In this episode, I chat with Jason McKenna, Vice President of Global Educational Strategy for VEX Robotics, about designing inclusive classroom ecosystems and rethinking the screen time debate. You’ll also hear how an accessibility framework reshaped the way VEX builds its tools, why Jason compares learning to gardening, and how hands-on robotics makes abstract coding concepts concrete for students. If you want to create a classroom where every learner has a meaningful way in, this episode has you covered!
Listen to the podcast episode on your favorite platform:
Tips for How to Rethink Screen Time and Build Inclusive Learning Environments
- Use the POUR framework (perceivable, operable, understandable, robust) to evaluate whether the EdTech tools in your classroom are accessible for every student.
- Approach the screen time debate with humility, recognizing that the research is still unsettled and each district knows its own students and community best.
- Treat learning like a garden: when a student isn’t thriving, look at the feedback they’re giving you and ask what needs to change in your classroom ecosystem.
- When students escape into their devices, focus on building excitement, engagement, and rigor into the learning rather than only removing the screens.
SPONSORED BY VEX Robotics
This episode is sponsored by VEX Robotics, the world leader in educational robotics.
VEX makes it easier for educators to bring hands-on STEM learning into the classroom with accessible robotics, coding, and curriculum for students from pre-K through college, along with professional development to support teachers every step of the way.
Whether you’re new to robotics or looking to take your program further, VEX has resources to help. Learn more at vexrobotics.com.
FOLLOW & REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS
Have you subscribed to the podcast yet? I don’t want you to miss an episode and hope you’ll keep following along with me on this podcast journey. When you follow along on Apple Podcasts the new episodes will appear in the app so you don’t have to remember to go looking for them… Click here to follow on Apple Podcasts! And if you have a minute for a BIG favor, add a rating and review to the podcast, too — I would certainly appreciate it!
Click to see the transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
- Connect with Jason McKenna on LinkedIn, X, or via email
- Follow VEX Robotics on Facebook, X, Instagram, & YouTube
- Learn more about VEX Robotics
- Try free coding playgrounds with VEXcode VR
- See what’s new in VEXcode 5, including accessibility features
- Discover VEX’s VEXcode coding platform
- Learn more about Jason’s work at jmckenna.org
- Explore Jason’s book What STEM Can Do for Your Classroom: Improving Student Problem Solving, Collaboration, and Engagement, Grades K–6
