Advanced & Emerging Technologies
Digital Environments and Media
Game-Based Learning and Simulation
Creative and Physical Learning Approaches
Problem-Solving and Computational Thinking
100

Computer-based three-dimensional environments for students and teachers to explore interactively.

What is virtual reality (VR)?

100

Any computer program designed to enhance learning and teaching, from simple language apps to complex learning management systems (LMS).

What is educational software?

100

Students learning academic information without realizing they are doing so; often embedded in game play.

What is stealth learning?

100

A do-it-yourself (DIY) community where people create and build objects of all kinds with electronics, robotics, smart materials, and 3-D printers.

What is the Maker Movement?

100

Applying prior knowledge and critical thinking strategies to develop answers or solutions to a problem.

What is problem solving?

200

An example of virtual reality.

What is a virtual field trip?

200

Online identity adopted by students and teachers when playing games or participating in virtual reality simulations.

What is an avatar?

200

Games that are downloaded to a personal device.

What are desktop-based games?

200

An example of a Maker Movement community. 

What is an online maker forum?

200

Approach to curriculum and instruction organized around problems or issues for students to solve.

What is problem-based learning (PBL)?

300

A technology process in which machines produce three-dimensional solid objects based on coded instructions.

What is 3-D printing?

300

Software that records and extends thinking and brainstorming with pictures and webs.

What is visual-thinkg and concept-mapping software?

300

Learning or entertainment activities, often featuring virtual worlds, avatars, and competition for points and a winning score.

What are computer- and web-based games?

300

Areas in schools and libraries devoted to enabling students to design, tinker, invent, and construct based on their ideas and interests.

What are Makerspaces?

300

Issues that do not have easy or simple solutions.

What are ill-structured problems?

400

An example of 3-D printing.

What is a custom prosthetic hand?

400

Online learning environments where students interact as game players, often through the use of avatars.

What are virtual worlds?

400

Using game playing to motivate people to use technology for specific purposes, such as buying a product or learning a skill.

What is gamification?

400

An example of a Makerspace.

What is a community workshop in a public library?

400

Knowing how to use data, models, simulations, and algorithmic thinking to formulate and solve problems.

What is computational thinking?

500

Students and teachers designing, constructing, and using robots as part of a school curriculum.

What is robotics?

500

An example of a virtual world.

What is Minecraft?

500

Using games to teach academic content to students.

What is game-based learning?

500

Approach to instruction in classrooms emphasizing learning by making.

What is maker-based learning?

500

Sequence of written commands that tell a computer what a programmer wants the machine to do.

What is coding?