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Are coding and gaming just educational fads—or powerful tools for learning? For many educators, these digital practices are still misunderstood, often dismissed as distractions or tech for “other” classrooms. In this episode, I sat down with a Kathryn Hofman, a dynamic STEM educator, who’s challenging that narrative. This conversation was recorded at the TCEA Elementary Technology Conference in Galveston, Texas.
Here’s what we uncovered—and why it matters for your students today.
🎮 Myth #1: Gaming Is Just Play
Spoiler alert: It’s not. Gaming, especially when designed with purpose (think Minecraft Education or Roblox Studio), offers students opportunities to collaborate, solve complex problems, and engage in creative thinking—all while having fun. It taps into intrinsic motivation and builds soft skills like perseverance and adaptability.
💻 Myth #2: Coding Is Only for Future Programmers
Coding isn’t about turning every student into a software engineer. It’s about teaching them how to think logically, analyze problems, and communicate ideas clearly. These are life skills—whether they pursue tech careers or not. Plus, platforms like Scratch, Tynker, and Code.org make it easier than ever to introduce coding in any subject area.
🧠 The 4 Cs: More Than Just Buzzwords
We all talk about the “4 Cs”—Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity. What if coding and gaming are actually the best tools we have to develop them? Our guest breaks down real classroom examples where students lead, iterate, and problem-solve in ways that traditional lessons just can’t replicate.
🛠️ Practical Takeaways for Educators
- Start small. You don’t need to be a tech guru. Try one game-based lesson or a basic coding platform.
- Focus on process, not perfection. STEM encourages iteration and learning from failure—something students (and teachers) benefit from.
- Integrate across subjects. STEM isn’t just for science or math. Storytelling, history, and even art can be enhanced with code and interactivity.
📌 Final Thoughts
STEM isn’t a trend—it’s a toolkit. And when we use coding and gaming thoughtfully, we equip students with the skills they’ll need no matter what future they choose.
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