Mark Gerl
@markgerl.bsky.social
Middle School Tech & Innovation Teacher, teaching Robotics, Programming, Game Design, Wearable Technology, VR Design & 3D Printing. Advocate for UX for Edu (LX). Presenting at SXSW EDU in March '25.
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
Winter Break Educational Quotes while we're not in class
"The one thing every student is capable of is surprising you with what they are capable of"
--Dr. Gary Stager @garystager.bsky.social
#EduSky #StudentsAreHumansNotDataPoints
Winter Break Educational Quotes while we're not in class
"The one thing every student is capable of is surprising you with what they are capable of"
--Dr. Gary Stager @garystager.bsky.social
#EduSky #StudentsAreHumansNotDataPoints
December 23, 2025 at 11:03 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
Winter Break Educational Quotes while we're not in class
"The one thing every student is capable of is surprising you with what they are capable of"
--Dr. Gary Stager @garystager.bsky.social
#EduSky #StudentsAreHumansNotDataPoints
Winter Break Educational Quotes while we're not in class
"The one thing every student is capable of is surprising you with what they are capable of"
--Dr. Gary Stager @garystager.bsky.social
#EduSky #StudentsAreHumansNotDataPoints
#TodaysMomentOfAeesome
Since we're on break, I'll be posting education quotes
"Progressive teachers knew very well how to use the computer for their own ends as an instrument of change; School knew very well how to nip this subversion in the bud."-Seymour Papert "The Children's Machine"
#EduSky
Since we're on break, I'll be posting education quotes
"Progressive teachers knew very well how to use the computer for their own ends as an instrument of change; School knew very well how to nip this subversion in the bud."-Seymour Papert "The Children's Machine"
#EduSky
December 22, 2025 at 9:34 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAeesome
Since we're on break, I'll be posting education quotes
"Progressive teachers knew very well how to use the computer for their own ends as an instrument of change; School knew very well how to nip this subversion in the bud."-Seymour Papert "The Children's Machine"
#EduSky
Since we're on break, I'll be posting education quotes
"Progressive teachers knew very well how to use the computer for their own ends as an instrument of change; School knew very well how to nip this subversion in the bud."-Seymour Papert "The Children's Machine"
#EduSky
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome. Half day schedule, we had various craft / creative activities for students. I was at "Button Making"... You would not believe the thrill 7/8 gd students had making buttons! I taught a few, they taught others. Next, I teach them about "flair"
#EduSky #LastDaySurvival
#EduSky #LastDaySurvival
a man and a woman are standing next to each other in a room and the man is talking to the woman .
ALT: a man and a woman are standing next to each other in a room and the man is talking to the woman .
media.tenor.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:12 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome. Half day schedule, we had various craft / creative activities for students. I was at "Button Making"... You would not believe the thrill 7/8 gd students had making buttons! I taught a few, they taught others. Next, I teach them about "flair"
#EduSky #LastDaySurvival
#EduSky #LastDaySurvival
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Reflecting on the 1st half of 25-26 I keep coming back to "The correct analogy of the human mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled, the sparking of which produces an impulse toward original thought & an ardent desire for Truth." --Plutarch
#EduSky #🔥not🪣
#EduSky #🔥not🪣
December 18, 2025 at 8:15 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Reflecting on the 1st half of 25-26 I keep coming back to "The correct analogy of the human mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled, the sparking of which produces an impulse toward original thought & an ardent desire for Truth." --Plutarch
#EduSky #🔥not🪣
#EduSky #🔥not🪣
#TodaysMomentOfAwrsome
S:"What are we doing in class today?"
Me:"You're taking your final exam. I'm enjoying watching it."
S:"I know you're lying. You hate tests more than we do "
Me:"Watching Xmas videos?"
S:"you hate Xmas more than you hate tests"
Darn...they know me!
#EduSky #ItsTrueIDo.
S:"What are we doing in class today?"
Me:"You're taking your final exam. I'm enjoying watching it."
S:"I know you're lying. You hate tests more than we do "
Me:"Watching Xmas videos?"
S:"you hate Xmas more than you hate tests"
Darn...they know me!
#EduSky #ItsTrueIDo.
December 17, 2025 at 8:05 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwrsome
S:"What are we doing in class today?"
Me:"You're taking your final exam. I'm enjoying watching it."
