It's that time of the year to check out what teachers were listening to in 2023. Whether they were deep into late-night grading, on the hunt for teaching inspiration, or enjoying well-earned breaks, this list was played on repeat. These top picks feature the calming vibes of lo-fi beats during grading marathons to virtual field trips for transporting classrooms globally – a compilation that echoes the soundtrack of a teacher’s journey this last year. 

Looking at the education landscape from 2023 to 2024, we're identifying trends that aren't fading away. They're here to stay and evolve. Let’s embark on this educational journey, recognizing the key strides from 2023 and welcoming the advancement that lies ahead: 

In the spirit of the season and as the year concludes, Boxlight and its family of brands – Mimio, MimioSTEM, Clevertouch, FrontRow, and EOS Education - expresses heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support in this transformative year. This past year has been marked by innovation, excellence, and shared triumphs and we are thankful. 

We're excited to share a preview of the upcoming MimioPro 4 firmware release scheduled for December 21, 2023.** This update is designed to elevate the classroom experience, introducing new features and improvements tailored to a variety of teaching and learning needs. 

Ever wondered how to turn your classroom into a hub of creativity? In the recent Unbox Innovation episode, "Cultivating a Creative Classroom," Preston Trebas, Boxlight STEM Training and Development Specialist, addresses the challenges educators face with integrating creativity into modern teaching and learning practices. The discussion covers balancing hard skills and creativity, dealing with parental concerns, and addressing administrative pressures. 

In a world that revolves around apps, navigating through the multitude of options can sometimes feel like entering a vast, digital labyrinth. Today on National App Day let’s recognize the incredible impact that apps have had on our lives. This isn't just another arbitrary holiday; it's a celebration of the tech-driven revolution that has transformed the way we live, learn, and connect. Learning apps have supported teaching and learning by providing interactive, personalized experiences that cater to individual needs, fostering engagement, and making educational content more accessible and enjoyable for students. 

When I embarked on my teaching career as a 4th-grade teacher in Verrado, Arizona, the vast desert landscape was a far cry from the familiar surroundings of my hometown in Detroit, Michigan. Transitioning from a state surrounded by lakes to the sparse desert evoked a deep appreciation for the resilience of the land and the communities flourishing in this seemingly inhospitable terrain. 

Today is Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day (December 8, 2023). Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day whimsically celebrates the allure of time travel, sparking curiosity and reflection on the mysteries of temporal exploration in popular culture. Seeing this day on my calendar takes me back to a special memory from my early teaching days. It was a time when I, like my students, became a time traveler of sorts. We delved into a fascinating project to celebrate our town's 100-year anniversary, a project that left an indelible mark on my teaching philosophy. 

The concept was simple yet powerful - students could choose any time frame, past or future, and create a time capsule representing that era. This not only celebrated our community's rich history but also allowed students to explore the spirit of change over time. Today I see Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day on my calendar —a day that may not seem very important—it brings back memories of the happiness and positive impact such projects had on students and teachers. 

 

Application for Teachers 
For fellow educators, consider channeling the spirit of time travel in your classrooms. Encourage students to take pride in their local history by assigning a time capsule project. Share the process of the project on digital displays throughout the school campus to involve everyone in the school community. Connecting with the community's past not only fosters a deeper appreciation for the present but also creates lasting memories that stand the test of time. 

Denver Public Schools (DPS) is leading the way in career exploration through its Spark Early Career Exploration Program, emphasizing diverse career exposure for students. Olivia Barraza Kee, Senior Manager of DPS Spark, highlights the importance of developing career identities to shape students' futures positively: “The work of developing career identities for our students is really important to us so that they can plan and chart their futures and get careers that sustain them and their families." The program connects students with local businesses and offers an extensive online resource library.