by Anne Fleming Only a few years ago, artificial intelligence (AI) may have seemed closer to science fiction than reality, but in today's world, this technology has become an inescapable part of our daily lives. From virtual assistants on our smartphones to self-driving cars, AI is already revolutionizing the way we live and work, and this trend will only continue. The workforce of the future will need to be equipped with the right knowledge to succeed in this increasingly AI-driven world. Today’s educators hold the power to make this happen.   What & Why  The concept of AI ..read more

Imagine a classroom where students not only learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), but also apply these concepts to solve real-world problems in their communities. That's exactly what the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition is all about! Aimed at U.S. public school students in grades 6–12, this nationwide challenge is igniting the sparks of innovation in the minds of young thinkers. Every year, Samsung raises the stakes by awarding over $2 million in prizes to the most innovative teams. But it's not just about the rewards; it's about nurturing young minds to become p ..read more

By Rachel Bull On January 24th, we celebrate International Day of Education – an opportunity to honor those shaping our future: educators. Educators take on many roles in their careers, as mentors, innovators, advocates, and more. This day serves as a reminder for the positive change that they create by equipping students with essential skills for the future.   Today and every day, MindSpark is cheering on our incredible educators! With their innovative teaching methods and continuous learning, educators prepare students for the changing workforce. MindSpark stands alongside educators in ..read more

by Rachel Bull Computer Science Education Week (CSEd Week) is here! This week is a time of discovery and inspiration in the world of technology and learning. It holds immense importance, igniting the curiosity of K-12 students and encouraging them to explore the wonders of Computer Science. As technology evolves, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping the realm of Computer Science. AI changes the pace of CSEd Week with new opportunities for interactive and innovative learning experiences. Educators can explore AI this week to gain insights into its transformative potential, pr ..read more

by MindSpark Learning In today's technology-driven world, computer science education is a crucial skill set for students, regardless of their desired field or career path. Code.org, a recognized leader in computer science education, offers two comprehensive programs, Computer Science Discoveries and Computer Science Principles, designed to equip K-12 teachers with the necessary resources and tools to foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of computer science concepts.  Computer Science Principles: An Introductory Advanced Placement Course  Code.org's CS ..read more

by Rachel Bull In our society’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education is no longer merely a trend, but a crucial step towards revolutionizing the way we teach and learn. AI’s role in education will continue to grow, and as an educator, it’s important to lead the way, embracing the technology responsibly and ethically.   Good news - you’re not alone in this transformative journey! MindSpark is your steadfast partner in learning about responsible AI. Embarking on this path may seem daunting, but we’re here to help you nav ..read more

By Anne Fleming Generosity is a theme that comes to mind for many of us as we approach the holidays. That warm feeling you experience when you bring cookies to a neighbor or watch someone open a gift you picked out for them is one of the best parts of the season. At MindSpark Learning, we love to share our spirit of giving all year long by engaging in quarterly staff volunteer days, food drives, supporting local businesses and more. For a past volunteer event, we pitched in together to pick up trash at Belmar Park near our headquarters. It was a fantastic way to get outside and enjoy some fre ..read more

by Davis Turner Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our daily lives, from the voice assistants like Siri or Alexa on our smartphones to the life-saving capabilities of healthcare AI. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and it's essential to acknowledge the potential harm that AI can cause and take proactive steps to mitigate its risks. That's where the Responsible Artificial Intelligence (RAI) for Educators course comes in. By completing the course, educators will be better equipped to teach students about the importance of responsible AI and how to us ..read more

by Rose Gaylen How are your students preparing for a modern workforce? What effective communication skills are they developing, which industry standard productivity tools are they using? How are they collaborating so that they can succeed in the future?  As an educator, how can you answer these questions?  Preparing students to join a modern workforce remains a key point of contention for many educators. Often the discussion is centered around what 'skill sets' to teach students. The World Economic Forum predicts that 85 million jobs in roles like data entry, accounting clerks, and s ..read more

By Anne Fleming There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish, whether that is in politics or other fields. No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half of its citizens. - Michelle Obama  Growing up, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by inspiring female educators who instilled in me a love for learning and a deep respect for the teaching profession. In honor of Women’s History Month, I reflect on the impact that these educators had on my life and express gratitude for their dedication and pass ..read more