Unbox Innovation

The Power of AI in the Classroom

Artificial intelligence is transforming classrooms in ways few could have imagined just a few years ago. As generative tools like Google Gemini and ChatGPT become embedded in K–12 instruction, the power of AI is reshaping how teachers personalize learning, engage students, and reclaim time. According to McKinsey, teachers spend up to 40 percent of their week on tasks that could be streamlined using AI, creating space for deeper connection and instructional support. Is AI really helping teachers teach and learners learn, or is it just another layer of tech to manage? On Unbox Innovation, Taylor-Ann Charles and Nicholas Gearing, both Training and Development Specialists with EOS Education by Boxlight, explore how AI is accelerating teaching and learning. Drawing from classroom experience, educator feedback, and hands-on training, they discuss the balance between innovation and intention, and how to build confidence using the power of AI in both schools and professional development settings. Highlights from the conversation: * AI as an Accessibility Engine: From real-time translation to speech-to-text tools, AI helps remove barriers for multilingual and neurodiverse learners. * Differentiation at Scale: Teachers use AI to enrich objectives, personalize assignments, and scaffold complex content without sacrificing time or quality. * Professional Development and Policy Alignment: AI isn’t just for students—it’s also a judgment-free support tool for educators to build knowledge, manage burnout, and stay aligned with district policies. Taylor-Ann Charles is a skilled training and development specialist with over five years of experience at Boxlight, where she designs and delivers engaging, interactive learning programs. She specializes in simplifying complex content, managing digital learning systems, and motivating learners through effective communication and personalized feedback. Her background includes instructional design, classroom teaching, and team management, showcasing a strong foundation in both education and leadership. Nicholas Gearing is a seasoned training and development specialist with expertise in instructional design, facilitation, sales enablement, and educational technology. He has led large-scale K–12 and corporate learning initiatives, created professional development programs, and supported tech integration across more than 150 schools and districts. As Co-Executive Director of a nonprofit, he combines strategy and creativity to deliver inclusive, impactful programs while driving community engagement and stakeholder collaboration..

Boxlight's Virtual Simulation: Exploring Elementary Geometry

In today's digital age, educational technology is transforming the way we approach learning, making it more interactive, engaging, and effective. One such innovative solution is Boxlight's 3D virtual simulation kits, aiming to revolutionize elementary geometry lessons. A Complementary Path for K-5 Geometry Keeping in mind the K-5 geometry curriculum standards, Boxlight has an extensive range of resources. These resources majorly utilize 3D printable kits which are loved by students for their practical approach. However, the game-changer here is the 'Composing Polygons' kit, reimagined as a 3D virtual simulation. The Versatility of 'Composing Polygons' kit Boxlight's Composing Polygons kit brings to life abstract geometry concepts, and it's available in two engaging modes. 'Adding Angles' mode allows students to view angles as additive components, especially complementary and supplementary angles, in a fun, intuitive way. At the same time, 'Build Polygons' mode lets students experiment with shapes, construct their own polygons, and understand angles better. Instead of using 3D printed manipulatives and straws, you can now create 2D shapes in a virtual environment that accurately mimics real-world physics. This brings an air of familiarity to the platform while allowing for a whole new range of possibilities. Paving Way for a Practical Understanding of Geometry One standout feature of this virtual kit is that it can also be used for exploring side-angle-side (SAS) concept in middle school. In a unique and hands-on manner, the 'Build Polygons' mode also helps students understand whether they have selected the correct value that will complete the triangle they are attempting to construct. If they are correct, the triangle completes, and if not, it's visually evident in the 2D simulation that the value chosen is incorrect. This practical, interactive approach aids the students in grasping the fundamental geometry concept easily, transforming abstract ideas into tangible understandings. Conclusion Thus, Boxlight's virtual kit for Composing Polygons serves as a vibrant learning tool, advancing the students' understanding of geometry in an immersive way. Hopefully, you find the exploration of this unique virtual kit as exciting as its inventors designed it to be!

