In previous posts I shared here and elsewhere, I discussed both qualitative research and quantitative research and in this post, I talk about mixed methods research. I also created an illustrative visual that you can download for free at the bottom of this page. What is Mixed Methods Research? Creswell (2019) defines mixed methods research as “an approach to inquiry that combines or associates both qualitative and quantitative forms. It…
When was the last time you heard someone talk seriously about digital literacy? I’d guess it’s been a while. And honestly, I think I know why. As Lankshear and Knobel (2011) pointed out over a decade ago, literacy as a concept has become so institutionalized and regulated (tied to national tests, international benchmarks, and endless checklists) that anything with “literacy” in it starts to feel, well, stale. Add to that…
A couple of weeks ago, I shared a visual on quantitative research and I was really glad to see how many of you found it useful, especially for teaching and workshops. Today I’m shifting the focus to qualitative research, a paradigm I’ve been immersed in since my master’s degree. Here is the thing: condensing the richness of qualitative research into a single visual is no easy task. It’s complex, interpretive,…
It’s quiz time, and tech is here to make it easier! I believe quizzing is one of those areas where technology (and now AI) can really make a difference. It saves you time, reduces repetitive work, and opens up new ways to engage your students. Back when I was in the classroom, creating a good quiz took time. You had to think of the right questions, make sure they covered…
Sometimes, I like to wander into the hidden corners of the internet, exploring the quirky, creative, and downright fascinating digital spaces that often go unnoticed. If you’re in the mood for a virtual adventure, here’s a list of weird but intriguing websites you probably didn’t know existed. Weird but Fascinating Websites You Probably Didn’t Know Existed From AI-generated art to interactive map games, these sites offer a mix of fun,…
Throughout my work, I come across literally hundreds of tools, but only a few make the cut into my recommendations. And no, I’m not affiliated with any of these tools, nor do I make a profit from sharing them – I share them out of a genuine passion for helping fellow educators save time and work smarter. In this visual, I’ve pulled together 32 Tools to Save You Hours of…
As part of my Simply Explained series, I’ve been covering a range of student-centered instructional approaches, from project-based learning to experiential and inquiry-based learning. Today, I cover Game-Based Learning (GBL), a topic that has been particularly influential in my work as an educator and researcher. James Paul Gee is one of the key theorists in this field, and his work has profoundly shaped my understanding of GBL. I was fortunate…
The Magic Triangle of Learning connects three key elements: objectives, activities, and assessments. When aligned, they create a clearer and more memorable learning experience. Let’s see how it works and why Instructional Designers should follow it. This post was first published on eLearning Industry.
Formative assessment plays a central role in effective teaching. It is not something done at the end of instruction, but rather a continuous process woven into the learning itself. As Bell and Cowie (2000) put it, formative assessment “provides feedback to students (and teachers) about the learning which is occurring, during the teaching and learning, and not after” (p. 6). This kind of feedback helps surface what students understand, what…
During my EdTech experience, which extends over 15 years, I’ve had the chance to review a wide variety of tools designed to support teachers in their daily work. From lesson planning and communication to assessment and organization, I’ve tested and explored what actually helps not just what sounds good on paper. Top Productivity Tools for Teachers In this post, I’ve compiled some of what I think are the best tools…