Blog - Spencer Education

Jul 14 2026

The Power of Low-Tech Games and Simulations in the Classroom

By John Spencer Low Tech Learning, Podcast No Comments

When people hear the term game-based learning, they often picture students staring at computer screens while navigating elaborate virtual worlds. Or perhaps a lone student staring into a VR headset in isolation. Those experiences certainly have their place (at times). However, some of the most…

Jul 07 2026

The Best Makerspace Might Be Outside

By John Spencer Low Tech Learning, Podcast 4 Comments

We want students to be makers and designers. But there's a surprising source of inspiration for design: the natural world. As we think about moving toward a low-tech approach, we need something better than desks in rows with students doing worksheets. Listen to the Podcast…

Jul 01 2026

Beyond Screen Time: What LAUSD’s New Policy Gets Right and Wrong

By John Spencer Low Tech Learning, Podcast, Technology and Media Literacy No Comments

The Los Angeles Unified School District has adopted one of the nation's most restrictive classroom screen time policies. It will dramatically limit technology use across grade levels. Much of the reporting has focused on "banning devices," but as I examined the actual policy, I noticed…

Jun 24 2026

When Personalized Learning Works Better Than Adaptive Learning

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Low Tech Learning, Podcast, Technology and Media Literacy No Comments

Personalized learning has become one of the biggest promises in educational technology, with adaptive learning platforms and AI tutors claiming to tailor instruction to every student. But genuine personalization has to begin with the person. We lose something wen we center it on the algorithm…

Jun 18 2026

What the Revival of Barnes and Noble Can Teach Us about Gen Z and Technology

By John Spencer Low Tech Learning, Podcast No Comments

For years, educational technology has promised to make learning faster, more personalized, and more efficient. On some respect, it has delivered on those promises. But as concerns about screen time and student engagement continue to grow, more educators are rediscovering the value of low-tech learning.…

Jun 11 2026

Embracing the Low Tech Revolution

By John Spencer Low Tech Learning, Podcast, Technology and Media Literacy No Comments

This is the first in my summer series I'm calling Low Tech Learning. In today's podcast and article, I explore the negative aspects of a tech-centric environment and the movement toward going low tech. I also want to provide some nuance and balance to set…

May 24 2026

Q&A: The Big Questions We’re Asking About AI in Education

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Podcast No Comments

This week, I'm doing something different with my blog and my podcast. I've compiled a list of the most common questions I get about AI when I'm teaching courses and leading professional development on the topic. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog…

May 07 2026

When Should We Avoid Implementing PBL?

By John Spencer Podcast, Project-Based Learning No Comments

If you have followed my blog for any amount of time, you'll know that I am a huge proponent of project based learning (or PBL for short). I have a PBL hub with articles and resources you can access. I conduct PBL workshops, keynotes, and…

Apr 16 2026

Contextual Thinking is Becoming Vital in the Age of AI

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast No Comments

Authentic learning has always required a connection to a real context. However, in a generative age, where AI cannot "read the room," contextual thinking has become more important than ever. In this article and podcast episode, I explore the implications of this and share six…

Apr 08 2026

Man with a thought bubble above him and a flow chart behind him

How to Be Proactive About Classroom Management in PBL

By John Spencer Podcast, Project-Based Learning 4 Comments

I've had the honor of leading PBL workshops around the world (but mostly in the US and Canada) for over a decade. And one of the biggest concerns teachers have is how they will manage the chaos of PBL. They know intuitively that if done…