S:"I know you're lying. You hate tests more than we do "
Me:"Watching Xmas videos?"
S:"you hate Xmas more than you hate tests"
Darn...they know me!
#EduSky #ItsTrueIDo.
S:"What are we doing in class today?"
Me:"You're taking your final exam. I'm enjoying watching it."
S:"I know you're lying. You hate tests more than we do "
Me:"Watching Xmas videos?"
S:"you hate Xmas more than you hate tests"
Darn...they know me!
#EduSky #ItsTrueIDo.
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
Me:"What did you learn in this class?"
S:"Do things you might fail at, but do them with friends so you all fail together".
S2 & S3:"We all failed together! It was great!"
Technically, they didn't fail, it just took some time. I'm still proud of them!
#EduSky #FailFaster
Me:"What did you learn in this class?"
S:"Do things you might fail at, but do them with friends so you all fail together".
S2 & S3:"We all failed together! It was great!"
Technically, they didn't fail, it just took some time. I'm still proud of them!
#EduSky #FailFaster
December 16, 2025 at 8:20 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
Me:"What did you learn in this class?"
S:"Do things you might fail at, but do them with friends so you all fail together".
S2 & S3:"We all failed together! It was great!"
Technically, they didn't fail, it just took some time. I'm still proud of them!
#EduSky #FailFaster
Me:"What did you learn in this class?"
S:"Do things you might fail at, but do them with friends so you all fail together".
S2 & S3:"We all failed together! It was great!"
Technically, they didn't fail, it just took some time. I'm still proud of them!
#EduSky #FailFaster
Reposted by Mark Gerl
Politicians wringing their hands over why teachers are leaving the profession. The truth is, we'd get more people staying in teaching if our various Governments understood that the real purpose of education is *not* to build a compliant workforce, but a society of well-rounded individuals...
December 16, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Politicians wringing their hands over why teachers are leaving the profession. The truth is, we'd get more people staying in teaching if our various Governments understood that the real purpose of education is *not* to build a compliant workforce, but a society of well-rounded individuals...
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Today was "Brownie Day" I ask students their perspectives & make brownies as Thank you.
Listening to their POV is sobering & inspiring at once.
"Can teachers coordinate homework so we don't get so much at once?"
"Why do we need this stuff?"
#EduSky #ListeningToStudents
Listening to their POV is sobering & inspiring at once.
"Can teachers coordinate homework so we don't get so much at once?"
"Why do we need this stuff?"
#EduSky #ListeningToStudents
December 15, 2025 at 8:14 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Today was "Brownie Day" I ask students their perspectives & make brownies as Thank you.
Listening to their POV is sobering & inspiring at once.
"Can teachers coordinate homework so we don't get so much at once?"
"Why do we need this stuff?"
#EduSky #ListeningToStudents
Listening to their POV is sobering & inspiring at once.
"Can teachers coordinate homework so we don't get so much at once?"
"Why do we need this stuff?"
#EduSky #ListeningToStudents
Reposted by Mark Gerl
Sneak peek of the new packaging Ellie designed!!
We also have a reseller now?! If you want a one off kit for the holidays or a birthday, order one from @west3dprinting
We also have a reseller now?! If you want a one off kit for the holidays or a birthday, order one from @west3dprinting
We are super excited to have just received our first batch of PrintKits. The Digital Sand kit is the perfect gift for that someone who has a 3D printer and loves to tinker.
Available at West3D and 3DMakerParts!
https://west3d.com/products/digital-sand-simulation-toy-project-kit-by-printkits
Available at West3D and 3DMakerParts!
https://west3d.com/products/digital-sand-simulation-toy-project-kit-by-printkits
December 13, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Sneak peek of the new packaging Ellie designed!!
We also have a reseller now?! If you want a one off kit for the holidays or a birthday, order one from @west3dprinting
We also have a reseller now?! If you want a one off kit for the holidays or a birthday, order one from @west3dprinting
Reposted by Mark Gerl
You can buy our kits at West3d now! Perfect for anyone who likes to make stuff and has a 3d printer. west3d.com/products/dig...
