laying-the-groundwork-for-esports-in-kindergarten

Laying the Groundwork for Esports in Kindergarten

The mention of esports typically conjures images of teenagers in headsets, positioned in front of colorful keyboards and brightly lit computer monitors. As competitive gaming grows popularity at high schools and colleges across the nation, it becomes even more important to lay the groundwork for these teams early on. Learn how to introduce game-based education to increase students’ skills.

In this article, Jen Dawson shares

  • the value of introducing esports in kindergarten;
  • potential tech strains and how to overcome them; and
  • how to build partnerships and forge a pipeline supporting students in esports.

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Most Popular Funding Opportunities Last Month

In the previous month, educators were looking for funding opportunities in the areas of arts, technology, academic achievement, and more. Check out which grants GetEdFunding educators viewed the most in February.

Brady Education Foundation Education Grants

The Brady Education Foundation seeks to close the achievement gap for children at risk for poor school outcomes due to environmental factors associated with living in poverty. The foundation is focused on the development and evaluation of programs that are consistent with a strength-based approach and show promise of being feasible, effective, and sustainable. 

Deadline: Stage one applications are due April 1, August 1, and December 1, annually.

Initial Teaching Alphabet Foundation

The Initial Teaching Alphabet (i.t.a.) is a phonemic alphabet based on the phonemic sound system of the English language. It was designed to present the beginning reader and writer with a logical and reliable reading and writing system. The foundation promotes literacy through the use of the i.t.a. to help students perform better in school, have a healthy self-image, and become lifelong learners.

Deadline: Letters of Intent are due April 1, annually.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research supports educational and workforce development initiatives in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) targeting kindergarten through grade 16 and adult learners. Proposal plans in a range of size and complexity may establish, build, or maintain educational pathways and space-related workforce opportunities addressing the scientific and technical areas identified in the program solicitation. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider underrepresented and underserved populations including women and minorities. Special audience priority areas may include, but are not limited to, military connected students, veteran initiatives, and education systems integral to Air Force science and technology.

Deadline: Applications are due April 14, 2023.

The Charles Lafitte Foundation Education Grants

The Charles Lafitte Foundation (CLF) supports innovative and effective ways of helping people help themselves and others around them to achieve healthy, satisfying, and enriched lives. The foundation supports organizations working in four main areas: education, children’s advocacy, medical research and initiatives, and the arts. CLF helps individuals gain access to schools, from preschool through college, by issuing grants and taking an active role in exploring new approaches to education.y. 

Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round.

Fluor Foundation Education Grants

Fluor Foundation makes grants that support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in communities where the company operates. Priority is given to programs that inspire and prepare students to excel in STEM and are committed to developing the next generation workforce, improving teacher effectiveness with emphasis on STEM student proficiency and persistence, and cultivating leadership skills in youth.

Deadline: Letters of Inquiry are accepted year-round.

Teach Self-Management Skills

4 Ways to Personalize Learning and Teach Self-Management Skills

Although education has undergone rapid changes in the past few years, many of the processes have stayed the same. At this year’s Future of Education Technology ConferenceAlberto and Mario Herraez, also known as the eTwinz, opened with this thought starter in their Thursday session, “Fostering Self-Regulation Skills and Personalized Learning in an Elementary Setting.”

The Herraez twins noted that technologies have changed with time — from photocopies to Microsoft OneNote — but the delivery process remains the same for many schools. Teachers deliver information to students, who are expected to absorb and remember the lessons.

The Herraezes shared strategies they used when working as fifth and sixth grade educators in Utah. They argued that personalizing learning and teaching students self-management skills prepares them for the workforce they’ll one day enter. They cited data from the World Economic Forum’s 2020 report “The Future of Jobs,” which showed the increased demand for employees with self-management skills.

As they explained the ways they incorporated these pedagogies and skills into their classrooms, the Herraezes encouraged districts to follow their example.

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covid funding cliff

K-12 Schools Share Their Strategies for Addressing the Coming Federal Funding Cliff

The COVID-19 pandemic essentially ended the conversation about whether school districts should embrace one-to-one programs that put a computing device into the hands of every student.

“During COVID, a large number of individual devices were deployed,” says Amy McLaughlin, Cybersecurity Initiative director at the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN). “We exited the conversation of, ‘Should we do one-to-one?’ and entered the conversation of, ‘How do we maintain one-to-one?’”

Historically, many school districts have struggled to build device refresh cycles into their operating budgets. Often, new interactive displays or laptops are bought with one-time, nonrecurring funds, such as bond money for a school building project. More recently, schools received multiple rounds of federal government funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, the Emergency Connectivity Fund, and other grants to make necessary ed tech purchases.

