Articles by: Erik Ofgang

Erik Ofgang is Tech & Learning's senior staff writer. A journalist, author and educator, his work has appeared in the Washington Post, The Atlantic, and Associated Press. He currently teaches at Western Connecticut State University’s MFA program. While a staff writer at Connecticut Magazine he won a Society of Professional Journalism Award for his education reporting. He is interested in how humans learn and how technology can make that more effective.

A piece of paper with the word "mindfulness" sits on a windowsill

Mindfulness Training Shows Promise for Teachers in New Study

By Erik Ofgang published 14 April 22

A randomized control trial found teachers who received mindfulness training had less job-related stress and anxiety

A college student holds a small drone up to the camera

Creating a College AI Incubator

By Erik Ofgang published 12 April 22

Habib Matar, lead instructor of the new AI incubator lab at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Arizona, shares advice for starting an AI lab at a university.

A student in a facemask welds a piece of machinery

5 Ways CTE Incorporates Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

By Erik Ofgang published 11 April 22

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is often inherently employed by CTE instructors in their classrooms, which offers lessons for all educators.

Teaching Statistics With Baseball

By Erik Ofgang last updated 8 April 22

For certain students, teaching statistics with baseball can help them understand the power of numbers.

A computer monitor displays a greenscreen background

Innovative Online Success at Putnam County Schools

By Erik Ofgang published 6 April 22

Sam Brooks broke receiving records as a Division I football player, now he heads an influential online program that offers a celebrated personal finance class and emphasizes individualized learning.

Dr. Claudia Martinez smiles holding her innovative leader award.

This Award-Winning ESOL Teacher Wrote a Book With Her Students

By Erik Ofgang published 4 April 22

Dr. Claudia Martinez, who wrote a book with her students at North Tattnall Middle School in Georgia, recently received the award for Best Example of Teacher & Student Well-Being at Tech & Learning’s Innovative Leader Awards in Atlanta.

VR in Education: Potential and Barriers for Effective Use

By Erik Ofgang published 4 April 22

Children’s use of virtual reality (VR) seemed to increase during lockdown but was most effective when incorporated with supporting materials that contextualized the VR experience.

A young student learns while sitting in front of a laptop.

The Benefits of Virtual Learning

By Erik Ofgang published 28 March 22

Despite many misconceptions, virtual learning can offer students a chance to socialize, interact with teachers, receive individualized feedback, and even go on field trips.

Teaching With Word Games Beyond Wordle

By Erik Ofgang published 24 March 22

Wordle isn’t the only word game that can teach children while also entertaining them.

Building A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Framework for Mental Health

By Erik Ofgang published 22 March 22

Experts recommend a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) that can help students get the mental health assistance they need to flourish both socially and academically.

Listen Without Guilt: Audiobooks Offer Similar Comprehension As Reading

By Erik Ofgang published 21 March 22

Kids and adults learned a similar amount if they read text or had it read to them, according to new research.

One District’s Ongoing Hybrid Success

By Erik Ofgang published 18 March 22

Early in the pandemic, Kyle Berger, chief technology officer for Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District, installed cameras in every classroom for hybrid learning. Those cameras continue to be used in innovative ways.

Teaching Mary Shelley and Frankenstein

By Erik Ofgang last updated 21 March 22

Though written in 1818, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein explores themes of science and ethics relative to today’s students.

When Students Prepare to Teach, They Learn Better. Here’s Why

By Erik Ofgang published 15 March 22

When students prepare to teach a subject, they learn it more effectively. A new study provides a blueprint for incorporating the benefits of student teaching without taking up class time.

Explaining SEL to Parents

By Erik Ofgang published 14 March 22

SEL has become a flashpoint in the education wars. However, when parents understand what SEL is, they rarely oppose it.

Securing & Future-Proofing Your School IT

By Erik Ofgang published 11 March 22

Experienced education IT professionals share tips on safe and equitable technology use for students and staff.

7 Sites and Sources for Teaching About Ukraine

By Erik Ofgang published 8 March 22

These sites and sources can help educators teach their students about the tragic conflict in Ukraine.

Busting The Myth of Learning Styles

By Erik Ofgang last updated 9 March 22

The idea that different students have different learning styles pervades education, but cognitive scientists say there is no evidence learning styles exist.

Deep Learning is The Focus at Antwerp Innovation and Aquaponics Center

By Erik Ofgang last updated 2 March 22

The Antwerp Innovation and Aquaponics Center was a finalist for Tech & Learning’s Innovative Leader Awards: Most Innovative Learning Spaces.

How A Director of Technology Keeps Students Connected

By Erik Ofgang last updated 3 March 22

Adam A. Phyall, III worked diligently during the pandemic to help provide access to devices for all students within his district but says more work needs to be done to eliminate tech disparities.

Using Telehealth to Expand Student Access to Care

By Erik Ofgang last updated 3 March 22

Renee Kotsopoulos, director of health services for the Garland ISD in Texas, helped bring telehealth to her students and believes technology can help keep kids healthy and in school.

Inside the High-tech Learning Spaces of AmTech Career Academy

By Erik Ofgang last updated 3 March 22

AmTech Career Academy won Most Innovative Learning Spaces at Tech & Learning’s Innovative Leader Awards in Orlando in January.

Universal Dyslexia Screening: What You Need to Know

By Erik Ofgang published 22 February 22

Universal dyslexia screening can help school districts identify students who are at risk and provide additional support, even though it is not required in every state.

4 Ways To Prevent Cyberbullying

By Erik Ofgang last updated 18 February 22

Chad A. Rose, the director of Mizzou Ed Bully Prevention Lab, shares tips for preventing cyberbullying.

Synchronous Online Teaching Tips for Young Students

By Erik Ofgang published 17 February 22

Educators share how to engage young students in synchronous online classes through music and by giving students choice in how they learn.

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