The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Advertisement
  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Our Brands
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings
  • Kids’ Reading Comprehension Is Worse On Screen

  • How Remote Learning Is Taking A Toll On Teachers

  • What Giving up on a Student Says About a Teacher

  • The Machine Learning-Driven Future Of Learning

  • Developing Fluent And Reflective Reading In Children: Everything You Need to Know

  • Morphology Training Vs. Phonics Instruction: Everything You Need to Know

  • Developing Creative Young Children Who Can Communicate, Collaborate, and Problem-Solve

  • Home Literacy: Everything You Need to Know

  • How Machine Learning Will Transform the Classroom

  • Milestones of Development: Everything You Need to Know

Product Reviews
Home›Product Reviews›Product Review of BrainVentures

Product Review of BrainVentures

By Matthew Lynch
September 13, 2022
0
Spread the love

BrainVentures is a project from the University of Michigan’s Center for Digital Curricula that offers free, self-guided, prepackaged learning units full of web resources, writing prompts, games, and more. Topics cover a wide range such as Animals, Social Studies, Art, and Life Skills, and are divided into two age groups: grades K–2 and grades 3–6. The BrainVentures start with a guiding question such as “What’s inside a pyramid?” and then present what the developers call Road Maps, or paths for discovering the response to the main question. Each stop on the path offers a link to a learning activity, some of which are third-party web resources while some were created with a set of the developer’s applications called Collabrify. Web resources tend to be informational websites for kids (e.g., National Geographic), or YouTube videos. The Collabrify pieces combine listening, watching, and reading with options that allow learners to provide their own input as they answer open-ended comprehension questions, create animations to show what they’ve learned, and more. As learners finish each stop on the path, they check the box to mark it as complete. To access the BrainVentures, all users must sign in with a Google account; progress is saved in the user’s Google Drive. In addition to Google products, the developers claim that the work is compatible with Schoology and other digital classroom spaces.

Learners can explore BrainVentures on their own in the classroom. Or, BrainVentures can be particularly useful for helping guide learners in their own individual exploration at home. If educators assign the same unit to the class, learners can make their way through the learning roadmap, and then educators can follow up with additional whole-class discussion or other activities. Because navigation isn’t always intuitive, educators will want to demonstrate how to work through the learning path first, and be available for troubleshooting.

Use BrainVentures as a way to introduce topics — or a way to approach topics if learners create their own roadmap for a flipped classroom. For instance, have learners complete the lesson on whether or not sharks are superheroes or supervillains. Then, direct them to other resources to do more research, have a debate in class using what they’ve learned, or use it as a way to start looking at comparing and contrasting ideas.

BrainVentures uses fun questions to pique learners’ interest, and then uses multimedia resources to keep kids interested. Videos, writing prompts, interactive websites, and more help engage learners in different ways and encourage active exploration. The learning approach draws clearly on project-based and inquiry-based learning theories. With Google Classroom integration, cool topics, and varied resources, there’s quite a bit here for educators to use for free.

Yet, though the developers label their material as being appropriate for K–6, it’s difficult to see younger learners being successful. There’s a text-to-speech option for some parts of the learning path, but outside resources often don’t have one. So learners need to be confident readers. Also, the user experience and navigation are both unwieldy and sometimes confusing, which may put some learners off. And, unfortunately, sometimes links to third-party resources are stale, or access to sites is no longer valid, which can interfere with learners being able to experience the full learning journey. As progress is saved in the user’s personal Google account, there’s also little clarity on how educators can access what learners do. Finally, some educators and learners may have no problem continually signing in to their Google account to access the BrainVentures, but others may find it onerous, confusing, or even prohibitive.

Website: https://cdc.engin.umich.edu/daily-brain-venture/

Overall User Consensus About the App

Learner Engagement

The topics covered are kid-friendly and combine a variety of learning resources to engage learners in multiple ways. However, the overall organization is clunky and may get confusing.

Curriculum and Instruction

Learners start with a question and explore the answer through a variety of resources. Videos, text, audio, and interactive websites provide information. Open-ended questions, games, and creative activities encourage some deeper thinking.

Customer Support

There are a few how-to videos for educators, but there’s no support for learners. Progress along the learning path is saved to each learner’s Google Drive. A text-to-speech button provides some accessibility support.

0
Reader Rating: (0 Rates)
0
Previous Article

Product Review of Thinkalong

Next Article

What’s Your Style of Parenting?

