Resources

Teacher – Westmont Hilltop Elementary School, PA

Health and physical education teacher Seth Matthews, AKA Sportspro Master, introduces concepts using multiple representations in order to meet the diverse learning styles of his students. Sportspro Master strives to ensure that students grasp course content rather than merely memorize facts. With Legends of Learning, Sportspro Master helps students to explore the different systems of the human body and their functions: “I enjoy using Legends as a virtual learning tool based on what we are learning in class. It gives the students a reinforcement and a different aspect of what we are covering in class.”

The onset of hybrid learning initially challenged Sportspro Master—He wanted to ensure that students possessed the same level of engagement in his virtual classes as they did in person. Given the unprecedented circumstances, Sportspro Master diligently sought out learning resources that would foster high student morale in both a remote and in-person environment. Legends of Learning empowered Sportspro Master to achieve his goal of enriching his courses for maximum student engagement, regardless of the learning environment: “Legends has been a useful tool for the virtual learning that has been brought upon us. Students enjoy the lessons and activities from home that have covered concepts that we cover in-person. This gives us another tool and activity to reinforce topics.” 

Sportspro Master, we admire how you are personalizing learning for your students. Best of luck this school year!

Teacher – NP Trist Middle School, LA

The unprecedented 2020-2021 school year led many educators to develop creative methods of enhancing student learning. Seventh-grade science teacher Cassi Allums, AKA Altruistic Allums, uses Legends of Learning to increase her students’ understanding of complex scientific concepts: “I use Legends of Learning as early finisher work and for [test review]. Typically any unit I cover, I make an [assignment] for. Students know when they finish up early or need extra practice, they can go to Legends of Learning.”

For some students, understanding scientific concepts can be difficult. In fact, some feel that they are not capable of understanding course material. However, Altruistic Allums knew exactly what teaching resource to rely on to help one of her students conquer their fears — Legends of Learning: “I have a student that makes it a constant struggle to keep him engaged in any lesson. Science isn’t his strongest subject, so he tends to be less confident when it comes to answering or asking questions. However, every time he uses Legends of Learning it is like a lightbulb turning on when he navigates through the games. He ties in what we already learned and applies it to answer questions throughout the games. Now, as soon as he comes into class he completes his work in a timely manner so he has the opportunity to play on Legends of Learning.” 

Altruistic Allums, we are impressed by how you empower learners in your classroom. Keep up the great work! 

STEM Coordinator – School District of Manatee County, FL

In Manatee County, STEM is viewed as key to student success. The county’s focus on STEM is highlighted by the school district’s efforts in preparing students for STEM-related careers. Manatee County’s STEM initiatives are designed to progress students from elementary school to middle school to high school and beyond, allowing students to shine in STEM-oriented competitions at every level. The latest example is students from Willis Elementary, who were selected as runner-up winners for the Dell Technologies Advancing Sustainability Game Design Challenge. In this competition, they competed with over 1,000 students internationally! 

Behind the scenes of this work, you will find an energetic STEM Coordinator, who has always had a passion for STEM learning: Jennifer McManis, AKA Lady Galaxy STEMDUST. Graduating with a Bachelor’s in Biology and a love for science, Lady Galaxy STEMDUST became interested in continuing to explore her passions through education. Loving the fast-paced school environment, which provided many exciting and unique challenges, she thrived in the classroom while engaging her students with a variety of science experiments and hands-on learning opportunities. Eventually, her path guided her to leadership, where she is able to engage with like-minded educators. Sharing common STEM goals with her community sustains her excitement about education and learning. 

Bringing Legends of Learning to teachers was the perfect way to ignite the same passion for STEM in both students and educators alike. Legends is now a valued addition to the curriculum in all elementary and K-8 schools in Manatee, as part of an innovative and engaging STEM program. The focus is on keeping students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math. Lady Galaxy STEMDUST shared that she pursued a partnership with Legends because “we wanted to give our students and teachers another valuable, engaging, and fun STEM resource, especially when considering that gaming can increase interest and engagement among students, thereby increasing learning gains.” 

Lady Galaxy STEMDUST already sees the excitement among the STEM educators! Teachers have shared that they see students immersed in science and math concepts in the classroom, learning while playing. They use Legends “as an exciting and creative way to teach students the content.” The most exciting aspect is that students are motivated to take ownership of their learning and will be able to apply their skills in STEM fields.

Teacher – East Clayton Elementary School, GA

As we near the end of the school year, teachers are seeking resources to supplement their course material and keep students engaged. To reinforce her students’ understanding of previously learned content, Angela Rodgers, aka Venus the Super Teacher, has consistently relied on one resource throughout the year—Legends of Learning. Venus the Super Teacher “uses Legends of Learning in the classroom in the following ways: asynchronous work, review for quizzes and tests, practice skills/concepts, and homework”.

Keeping students engaged can be challenging, especially as we come to the end of a school year unlike any other. Although the pandemic created obstacles to classroom engagement, Venus the Super Teacher confronted this challenge with confidence. Understanding the impact that student motivation has on learning outcomes, Venus the Super Teacher uses Legends of Learning to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in her classroom: “My students thoroughly enjoyed the Legends of Learning Program. It allowed students to review and analyze previously taught concepts as well as extended students’ learning experiences through hands-on and personal commitment to complete assignments. Students not only loved the games, but they expressed that the question portion of the program prepared them for future assessments.”

Thank you, Venus the Super Teacher, for always looking for opportunities to empower your students!