As McLaughlin notes, the lifecycle for mobile devices such as laptops and tablets is much shorter — about three years, she suggests — than the lifecycle of a school building. In a 2022 CoSN survey, 75 percent of districts said federal economic stimulus funds were significant for supporting hybrid learning. Of those that relied on emergency funding for IT initiatives, 60 percent used the money to purchase devices.

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Most Popular Funding Opportunities Last Month

In the previous month, educators were looking for funding opportunities in the areas of arts, technology, academic achievement, and more. Check out which grants GetEdFunding educators viewed the most in December.

Focus on Education & Technology/Innovation Grants

The Charles Koch Foundation awards General Grants that apply to all of the foundation’s key focus areas, which include Education and Technology/Innovation. Grants support research in the focus area, with emphasis on innovative solutions that spur social progress and widespread benefits. Education may address any aspect of helping individuals unlock their potential. Technology & Innovation proposals may also address a wide spectrum, including the challenges of adapting to change created by technology.

Deadline: Proposal applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative – Education and Workforce Development

The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative: Education and Workforce Development Program supports the development of the next generation of research, education, and extension professionals in the food and agricultural sciences.

Deadline: March 20, 2023.

Create Action Grants

The Sony Create Action program seeks grant applicants committed to serving their local communities in areas such as science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics; academic enrichment; workforce development; and nonprofit services for underserved and underrepresented groups.

Deadline: Applications are accepted monthly until the final deadline of March 31, 2023.

GroMoreGood Grassroots Grants

The ScottsMiracle-Gro Foundation provides Grassroots Grants to bring the life-enhancing benefits of youth gardens to communities across the United States. Awards provide funding for the development of new and expansion of existing youth garden programs and greenspaces serving 15 or more youth. Winners will be selected based on their commitment to the maintenance and sustainability of their garden program, including plans for growth and future fiscal stability.

Deadline: Applications are accepted from January 3 to February 10, 2023.

Technology Education Grants

The Rural Technology Fund awards Technology Education Grants to support projects in rural areas that deliver technology education resources for computer science and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education classes and extracurricular activities with the goal of enabling rural students to better recognize and explore technology careers and pathways to the computer industry..

Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

gamification and education

What Is Gamification, and Why Is It Trending in K–12 Schools?

Educators work hard to set students up for success in a world that is increasingly digital. A 2018 report by the Institute for the Future and Dell Technologies estimated that 85 percent of children entering today’s K–12 schools will eventually find themselves in jobs that don’t currently exist, making educators’ jobs even more challenging.

Add to that the new technologies vying for students’ attention in classrooms and on devices, plus the mental and emotional difficulties many students are facing following the pandemic. How can school districts engage students and set them up for success in a future world of advanced technology?

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Most Popular Funding Opportunities Last Month

In the previous month, educators were looking for funding opportunities in the areas of arts, technology, academic achievement, and more. Check out which grants GetEdFunding educators viewed the most in October.

SCA Grants

Sony Corporation of America focuses the majority of its charitable giving on art, culture, technology, and the environment, with a particular emphasis on education in each of those areas. While support in other areas may also be considered, the company seeks to apply its financial, technological, and human resources to the encouragement of the creative, artistic, technical, and scientific skills required of tomorrow’s workforce.

Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round.

Store-Based Giving Grants

Ross Stores, Inc. Foundation provides support for youth-oriented programs and services that prepare today’s youth for a bright tomorrow. The foundation makes Store-Based Giving Grants in the areas of building academic achievement and life skills in economically disadvantaged youth.

Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round.

Direct Grants

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation makes Direct Grants in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, especially blue-collar and nontraditional STEM programs; energy conservation and environmental concerns; and local communities.

Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round.

Education Grants – BAE Systems

BAE Systems’ Community Investment awards grants to community-based organizations that support education in the target areas of early childhood, kindergarten through grade 12, higher education, and programs that advance learning in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

MONAT Gratitude Grants

MONAT Gratitude, Inc. awards MONAT Gratitude Grants with the goal of helping children, families, and communities thrive. Funding supports new and existing programs in three areas: arts and culture, youth sports and recreation, and youth entrepreneurship.

Deadline: Applications are accepted October 3 through November 18, 2022; and February 2 through March 2, 2023.

3 Ways to Build a Case for (and Win) Early Learning STEAM Robotics Grants

By  Jason Innes

With millions of dollars of ESSER funding (as well as other federal, state, and local grants) still available, the smartest edtech investments are the ones that meet the following criteria:

  1. Are research-backed and deliver evidence-based solutions.
  2. Provide flexible, ongoing professional development.
  3. Offer hours of curriculum to support any subject.