Digital Sand Simulation Toy Project Kit by PrintKits
Tired of the same old desktop fidget toys? Dive into the mesmerizing world of physics with the PrintKits Digital Sand Simulation Toy! This engaging DIY electronic kit lets you construct a sleek, palm-...
west3d.com
December 14, 2025 at 2:42 PM
You can buy our kits at West3d now! Perfect for anyone who likes to make stuff and has a 3d printer. west3d.com/products/dig...
Reposted by Mark Gerl
It's freebie Friday!!
Learn how to play Jingle Bells on an Arduino using our ARPS-2 starter circuit in Tinkercad: www.tinkercad.com/things/lADZL...
Find more beginner ARPS-2 learning activities here: mirobo.tech/electronics
Learn how to play Jingle Bells on an Arduino using our ARPS-2 starter circuit in Tinkercad: www.tinkercad.com/things/lADZL...
Find more beginner ARPS-2 learning activities here: mirobo.tech/electronics
Circuit design ARPS2 Jingle Bells tune - Tinkercad
Circuit design ARPS2 Jingle Bells tune created by johnrampelt with Tinkercad
www.tinkercad.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:17 PM
It's freebie Friday!!
Learn how to play Jingle Bells on an Arduino using our ARPS-2 starter circuit in Tinkercad: www.tinkercad.com/things/lADZL...
Find more beginner ARPS-2 learning activities here: mirobo.tech/electronics
Learn how to play Jingle Bells on an Arduino using our ARPS-2 starter circuit in Tinkercad: www.tinkercad.com/things/lADZL...
Find more beginner ARPS-2 learning activities here: mirobo.tech/electronics
#CSEDWeek To end this week of spotlights, I'm proud to call @nancyeblairblack.bsky.social a Friend. She is a leader in the truest sense, a visionary & one of the best teachers you'll ever learn from.
She taught me "bad worksheets are bad. Good worksheets are GOOD". And so much more.
🤖💻💡👑
She taught me "bad worksheets are bad. Good worksheets are GOOD". And so much more.
🤖💻💡👑
December 12, 2025 at 8:16 PM
#CSEDWeek To end this week of spotlights, I'm proud to call @nancyeblairblack.bsky.social a Friend. She is a leader in the truest sense, a visionary & one of the best teachers you'll ever learn from.
She taught me "bad worksheets are bad. Good worksheets are GOOD". And so much more.
🤖💻💡👑
She taught me "bad worksheets are bad. Good worksheets are GOOD". And so much more.
🤖💻💡👑
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 6th gd wrapped up Design Thinking with making furniture for a decorator, using Play-Doh. They had to be unique, high end and comfortable.
It's amazing what 11-12 year olds can do with simple materials. (Tufting done with tweezers to make texture)
#EduSky #DesignThinking
It's amazing what 11-12 year olds can do with simple materials. (Tufting done with tweezers to make texture)
#EduSky #DesignThinking
December 12, 2025 at 8:11 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 6th gd wrapped up Design Thinking with making furniture for a decorator, using Play-Doh. They had to be unique, high end and comfortable.
It's amazing what 11-12 year olds can do with simple materials. (Tufting done with tweezers to make texture)
#EduSky #DesignThinking
It's amazing what 11-12 year olds can do with simple materials. (Tufting done with tweezers to make texture)
#EduSky #DesignThinking
#CSEDWeek. Another great voice in EdTech is @rdene915.bsky.social She's written books, lead the presentations and been an agent of change since before the AI explosion. And with a law degree, she makes solid reasoned arguments for her work.
December 11, 2025 at 8:26 PM
#CSEDWeek. Another great voice in EdTech is @rdene915.bsky.social She's written books, lead the presentations and been an agent of change since before the AI explosion. And with a law degree, she makes solid reasoned arguments for her work.
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Playing around with PETG, PLA & TPU in the form of printed airless pingpong balls. You might be surprised which one actually makes the better replacement..... And is it as good as the original? 🤔
#EduSky #3DPrinterEdu #MakerEdu
#EduSky #3DPrinterEdu #MakerEdu
December 11, 2025 at 8:18 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Playing around with PETG, PLA & TPU in the form of printed airless pingpong balls. You might be surprised which one actually makes the better replacement..... And is it as good as the original? 🤔
#EduSky #3DPrinterEdu #MakerEdu
#EduSky #3DPrinterEdu #MakerEdu
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Intergalactic RoboSumo Championship Tournament has begun! Seen here E3115 (green) vs Kyle(blue).
