What springs to your mind when you think of the word ‘play’? A quick online search for the word produces the definition that it is ‘an activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose’, which is perhaps the most common understanding. Yet this definition wildly underestimates the impact that play has for…
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When we’re thinking about new approaches to learning, it seems that the time in between might be just as important as the method itself. In fact, this research supports actually including short breaks as part of the process rather than seeing them as ‘downtime’ or ‘non-learning’. It’s a boost to thinking about learning as lifelong…
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This is an interesting exploration into how important it is that we not only foster playful learning in children, but how we shouldn’t lose that impulse as adults. In making it an essential part of lifelong development, we can ensure we champion creativity and play from an early age. I know as an adult I…
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We’re huge advocates of exploring the potential of play and its capacity to expand learning. What we liked about this article on research into outdoor play was what the team saw as the benefits of the snow study. Rather than just improving teaching methods, the children actually recognised the positive effects on their wellbeing for…
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We’re huge advocates of alternative routes to learning, and making it relevant to all. Maths might be one of the biggest challenges; its rigid principles seemingly essential to understanding. The problem, says US educator and self-confessed “maths lover”, Dan Finkel, is that underestimating maths is leaving a gap in our everyday and future lives. Dan…
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We know about the importance of play for children’s development, but it mustn’t stop there. We love this piece from intranet pioneer, Sam Marshall, which stresses the importance of continuous learning when it comes to digital literacy. There’s a reason why digital test sites are called sandpits; we just need to embrace what we know…
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This interview from EdSurge is a really interesting insight into how developers are championing game-based learning. Expanding and diversifying learning experiences is so important to us here at IM and iOi. Through initiatives like our Lab Liftoff: Game and Code event in the Easter Holidays, children can experience playful technology, allowing them to be the…
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At iOi and IM, we’re big advocates of expanding the scope and remit of learning and play. It’s easy to fall into the routine of seeing the two as distinct; a separation we often carry into adulthood. Here are some practical tips from EdSurge for increasing engagement by bringing the playground into the classroom and…
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We think that scientific inspiration is a really important element of understanding STEAM, one of the causes we champion at iOi and Imagination Matters. It’s so vital that we make room for creativity in science, not only to theorise, but to solve problems as well. Science can and should be the subject of of creative…
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We’re always interested in reading about new approaches to learning. Here, some teachers in the US are questioning homework. We don’t think there’s one right way, however, there are important things we can learn from new ideas. It’s vital that we constantly assess how we think about independent learning, and that we don’t miss any…
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New year, new thinking? Time for an interesting read from NPR on personalised learning. Controversial for some, revolutionary for others, it’s about students determining their experience. However, whether it’s the future of learning or not, it leaves some questions unanswered. See what you make of the debate. Personalised learning is based on going at your own…
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