students throughout the country to participate in future competitions which can be found at https://www.legendsoflearning.com/stem-competitions/.”

A special thank you to Gamewright for sponsoring this competition.

Additionally, Legends of Learning and Gamewright would like to recognize all of the incredible teachers and parents who assisted their students with this competition. 

The Grand Prize Winners were:

• Fierce Chickens (Buffalo Public School District, NY)
• Team DW (Cobb County School District, GA)

The Runner Up Winners were:

• Twinning! (Logan City School District, UT)
• Doyenne Tech (Evelyn District, Australia)
• A. Jensen (Evelyn District, Australia)
• Team 3.1415 (NH SAU 44, NH)
• Connor & Jackson (Kettle Moraine, WI)
• Quizzer Wizards (Saint Cloud Preparatory Academy, FL)
• Michaela (Toronto District School Board, Canada)
• The Firey Phoenix (Catholic Diocese of Memphis, TN)
• EMK GAMES (Arlington Public Schools, VA)

About Legends of Learning

Legends of Learning is the leading game-based learning platform in the United States, with over 2,000 curriculum-aligned games covering K^t-8^th grade science and math.  Legends of Learning believes that by working with our human nature to learn through experience and play, we can accelerate the pace of learning for humanity.  Legends has over 2 million students using the platform in all 50 states and D.C.  Whether you are a 4^th grader learning about Fractions or a 7^th grader learning about Cell Structure, you can learn more effectively through games on the Legend of Learning platform.

About Gamewright

Gamewright was founded in 1994 by four parents whose kids wanted great games. From the start, our mission has remained clear: Create the highest quality family games with outstanding play-value. Guided by themes and experiences that transcend age and salted with a bit of irreverence, our games are designed to foster laughter, learning, friendship, and fun.

Over the years our family has grown to over 200 games, including such household hits as Slamwich, Rat-a-Tat Cat, Sleeping Queens, Sushi Go!, Qwixx, and Forbidden Island. The thousands of letters we receive from kids, parents, grandparents, and teachers tell us our hearts are in the right place. Thank you for inviting us into your home and for playing with Gamewright!