The fate of the Universe rests in the hands of these Robots Pilots and their formidable* machines!
*Formidable is today's Word of The Day
#EduSky #RoboSumo #Formidable
The fate of the Universe rests in the hands of these Robots Pilots and their formidable* machines!
*Formidable is today's Word of The Day
#EduSky #RoboSumo #Formidable
December 10, 2025 at 11:45 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Intergalactic RoboSumo Championship Tournament has begun! Seen here E3115 (green) vs Kyle(blue).
The fate of the Universe rests in the hands of these Robots Pilots and their formidable* machines!
*Formidable is today's Word of The Day
#EduSky #RoboSumo #Formidable
The fate of the Universe rests in the hands of these Robots Pilots and their formidable* machines!
*Formidable is today's Word of The Day
#EduSky #RoboSumo #Formidable
#CSEdWeek another great #EduSky CS superstar is @drlucyrogers.com She helped me get a Pi0 to work as a USB device on my MacBook. Her posts are always amazing insights into exploring the world of Computer science and engineering.
And she's a MBE!
And she's a MBE!
December 9, 2025 at 7:50 PM
#CSEdWeek another great #EduSky CS superstar is @drlucyrogers.com She helped me get a Pi0 to work as a USB device on my MacBook. Her posts are always amazing insights into exploring the world of Computer science and engineering.
And she's a MBE!
And she's a MBE!
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 5th gd took a virtual field trip to Thebes to interview Cleopatra. Each student asked her majesty questions about living in a palace, being in charge and her pets.
AI & VR working hand in hand to create the impossible.
#EduSky #VREdu #AIChatbot #FieldtripsinVR
AI & VR working hand in hand to create the impossible.
#EduSky #VREdu #AIChatbot #FieldtripsinVR
December 9, 2025 at 7:44 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 5th gd took a virtual field trip to Thebes to interview Cleopatra. Each student asked her majesty questions about living in a palace, being in charge and her pets.
AI & VR working hand in hand to create the impossible.
#EduSky #VREdu #AIChatbot #FieldtripsinVR
AI & VR working hand in hand to create the impossible.
#EduSky #VREdu #AIChatbot #FieldtripsinVR
#CSEDWeek. Shining lights on impressive CSEd teachers around the net.
@drcaberry.bsky.social is a engineering & robotics professor at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and an awesome TikTok / YouTube creator showing students how to program Arduino / Pi Pico / Micro:bits Robots.
🤖🤖🤖
@drcaberry.bsky.social is a engineering & robotics professor at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and an awesome TikTok / YouTube creator showing students how to program Arduino / Pi Pico / Micro:bits Robots.
🤖🤖🤖
December 8, 2025 at 11:47 PM
#CSEDWeek. Shining lights on impressive CSEd teachers around the net.
@drcaberry.bsky.social is a engineering & robotics professor at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and an awesome TikTok / YouTube creator showing students how to program Arduino / Pi Pico / Micro:bits Robots.
🤖🤖🤖
@drcaberry.bsky.social is a engineering & robotics professor at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and an awesome TikTok / YouTube creator showing students how to program Arduino / Pi Pico / Micro:bits Robots.
🤖🤖🤖
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome RoboSumo as the 8thGd final project. @sparkfun.bsky.social XRP Robots with gamepad controllers! Today was final check of systems & driver testing.
#EduSky #RoboSumo #MyFinalIsCoolerThanYourFinal
#EduSky #RoboSumo #MyFinalIsCoolerThanYourFinal
December 8, 2025 at 11:40 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome RoboSumo as the 8thGd final project. @sparkfun.bsky.social XRP Robots with gamepad controllers! Today was final check of systems & driver testing.