Mastering the Essentials of Guest Login in Recruit: A Guide for Educators

For educators navigating the realms of modern technology tools, guest login options, particularly in Recruit, have proved to be a valuable resource. While this feature offers ease of access, especially in scenarios where students are transient listeners, like in after-school programs or one-day camps, it's essential to understand its capabilities and limitations thoroughly. The Convenience of Guest Login A one-time 'guest login' feature on Recruit allows immediate access to coding interfaces without necessitating pre-existing account registrations. As educators, if you are dealing with students who attend a singular activity session or an after-school learning event, the guest login is your immediate solution to plunge right into the process. Repercussions of Guest Access Despite the convenience of skipping the registration process, the guest login option does come with inevitable limitations. Most significantly, you cannot save and retrieve any codes created during the session. Therefore, this access type restricts you to what can be accomplished within the confines of a singular activity or assignment. Importance of Full Registration Beyond the immediate benefits, registering a formal account also allows educators to gain admin control over robots in the long run. This becomes crucial in a district environment as maintaining control ensures educators can make the necessary software updates and alterations required for successful operation. Striking the Right Balance Understanding when to apply each login option is essential. For swiftly getting students started on a one-day project or initial exploration, a guest login serves sufficiently. However, when you're looking to promote consistent classroom engagement and possibly introduce students to the concept of iteration in coding, the need for a full registration becomes apparent. Whilst balancing these factors and optimizing students' learning journey, the key is to equip yourself with knowledge of these options to utilize your resources more effectively and efficiently. Conclusion In conclusion, technology tools like Recruit serve both short-term and long-term educational goals, contingent on how effectively we can adopt different login options. As educators, a comprehensive understanding of the guest login feature empowers you to make informed decisions while balancing classroom objectives, thereby enabling a seamless learning experience for students. Amid this evolving educational landscape, understanding such technology advancements and strategizing their wise usage will undeniably help in fostering an engaging and conducive environment for learners.

The Art of Kite Building: An Engaging way to Teach Engineering with Composing Polyhedron's Kit

If you're searching for an educational activity that combines fun, creativity, and scientific learning, look no further: kite building with the Composing Polyhedron's kite expansion kit is exactly what you need. Learning through Fun - A Unique Approach with Kite Building As the sun shines and summer sets in, it's time to add a spark to the routine classroom sessions. And what better way to do that than with a kite flying activity? The activity is not just about achieving height but includes the construction of the kite, which offers an interactive way of understanding various engineering concepts. Utilize our Composing Polyhedron's kite expansion kit to construct a sturdy frame. By attaching tissue paper to the frame, students can morph theory into a hands-on experience. What's more exciting than seeing the fruits of your labor soaring up in the sky? The Composing Polyhedron's Kit - Exploring Different Shapes The Composing Polyhedron's kit is surprisingly versatile allowing students to experiment with various shapes. A hands-on approach encourages students to physically manipulate a shape, thereby aiding their understanding of the fundamental characteristics and properties of the particular geometric shape. This lively mixture of tactile learning, represented visually through the kite, provides students with a unique opportunity to witness the practical application of mathematical forms and structures. The Result: Engaging and Fun Learning Let’s picture it: a sunny day, colourful kites flying high, and students enthusiastically understanding science. This isn't just about creating a diversion from the classroom but about inculcating a love for learning that transcends the conventional methods of education. By giving students the chance to get outside and apply their knowledge in a fun, engaging project, they develop a stronger conceptual understanding and appreciation for science, engineering, and technology. So let's break away from the ordinary and introduce an innovative way of learning with our Composting Polyhedron's kit. Inspire your students to understand engineering in a way they've never experienced before!

Exploring 3D Design in Early Education with Tinkercad

When it comes to nurturing creativity and innovative problem-solving in the classroom, the importance of design-based learning cannot be overstated. And the good news? Even the youngest students can participate in design challenges. The key lies in simplifying the learning process with user-friendly tools, such as Tinkercad's scribble tool. Starting Simple: The Scribble Tool for Beginners The brilliant thing about the scribble tool is its simplicity. Located on the right-hand side of Tinkercad's interface, this powerful tool allows students to draw anything they'd like. From their names to their favorite animals to intricate flower patterns, imagination is the only limit. Once the drawing is complete, something magical happens - that simple, two-dimensional sketch turns into a three-dimensional model! This feature serves as an easy and thrilling introduction to the world of 3D design for students. 3D Printing and Design Challenges Preparing the design for 3D printing adds an additional layer of complexity, challenging the young designers to think about the separate pieces and how to combine them. This can be done, for example, by using various basic building shapes provided within Tinkercad to create a platform or base that will hold all the different elements together. Design challenges offer a great way to bring a competitive yet collaborative learning element into the process. Resources like My STEM Kits can provide a range of interesting challenges directed at different age groups, from preschoolers to high school students. The Joy of Design in Early Education Design doesn't just foster creativity – it empowers young learners, letting them bring their ideas to life. Using tools like Tinkercad's scribble tool even in first-grade classrooms allows children to experiment, create, and problem-solve in an engaging and hands-on way. Cultivating design skills early on prepares students for the future, where these competencies serve as fundamental building blocks. But the journey doesn't have to be complicated or overwhelming. Starting simple, breaking down the process, and engaging in fun design challenges can pique children's interest and fuel their curiosity. So, why not start exploring the possibilities today? Your students are bound to surprise you with their creativity and innovation. Let's Start Designing! Ready to introduce your students to the captivating world of 3D design? Whether you're an educator or a parent, let's work together to prepare our young learners for the future, making learning both fun and constructive. Explore the scribble tool in Tinkercad today and see where your students’ imagination will take them!