SPS Digital Learning Hour

In this special finale, join me as I sit down with two remarkable educators: Fay Dolson and Anna Meyerhoff. These passionate Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers share their insights, experiences, and challenges in teaching Computer Science (CS) to students who are just embarking on their educational journey.

Remember, every journey begins with a single step, and these young learners are taking their first steps into the world of technology.

This is my final episode of the SPS Digital Learning hour and I will be turning it over the SPS Digital Learning and SIS department. By the time this episode is available I will no longer be working for the Springfield Public Schools system.

Tools Available in Springfield:

Amazon Affiliate Link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Power Up Your Classroom Book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Amazon

You can find me at:

Show Credits: 

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Summer Adventures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Serge Pavkin Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Pixabay 

In this podcast episode, we conclude our journey through “Power Up Your Classroom” by Lindsay Blass and Cate Tolnai. We delve into the final two levels, exploring strategies to build a vibrant community and take the leap into Game-Based Learning (GBL) and Gamification. Tune in for practical insights and inspiration! Don’t miss the valuable resources linked in this episode for further exploration. 🎙️📚🔗

Tools Available in Springfield:

Amazon Affiliate Link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Power Up Your Classroom Book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Amazon

Other Resources:

You can find me at:

Show Credits: 

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Summer Adventures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Serge Pavkin Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Pixabay 

Do if you want to power up your assessment practices and help students genuinely enjoy the journey of demonstrating mastery?

In this episode we talk about starting small by integrating one or two engaging tools like Quizziz, Quizlet Live, Blooket or more into your everyday instruction. By leveraging game mechanics, you can provide feedback effectively with your students so you can spend more time coaching students through the learning process. To learn more, check out my deep dive into Level 5 of Power Up Your Learning; Who’s Winning? Power Up Your Assessment & Feedback. 

Tools Available in Springfield:

Amazon Affiliate Link:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Power Up Your Classroom Book⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Amazon

Other Resources:

You can find me at:

Show Credits: 

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Summer Adventures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Serge Pavkin Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Pixabay 

In this week's episode, I delved into the world of student-led game design within the classroom. As we examine Level 4 of Power Up Your Classroom, we'll learn how empowering students to become creators, rather than mere consumers of content, can ignite a white-hot passion inside of the students and spur growth at an untold pace. 

Tools Available in Springfield:

Newly Formed Amazon Affiliate Link:

⁠⁠⁠Power Up Your Classroom Book⁠⁠⁠ from Amazon

Other Resources:

You can find me at:

Show Credits: 

⁠⁠⁠⁠Summer Adventures⁠⁠⁠⁠ – ⁠⁠⁠⁠Serge Pavkin Music⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Pixabay 

In this episode of the SPS Digital Learning Hour, we dive into the theme ‘Choose Your Own Adventure.’ Discover how offering choices in the classroom can empower and engage students, create a safe space for exploration and failure, and enhance learning experiences. We’ll discuss the significance of audience, purpose, design, and relationships, and share how you can infuse more fun into your interactions with learners. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights!

Tools Available in Springfield:

Newly Formed Amazon Affiliate Link:

⁠⁠Power Up Your Classroom Book⁠⁠ from Amazon

Other Resources:

You can find me at:

Show Credits: 

⁠⁠⁠Summer Adventures⁠⁠⁠ – ⁠⁠⁠Serge Pavkin Music⁠⁠⁠ from Pixabay 

In this podcast episode we dive into level 3 of Power Up Your Learning. Throughout this episode we will look at how the authors explain how game-based learning (GBL) requires a clear structure, design and purpose to be effective and engaging. I also dive into some examples of what GBL can look like in the classroom, but I spend a majority of time on one model in particular, Breakout EDU.

Tools Available in Springfield:

Newly Formed Amazon Affiliate Link:

⁠Power Up Your Classroom Book⁠ from Amazon

Other Resources:

You can find me at:

Show Credits: 

⁠⁠Summer Adventures⁠⁠ – ⁠⁠Serge Pavkin Music⁠⁠ from Pixabay 

We've got an exciting interview lined up with Melissa Zeitz from Zanetti Montessori School. She's doing some amazing work in Computer Science with her Pre K to 8th graders. In this interview we cover a wide range of CS curriculum and tools ranging from robots like Kibo to cool audio tools projects with Audacity. Tune in to get inspired and learn something new!

Tools Melissa Discusses:

Tools Available in Springfield:

Newly Formed Amazon Affiliate Link:

⁠Power Up Your Classroom Book⁠ from Amazon

You can find me at:

Show Credits: 

⁠⁠Summer Adventures⁠⁠ – ⁠⁠Serge Pavkin Music⁠⁠ from Pixabay 

In Level 1 of Power Up Your Classroom we delve into the why of the game. By understanding the unique characteristics of gamification and game-based learning, we will be prepared to integrate both types into our classrooms. My goal for today’s episode is to give you a greater understanding of the why behind Gamification and Game-Based Learning and the what they are. You might even begin to see how you are already doing some of these inside your classroom with your students and you don't even know it.

Tools Available in Springfield:

Newly Formed Amazon Affiliate Link:

Power Up Your Classroom Book from Amazon

Other Resources:

You can find me at:

Show Credits: 

⁠Summer Adventures⁠ – ⁠Serge Pavkin Music⁠ from Pixabay 

Have you ever wondered how games can make learning more fun and effective? How can you use game elements like points, badges, leaderboards, or stories to motivate and engage your students?  

If these questions perk your curiosity, then you are in the right place. During this podcast season we will be doing a book study of Power Up Your Classroom by Lindsey Blass & Cate Tolnai. This book is a practical guide for educators who want to reimagine learning through gameplay and we will be diving deep into it. In this book study, we will explore the difference between gamification and game-based learning, the pedagogical value of various game features, and the steps to design and implement gamified and game-based learning experiences into your classroom. Whether you teach elementary or higher education, in math or music, this book study will help you discover how games can transform your teaching practice. I hope you have your copy of the book ready, because we are about to embark on an exciting adventure. Let the games begin (hehe)! 

Tools Available in Springfield:

Other Resources

You can find me at:

Show Credits: 

Summer Adventures – Serge Pavkin Music from Pixabay 

Welcome to the highly anticipated season premiere of the SPS Digital Learning Hour! In this episode, join me, Mike Thomas, as I provide an update on the latest happenings within the Springfield Public School district. Get ready for an engaging season filled with insightful book talks, the possibility of venturing into vodcasts, and a sneak peek into some captivating interviews. I wanted to sound exciting as this is just the kick off episode but A.I. changed my words to this, which I find hilarious: Buckle up for a journey into the world of digital learning, where education meets innovation. Don't miss out on the exciting updates and future plans that promise to make this season a memorable one! Can't you hear movie guy's voice in that!

You can find me at:

Tools Available in Springfield:

Show Credits: