Hi Guest,
What better way to celebrate our fabulous team member Gregg Stone’s 10 years of work, guidance, inspiration, ideas, grit, and perseverance with MAD-learn, than with a memory of each of those moments, all put together? We salute you, Gregg, and thank you for everything that you have done to build MAD-learn into what it is today. Happy Retirement! (And yes, you may still get to see Gregg at an occasional conference or app camp, because he’s just that awesome!)
– Alefiya Master
Our newest release features artificial intelligence to help students brainstorm their app ideas further in the IDEATE phase of MAD-learn. We will dive deeper into all the features and how to use it in APPetizers (out on the 1st of each month). However, if your students are struggling with an app concept or want to expand on their app idea, our “AI Assist” feature allows them to enter a question or prompt and receive immediate results. Here’s an example:
Teachers will have the option to turn this feature on and off for students, which gives you the control to choose when and how to use Artificial Intelligence with your students!
We had the privilege of an unusual app camp in Ithaca, New York. Not only did we work with more than 100 students (with NY State GEAR UP) and attend a banquet where students pitched their apps in true Shark Tank style, our entire state-side team and our amazing Director of Internships, who traveled all the way from Ghana, attended the camp, which segued into one fantastic team retreat.
We were beyond impressed with the students’ apps and presentations and loved their energy, passion and enthusiasm! We saw apps around mindfulness and healthy lifestyles that included mental health and recipes for making the healthier version of your favorite fast food treats as well as original app concepts on choosing the best cuts of meat and their benefits. We left the celebratory banquet with smiles on our faces, which carried us into team bonding moments as we explored Ithaca and learned why “Ithaca is Gorges”.
Speaking of app camps, we’ve been busy this month. In addition to our camp in New York, our team also traveled to Hawaii and Texas (twice!) for more app camps. We love that we have the opportunity to work with students from regions all over the country to create mobile apps! Despite geographical differences, one thing is certain: All of our MAD-students are creative and develop unique and dynamic apps!
If you are headed to the Nevada Association of Career and Technical Education Conference this week, stop by and say hello! MAD-learn will be there to share how mobile app development blends seamlessly with CTE curriculum and beyond. You’ll also have the chance to hear from teachers who are using MAD-learn in their classrooms during the “APP(lying) STEM Skills in your Classroom” or “Don’t Worry, Be APPy” sessions.
We love the opportunity to work with students directly and our MAD-teacher of the Month, DeKalb County School District teacher Rosalynn Stewart, made that happen when she asked us for a virtual visit to her science classroom, where students created apps about matter. It’s always a good day when we have the opportunity to combine core curriculum with coding! We loved seeing students code screens that showed the different states of matter as well as quizzes and animations about solids, liquids, and gasses.
… checking out some of these highlights from New York State GEAR UP! If you are going to be at the NCCEP Annual Conference in Washington, DC next week, make sure to stop by the MAD-learn booth or attend one of our sessions to learn more!