In today’s digital-first world, students are more connected than ever—but that doesn’t always mean they’re more engaged. With so many EdTech tools at our fingertips, it’s easy to forget that meaningful learning doesn’t just happen on a screen. Hands-on learning also provides students with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and communicate to build future-ready skills.
If you’re looking to help students develop real-world skills like collaboration, communication, and problem-solving, KEVA Planks is a fantastic resource. It’s the perfect opportunity to combine tech and tactile learning experiences in your classroom. Their team sent me a kit earlier this year and I’m excited to tell you all about it.
Let’s explore how tech and hands-on learning can work together to help students build critical future-ready skills!
The Power of ‘Tech + Tactile’
Technology is a powerful part of any classroom—but it isn’t magic. While certain websites and apps can spark curiosity or support practice, it’s only part of the puzzle. To help make concepts stick, students need to apply their learning with their hands, voices, and peers. That’s where tools like KEVA Planks come in.
With KEVA Planks, students can turn ideas into physical structures, bringing concepts from STEM, geography, and even storytelling to life. These small wooden planks become the medium for open-ended creativity. When I opened my box of KEVA Planks it was clear right away that there are endless possibilities that go far beyond any single subject area.
Are you launching a project-based learning unit? Trying to boost student engagement? KEVA Planks offer a screen-free, standards-aligned way to help kids build future-ready skills.
Download a free KEVA Planks lesson and get 10% off your first purchase >>
Tasks Before Apps: What’s the Learning Goal?
If you’ve heard me talk about EdTech integration before, you know I love the phrase “Tasks Before Apps” – I even wrote a book with this title. When planning a new learning experience, starting with the learning goal is essential. Once you know what you want students to learn, you can decide whether a screen, a structure, or a mix of both will get them there.
Sometimes, the best first step isn’t a technology tool, but a conversation or an opportunity for students to build something together. Having a physical, tactile resource like KEVA Planks can help facilitate partner-based challenges where students brainstorm, test, fail, and try again.
KEVA Planks can help make these kinds of learning experiences possible. You can start with an open-ended question like, “How would you design a bridge to connect two neighborhoods?” or “What kind of structure could survive a windy planet?” and let students respond through building. The learning happens in the process—not just the final product.
Future-Ready Skills Start with Real-Life Interactions
Students can gain a lot from learning that leverages technology tools, including those that support planning and reflection. However, there’s a whole other layer that’s built through in-person interaction.
With KEVA Planks, students aren’t just working side-by-side. They’re communicating ideas, compromising on design, testing their thinking, and refining it together. In these moments, they’re developing the kind of future-ready skills that last a lifetime: creativity, resilience, teamwork, and empathy.
These are skills students need in both online and offline environments. KEVA Planks can provide students with standards-aligned activities that connect to multiple curriculum goals in a variety of subject areas.
Meeting the Needs of Today’s Students
Middle schoolers today were in kindergarten or first grade during the early days of distance learning. Many missed out on foundational in-person learning experiences that help develop critical interpersonal skills. Pairing EdTech with intentional hands-on experiences can help close that gap.
Tools like KEVA Planks offer a way for students to connect with one another. Building together can boost confidence, reduce screen fatigue, and help students see their ideas take shape in the real world. When I think of future-ready skills, it’s hard to pick one to top the list. But I know how important problem-solving skills are in both online and offline spaces, and I love how KEVA Planks can help students practice and build new skills. Use this link to get a free lesson plan.
Strategies to Pair Tech and Tactile Tools
If you want to bring more hands-on learning into your classroom, you can embrace strategies that connect to digital learning experiences. Instead of removing tech-based experiences, these hands-on learning opportunities can connect to a digital world.
Offer the freedom to build
Give students an open-ended challenge prompt and let their creativity lead. You’ll see collaboration and problem-solving happen naturally as they work together.
Facilitate structured group builds
Assign roles like builder, recorder, or presenter to provide structure and reduce anxiety. This helps keep students focused and promotes teamwork.
Create device-off zones for reflection
After a tech-based lesson, give students 10–15 minutes to build and move. It’s a great way to reset and refocus while still staying on task.
Use EdTech tools to reflect and share
After a build, ask students to document their process using tools like Padlet, Flip, or a class blog. This tech integration gives students a chance to share their thinking and celebrate progress.
Model digital citizenship through in-person collaboration
Talk with students about how listening, empathy, and compromise apply both in the classroom and online.
Celebrate process over perfection
Encourage iteration and creative risk-taking. Remind students that the learning happens during the build—not just when it’s done.
Building Future-Ready Skills
To help students build future-ready skills, consider a combination of both digital and physical learning experiences. So, if you’re looking for a way to get students off their screens and into a hands-on learning experience, take a look at KEVA Planks.
The team at KEVA Planks has set up a special landing page for ClassTechTips readers with a free building activity lesson plan you can download today. The activities are a great fit for KEVA Planks but you can use any building materials you have available. Visit kevaplanks.com/Monica to download the free lesson plan and you’ll also get a special offer for 10% off your KEVA Planks order PLUS an additional 2% off when you use code MONICA at check out!
