Teaching Programming in K12: Benefits and Challenges

By: Kat Sarmiento

The rapid advancement of technology greatly affected how we live, work, and learn. The result? Increased demand for workers with a strong foundation in computer science and programming. 

According to US Labor statistics, the global talent shortage of software engineers may reach $85.2 million by 2030. This forecast emphasizes the importance of integrating programming education in K12 schools.

Nutrition: A Recipe for Student Success

Do you need a simple recipe to improve academic performance, behavior, and focus in your classroom? Take a look at nutrition in your classroom. What our students consume inside and outside the school could have a pivotal effect on their academic success. Simple nutrition education could impact your students more than you know.

Learning the Layers of Earth with LEGO Models

Lego and relax! Mobile Ed has a new hands-on activity to help students dive into earth science this spring. Students interact with land features, wildlife, climate, and natural resources every day of their lives. We “dig” teaching earth science because it directly informs students about the places they call home and teaches them to think critically, use maps, and make connections between their homes and the world around them.

What 44 Years in Education Has Taught Us

Forty-four years ago, we debuted The Amazing World of Light assembly (pictured below) as our first assembly program. Larry Thompson, a Michigan school teacher, believed that students learned best when they experienced the lesson firsthand, so he created Mobile Ed Productions, Inc. to “bring the field trip to you”. Mobile Ed is now the leading provider of school assemblies across the country and presents educational assemblies for thousands of schools annually.

Finding the Fun in Math

We love Pi Day at Mobile Ed! March 14th marks the day we celebrate the mathematical constant that has mesmerized mathematicians for thousands of years (while possibly enjoying a delicious treat, too). Pi Day was founded in 1988 by physicist Larry Shaw and was first held at a museum called the Exploratorium. A circle-shaped parade occurred, as well as the eating of a variety of pies. The celebrations grew yearly until they became a nationally-recognized U.S. holiday in 2009. Pi Day reminds us that math can be fun and is relevant to our lives.

Drop the popsicle sticks! Mobile Ed has new reading strategies to get your students to participate in class while strengthening their reading fluency and comprehension. Fluent reading is critical to academic success and is foundational for education. But teaching reading can be challenging as many of our students tend to learn differently, have different reading levels, hold different interests, and need individual attention.

When we first heard about the new generative artificial intelligence (AI) program that was taking over the internet, we thought it was too good to be true. Artificial intelligence has been growing for years, and you might already use AI in several facets of your classroom. But new concerns for educators are developing around the increasing popularity and accessibility of AI bots and tools.

Hands-On History: Presidents' Day Project

We are big fans of hands-on learning at Mobile Ed, and history class is no exception to this technique. Though history isn’t always the most tangible topic, we are encouraging educators to get hands-on with history this Presidents’ Day with this low-prep activity students will adore.

8 Writing Activities for Valentine's Day

Your students are no doubt getting excited about the cards and candy they’ll receive as the tradition of Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us. We are too! Students’ excitement is the best vessel for teaching students new skills and concepts. Mobile Ed has several ways you can turn this “love-ly” holiday into an entertaining and educational lesson for your students.

How Teachers Can Encourage Girls to Study STEM

Some of the most rewarding moments in our careers are when students reconnect with us to share how we inspired them. We play a critical role in supporting students as they become passionate learners and grow into mature thinkers. As we soon celebrate Women’s History Month and International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we recognize the important role that teachers have in their students’ futures.