A Call for a Textbook Purchasing Moratorium: Embracing a Digital Future in Education

The time has come to rethink how we allocate resources in education. Specifically, it’s time to declare a moratorium on the purchase of traditional paper-based textbooks in public schools. With the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing availability of digital curriculum materials, continuing to invest in physical textbooks represents a significant misallocation of funds—money that could be better spent […]

Flattening Classrooms: Building Global Connections

In today’s rapidly connected world, classrooms no longer need to be bound by walls or geography. Two inspiring examples demonstrate how educators can harness technology to foster global collaboration, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the interconnected world. A Tale of Two Schools: Collaborative Learning Across Continents In Georgia and Bangladesh, two educators, Vicki Davis of Westwood Schools and Julie […]

Celebrating Innovation: ITM Among the Top 100 Ed Blogs

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news—Infinite Thinking Machine (ITM) has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Education Blogs! This recognition places ITM alongside some of the most influential voices in education, making it a valuable resource for educators, parents, and students eager to embrace creativity and innovation in learning. A Community of Influencers The list highlights other […]

Cultivating Creativity: Rethinking the Role of Play in Education

In a world where innovation is increasingly prized, the importance of creativity in education has never been clearer. Yet, traditional educational systems often prioritize rote learning and standardized testing over the unstructured, imaginative processes that nurture creative thinking. How can educators, parents, and students work together to ensure creativity thrives in our schools? The answer lies in rethinking the role […]

Friday Five: Twitter 101 for Educators and Innovators

This week’s Friday Five takes a closer look at Twitter—a platform that has transformed from a tool for sharing mundane updates into a powerful resource for educators, students, and innovators. Inspired by the global buzz surrounding its role in disseminating information during the recent Iranian elections, this list will help you understand how Twitter can enrich your professional development and […]

Friday Five: Inspiring Innovations from Wee Web Wonders

On a recent trip to Arizona, the vibrant blooms of desert cacti stood in stark contrast to the arid backdrop—a beautiful testament to resilience and growth. Similarly, a visit to Dr. Jackie Gerstein’s dynamic classroom at Sahuarita Intermediate School proved equally inspiring. Amid headlines of budget cuts, outdated technology, and limited resources in Arizona schools, this classroom thrived as a […]

Friday Five: Celebrating Ada Lovelace and Inspiring Women in Tech

How often do we recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)? If Ada Lovelace’s name doesn’t immediately come to mind, this week’s Friday Five is here to change that and challenge us all to increase the visibility of female role models in tech. Ada Lovelace, often regarded as the world’s first computer programmer, […]

A 14-Year-Old’s Perspective on Educational Technology

In a world where education and technology intersect in increasingly profound ways, the voice of young, tech-savvy individuals like “Arthus” (a pseudonym for a 14-year-old student from Vermont) offers valuable insights. Arthus has become an active participant in online discussions about educational technology, and his perspective is both refreshing and challenging. He represents not just a curious teenager but a […]

Social Networking as a Pathway to Professional Development

Will Richardson once wrote, “I’ve learned more in my four-plus years as a blogger than I have in all my years of formal education.” Surprisingly, he wasn’t referring to blogging as a teaching tool but as a resource for personal and professional growth. For him—and for many others—blogging has become an unparalleled platform for meaningful conversations, deep reflection, and a […]

A 14-Year-Old’s Perspective on Educational Technology: Lessons for the Future

Meet “Arthus,” a 14-year-old student from Vermont who has become a notable voice in online discussions about educational technology. While not representative of most teenagers, Arthus exemplifies the independent, proactive, and self-directed learners we envision thriving in today’s interconnected, tech-driven world. His insights highlight both the potential and challenges of integrating technology into education, offering an important perspective for educators […]