#EduSky #RoboSumo #MyFinalIsCoolerThanYourFinal
#EduSky #RoboSumo #MyFinalIsCoolerThanYourFinal
Just as a PSA, #CSEDWeek starts tomorrow. Here's how to celebrate your favorite CompSci Teacher:
Raspberry Pi gear
@officialarduino.bsky.social gear
ESP32 gear
Coffee
@humblebundle.com bundles
Books by Seymour Papert, @mres.bsky.social, Yasmin Kafai or @garystager.bsky.social
More Coffee
#EduSky
Raspberry Pi gear
@officialarduino.bsky.social gear
ESP32 gear
Coffee
@humblebundle.com bundles
Books by Seymour Papert, @mres.bsky.social, Yasmin Kafai or @garystager.bsky.social
More Coffee
#EduSky
December 7, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Just as a PSA, #CSEDWeek starts tomorrow. Here's how to celebrate your favorite CompSci Teacher:
Raspberry Pi gear
@officialarduino.bsky.social gear
ESP32 gear
Coffee
@humblebundle.com bundles
Books by Seymour Papert, @mres.bsky.social, Yasmin Kafai or @garystager.bsky.social
More Coffee
#EduSky
Raspberry Pi gear
@officialarduino.bsky.social gear
ESP32 gear
Coffee
@humblebundle.com bundles
Books by Seymour Papert, @mres.bsky.social, Yasmin Kafai or @garystager.bsky.social
More Coffee
#EduSky
"Tomorrow's 'Digital Detox' Day" 🙄
December 6, 2025 at 10:47 PM
"Tomorrow's 'Digital Detox' Day" 🙄
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
S1:"We just found out we're all left handed!"
S2:"Being left handed is great!"
S3:"Mr Gerl, are you left handed?"
Me:"Sadly. No"
S2"Loser"
I was laughing too hard to remind them right handed people have feelings too.
#EduSky #SinisterStudents #YouJustHaveToLaugh
S1:"We just found out we're all left handed!"
S2:"Being left handed is great!"
S3:"Mr Gerl, are you left handed?"
Me:"Sadly. No"
S2"Loser"
I was laughing too hard to remind them right handed people have feelings too.
#EduSky #SinisterStudents #YouJustHaveToLaugh
December 4, 2025 at 11:15 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
S1:"We just found out we're all left handed!"
S2:"Being left handed is great!"
S3:"Mr Gerl, are you left handed?"
Me:"Sadly. No"
S2"Loser"
I was laughing too hard to remind them right handed people have feelings too.
#EduSky #SinisterStudents #YouJustHaveToLaugh
S1:"We just found out we're all left handed!"
S2:"Being left handed is great!"
S3:"Mr Gerl, are you left handed?"
Me:"Sadly. No"
S2"Loser"
I was laughing too hard to remind them right handed people have feelings too.
#EduSky #SinisterStudents #YouJustHaveToLaugh
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 5Th gd VR project ="VR tour of the school from your perspective".
S1:"Look! I'm a unicorn!"
S2:"I'm a flying book!"'
The entire is guided by a unicorn, flying book & talking backpack.
You don't get moments like this in the corporate world. 🤩
#EduSky #VREdu #WhyITeach.
S1:"Look! I'm a unicorn!"
S2:"I'm a flying book!"'
The entire is guided by a unicorn, flying book & talking backpack.
You don't get moments like this in the corporate world. 🤩
#EduSky #VREdu #WhyITeach.
December 3, 2025 at 10:53 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 5Th gd VR project ="VR tour of the school from your perspective".
S1:"Look! I'm a unicorn!"
S2:"I'm a flying book!"'
The entire is guided by a unicorn, flying book & talking backpack.
You don't get moments like this in the corporate world. 🤩
#EduSky #VREdu #WhyITeach.
S1:"Look! I'm a unicorn!"
S2:"I'm a flying book!"'
The entire is guided by a unicorn, flying book & talking backpack.
You don't get moments like this in the corporate world. 🤩
#EduSky #VREdu #WhyITeach.
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome AI class working in NotebookLM with the challenge "Research anything not school related. Just something you find fascinating"
One topic was "Do we really need to go to school?"
I'm curious to see what NotebookLM says based on the research she gave it.
#EduSky #PlayingWithAI
One topic was "Do we really need to go to school?"
I'm curious to see what NotebookLM says based on the research she gave it.
#EduSky #PlayingWithAI
December 2, 2025 at 8:16 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome AI class working in NotebookLM with the challenge "Research anything not school related. Just something you find fascinating"
One topic was "Do we really need to go to school?"
I'm curious to see what NotebookLM says based on the research she gave it.
#EduSky #PlayingWithAI
One topic was "Do we really need to go to school?"
I'm curious to see what NotebookLM says based on the research she gave it.
#EduSky #PlayingWithAI