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Code.org

    May 7, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Product Reviews

    Product Review of Kids Learning – Little Speller 3 Letter Words

    October 22, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Classroom ManagementProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Net Control 2

    March 2, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Product Reviews

    Product Review of Math Vs Zombies – Math Games Grade K – 5

    October 13, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Product Reviews

    Product Review of Teachley: Subtractimals

    October 18, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Product Reviews

    Product Review of MIXIMAL

    October 23, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch

Search

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • Kids’ Reading Comprehension Is Worse On Screen

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 2, 2023
  • How Remote Learning Is Taking A Toll On Teachers

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 2, 2023
  • What Giving up on a Student Says About a Teacher

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 2, 2023
  • The Machine Learning-Driven Future Of Learning

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 2, 2023
  • Developing Fluent And Reflective Reading In Children: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 2, 2023
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • Digital Literacy is the Most Important Lifelong Learning Tool

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 30, 2017
  • Where to Find Dyslexia Support for Adults - Case Training Services | Registered Charity #1051587
    on
    August 2, 2022

    11 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Dyslexic Students

    […] recorders Electronic flashcards ...
  • What Types Of Posts Can You Make In Google Classroom? - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip ...
    on
    July 31, 2022

    How to Integrate Google Classroom with the Power of YouTube

    […] of your posts. ...
  • Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip Buz
    on
    July 31, 2022

    Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom

    […] Answers to Frequently ...
  • 10 Important YouTube Channels For Teachers - Kiiky Wealth
    on
    July 29, 2022

    10 Incredibly Useful YouTube Channels for Teachers

    […] Thetechedvocate.org – 10 Incredibly ...
  • Teaching Learners Digital Content Curation Skills - Fab Lab Connect
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    […] Read More… […]

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • Curriculum & InstructionEdTech Policy & ReformEducation Leadership

    Why We Should Leave Behind the Cookie-cutter Education

    Spread the loveChange appears to be the only “constant” factor in the educational field. However, what happens when a more significant shift becomes necessary? To provide students with the best ...
  • Adaptive LearningCurriculum & InstructionDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital Age TeachersEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformInstructional Technology

    Exploring New Ideas: Student-Driven Remote Learning

    Spread the loveRemote learning is taking its toll on our students. They miss the social side of school. Not seeing their classmates or teachers is leading to nervousness, anxiety, and ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & Reform

    Implementing Education Technology by Pursuing Technology Education

    Spread the loveTechnology is used for many great things in our world. It’s a powerful tool when used correctly. As such, this powerful tool can be used to transform learning.  ...
  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Trends That Will Help Your EdTech Startup Succeed

    Spread the loveIf you want to thrive in the destiny of learning and self, shorten, tailor, and gamify. The bulk of EdTech businesses believes that digitizing conventional learning methods and ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    How to Sell Your Edtech Product

    Spread the loveDevelop a profile of the perfect consumer, target clients that meet that description, and plan on a long sales cycle. Selling to schools takes a different sales process ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Edtech Companies Can Learn What Not to Do From Delta Airlines

    Spread the loveIt seems that edtech companies still have a lot to learn about their business models and practices. With that being said, there is a lot they can learn ...
  • Digital LeadershipEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Collegix

    Spread the love This is a comprehensive ERP solution for colleges and universities that provides modular, totally integrated learners services, finance, HR, and advancement. Collegix provides online and offline workarounds ...
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Discovery Education

    Spread the love Discovery Education is a big player in EdTech. The company has established itself as the leading provider of digital curriculum resources, digital content, and professional development for ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital Equity

    How to Create an Equitable Digital Culture in K–12

    Spread the loveDigital equity is vital in our schools. After all, it can help close the achievement gap. However, there is one prevalent problem concerning digital equity. That is the problem ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityDigital Literacy

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    Spread the loveContent curation is nothing new and has always been a coveted skill. It has been this way for hundreds of years — think of art galleries, museums, or ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityEdTech & Innovation

    Promoting Online Access With Hotspots, Laptops, and Planning

    Spread the loveWhen becoming a leader in the field of education, it is important to consider equity. Some students may not have access to devices or the internet from their ...
  • Digital EquityDigital Leadership

    How Can You Assess the Tech Needs of Your Students Outside of School?

    Spread the loveToday, I received an email from the middle school principal in Los Angeles. She explained to me that the school that she ran was in one of the ...
  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...

EdTech Futures

  • EdTech Futures

    The IT Investments Securing the Future of Higher Education

    Spread the loveThe future of higher education still seems uncertain after the massive disruptions of the last two years. Universities and colleges are struggling with budget difficulties amid cybersecurity threats. ...
  • Adaptive LearningAssistive TechnologyEdTech FuturesInstructional TechnologyTeachers

    Will AI Replace Teachers?

    Spread the loveThrough the years, robots have taken over many jobs. First, they replaced horses and wagons and horses and plows, then they started to replace people. A few examples ...
  • EdTech FuturesHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechUncategorized

    The Future of Higher Education Must Avoid Returning to the Past

    Spread the loveColleges and universities can make higher education safer, smarter, and more accessible through automation and collaboration technologies – if they commit to it. Author: John Hulen, Director of ...
  • EdTech FuturesOnline Learning & eLearning

    IT Trends To Watch As Higher Education Moves Into a New Decade

    Spread the loveEdtech couldn’t have hoped for a better launch into the new decade than the push the industry received from COVID-19. Even the most tech-resistant institutions and individuals have ...
  • EdTech Futures

    4 Emerging EdTech Trends in 2022

    Spread the loveCovid-19 has not only changed education as we know it, but it has forced education technology (EdTech) to up its game. EdTech has been crucial since the start of this ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright © 2023 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.