Let’s dive deeper into each of these points to prove the case for bringing coding and robotics into young learners’ hands to support the development of computational thinking and invaluable science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) skills.

1. Evidence of effect is critical.
Early childhood educators seeking funds for edtech should focus on research-backed solutions. When looking to introduce STEAM robotic solutions for children in preK through 5th grade, rely on research to prove the importance of introducing coding robots at a young age. For instance, the decades of research behind the screen-free KIBO robot show that even the youngest students can learn sequencing and coding in a fun and engaging way, regardless of curriculum. Powerful, positive learning outcomes for young learners when working with robotics include the following:

  • Improved sequencing ability in early childhood.
  • Mastery of foundational coding and robotics skills.
  • Integration of robotics across curricula.
  • Positive impact on underrepresented groups in STEM fields.

2. Ongoing professional development supports success.
Effective professional development (PD) assists long after the implementation of the product. PD lets educators embrace a solution and make it their own, customize it to their school’s needs, and understand how to pace the curriculum to allow students time to explore and experiment. Thanks to significant (but time-limited!) stimulus spending in education, educators can use ESSER funds to secure technology and devices, but also professional development to begin implementation right away and feel comfortable with the solutions purchased.

3. Embedded curriculum makes all the difference.
Edtech products that are paired with out-of-the-box curriculum are also must-haves. The accompanying curriculum should be designed to engage children in the full range of powerful ideas in creative coding and robotics, from beginner to advanced use.

After working through the curriculum, young children will be able to develop their computational thinking, engineering, and STEAM skills in a playful way. Most importantly, when educators are comfortable with delivering the robotics curriculum, children will be able to use robotics and coding to express themselves, explore interests, and connect and collaborate with peers. Educators should also look for curriculum that is aligned with both ISTE and CSTA standards, as well as their own state standards.

If educators find the right playful STEAM robotics solutions to take advantage of available funding, they can create an ideal early education environment—classrooms bubbling with engaged students asking questions, children learning from one another, and peers excitedly helping each other find answers. Be sure to prove the case with the tips above and bring in the funding for proven solutions that will engage young learners in creative STEAM learning and inspire their (and your) success.

Jason Innes is director of curriculum, training, and product management at KinderLab Robotics, Inc. He can be reached at jason@kinderlabrobotics.com.

Most Popular Funding Opportunities Last Month

In the previous month, educators were looking for funding opportunities in the areas of science, math, leadership, arts, and more. Check out which grants GetEdFunding educators viewed the most in the month of September.

Education Grants, Fluor Foundation

Fluor Foundation makes grants that support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in communities where the company operates. Priority is given to programs that inspire and prepare students to excel in STEM and are committed to developing the next-generation workforce, improving teacher effectiveness with emphasis on STEM student proficiency and persistence, and cultivating leadership skills in youth.

Deadline: Letters of Inquiry are accepted year-round.

Toshiba America Grant Program for Science and Mathematics Educators

Toshiba America Foundation accepts applications from teachers who are passionate about making science and mathematics more engaging for their students. The foundation seeks to support teachers by providing funds to support classroom projects. The foundation strongly encourages projects planned and led by individual teachers or teams of teachers for their own classrooms.

Deadline: Deadlines vary.

SCA Grants

Sony Corporation of America focuses the majority of its charitable giving on art, culture, technology, and the environment, with a particular emphasis on education in each of those areas. While support in other areas may also be considered, the company seeks to apply its financial, technological, and human resources to the encouragement of the creative, artistic, technical, and scientific skills required of tomorrow’s workforce.

Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round.

Education Grants, The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation supports programs in arts, community, education, environment, health care, and peace. Recent awards were made to programs supporting high school music, leadership, and youth development.

Deadline: Applications are due October 31, 2022.

Store-Based Giving Grants

Ross Stores, Inc. Foundation provides support for youth-oriented programs and services that prepare today’s youth for a bright tomorrow. The foundation makes Store-Based Giving Grants in the areas of building academic achievement and life skills in economically disadvantaged youth.

Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round.

Social Emotional Learning and IT

What’s Social-Emotional Learning Got to Do with IT?

By Delaine Johnson and Mike Lawrence for EdTech Magazine

As educators, we wonder if the kids are OK. A Rave Mobile Safety survey of more than 400 K–12 employees, released in March, found that student mental health is top of mind for 61 percent of respondents.

And while we sometimes feel helpless, we must remember there are small steps that educators can take to help students manage some complex emotions.

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