DigiGirlz is an event that promotes STEM careers for middle school girls, in which students experimented with Microsoft Kodu and robotics.

This article addresses how to foster motivation in a child - including being interested in the child's interests, pinpoint the source of frustrations, encourage the child at every step, focus on the child's strengths, and take time to overcome the frustrations.

This article discusses trends in technology use in higher ed institutions, including a growing role of blended learning and technology-integrated meetings.

Why technology should not be the sole source for learning.

This article examines some of what we've been talking about in class, in terms of student motivation (or the lack thereof).

Computer-led math learning at Virginia Tech.

Great point. My feeling is that a lot of higher ed institutions use technology as a way to cut costs, so not much attention is paid to accommodating diverse learners. If I may think back to my own undergrad experience, the prevalent assumption is that you're old enough to seek out additional support on your own when you're stuck or want to learn more. I definitely think though that more attention should be paid to applying UDL principles to educational software (yes, even for adults), so that learning can move beyond passing multiple-choice tests!

How a teacher incorporates educational technology into his KIPP classroom.

The author talks about society's addiction to "stupid" mini-games (e.g. Angry Birds), which have minimal learning objectives but help us compartmentalize our lives.

This organization develops projects that specialize in game-based learning.

This article examines how to best create flow experiences in video games. The author argues for 1) including a variety of gameplay activities, 2) allowing players to play at their own paces, and 3) letting players make choices.

Related to our discussion of attention and flow, this article talks about external and internal causes of distraction and what to do about them.

A fascinating talk on one aspect of motivation - willpower. Who knew that lower glucose levels decrease willpower, and that performing self-control on one task decreases subsequent control on the next task?

This author advocates for using pop quizzes to motivate studying. I disagree with his method, but it's still good to see his side of the argument.

Tying in with our conversation about flow, this article mentions a way to physically induce flow through "transcranial direct current stimulation".

A Youtube video on integrating glass with technology. There's a part on future vision of schools, starting at 4:43.

This article argues for the benefit of using laptops in university classrooms.