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 It is Spirit Week & today's theme is "Dress like something that starts with the 1st letter of your name".
I wore my Count shirt as he is a "Mathematical Muppet".
A student said "He doesn't count!"
I assure you ... He does. 🤓
#EduSky #Muppets #EduPuns #CountVonCount
I wore my Count shirt as he is a "Mathematical Muppet".
A student said "He doesn't count!"
I assure you ... He does. 🤓
#EduSky #Muppets #EduPuns #CountVonCount
November 19, 2025 at 8:22 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome It is Spirit Week & today's theme is "Dress like something that starts with the 1st letter of your name".
I wore my Count shirt as he is a "Mathematical Muppet".
A student said "He doesn't count!"
I assure you ... He does. 🤓
#EduSky #Muppets #EduPuns #CountVonCount
I wore my Count shirt as he is a "Mathematical Muppet".
A student said "He doesn't count!"
I assure you ... He does. 🤓
#EduSky #Muppets #EduPuns #CountVonCount
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
S1: "Bro, your thing is printing!"
S2: "YES!"
Somewhere between Ella Flagg-Young & Seymour Papert, I've learned that students making things & being proud of those things are the two best ways to assess learning.
I love to hear that excitement.
#EduSky #Constructionism
S1: "Bro, your thing is printing!"
S2: "YES!"
Somewhere between Ella Flagg-Young & Seymour Papert, I've learned that students making things & being proud of those things are the two best ways to assess learning.
I love to hear that excitement.
#EduSky #Constructionism
November 18, 2025 at 8:09 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
S1: "Bro, your thing is printing!"
S2: "YES!"
Somewhere between Ella Flagg-Young & Seymour Papert, I've learned that students making things & being proud of those things are the two best ways to assess learning.
I love to hear that excitement.
#EduSky #Constructionism
S1: "Bro, your thing is printing!"
S2: "YES!"
Somewhere between Ella Flagg-Young & Seymour Papert, I've learned that students making things & being proud of those things are the two best ways to assess learning.
I love to hear that excitement.
#EduSky #Constructionism
Reposted by Mark Gerl
One of the events I'll be on at PAX U is a workshop on Making a TTRPG for YOUR Particular Classroom!
Come see how to structure TTRPGs for educational purposes while still keeping things fun!
#TTRPGkids #PaxU
Come see how to structure TTRPGs for educational purposes while still keeping things fun!
#TTRPGkids #PaxU
November 10, 2025 at 4:05 PM
One of the events I'll be on at PAX U is a workshop on Making a TTRPG for YOUR Particular Classroom!
Come see how to structure TTRPGs for educational purposes while still keeping things fun!
#TTRPGkids #PaxU
Come see how to structure TTRPGs for educational purposes while still keeping things fun!
#TTRPGkids #PaxU
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome the student newsletter awarded me "Teacher of the Year" by the popular vote of students. I shall treasure* this crown always.
*I have to treasure it as it is way too small to actually wear
#EduSky #TeacherOfTheYear #GratefulForMyStudents
*I have to treasure it as it is way too small to actually wear
#EduSky #TeacherOfTheYear #GratefulForMyStudents
November 17, 2025 at 9:54 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome the student newsletter awarded me "Teacher of the Year" by the popular vote of students. I shall treasure* this crown always.
*I have to treasure it as it is way too small to actually wear
#EduSky #TeacherOfTheYear #GratefulForMyStudents
*I have to treasure it as it is way too small to actually wear
#EduSky #TeacherOfTheYear #GratefulForMyStudents
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 7th Grade 3D printing class has progressed to be able to change filament, adjust slicer settings, and decide between PLA PETG or TPU. Their designs are showing thought & depth about what they're making.
Next Stop ... Maker Faire!
#EduSky #MakerEDU #3DPrintingEDU
Next Stop ... Maker Faire!
#EduSky #MakerEDU #3DPrintingEDU
November 14, 2025 at 10:05 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 7th Grade 3D printing class has progressed to be able to change filament, adjust slicer settings, and decide between PLA PETG or TPU. Their designs are showing thought & depth about what they're making.
Next Stop ... Maker Faire!
#EduSky #MakerEDU #3DPrintingEDU
Next Stop ... Maker Faire!
#EduSky #MakerEDU #3DPrintingEDU
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome In Robotics Class, they are learning to use sensors for line following & obstacle avoidance. It's a struggle as they want "Just make it work" & I give them "Think about how it works".
It's frustrating now but so rewarding later.
@sparkfun.bsky.social
#EduSky #XRPRobots
It's frustrating now but so rewarding later.
@sparkfun.bsky.social
#EduSky #XRPRobots
November 13, 2025 at 11:24 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome In Robotics Class, they are learning to use sensors for line following & obstacle avoidance. It's a struggle as they want "Just make it work" & I give them "Think about how it works".
It's frustrating now but so rewarding later.
@sparkfun.bsky.social
#EduSky #XRPRobots
It's frustrating now but so rewarding later.
@sparkfun.bsky.social
#EduSky #XRPRobots
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 6th grade Design Studio has started turning in their designs for the Admissions Office. They've been incorporating the new logo and making some impressive designs.
The prototypes should finish printing by Friday, we'll get feedback after then.
#EduSky #CocoaPress #❤️🍫🖨️
The prototypes should finish printing by Friday, we'll get feedback after then.
#EduSky #CocoaPress #❤️🍫🖨️
November 13, 2025 at 12:28 AM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 6th grade Design Studio has started turning in their designs for the Admissions Office. They've been incorporating the new logo and making some impressive designs.
The prototypes should finish printing by Friday, we'll get feedback after then.
#EduSky #CocoaPress #❤️🍫🖨️
The prototypes should finish printing by Friday, we'll get feedback after then.
#EduSky #CocoaPress #❤️🍫🖨️
Having done a 2 session master class with Celia Hodent before, I personally recommend any UX / Game Dev / LX / Cutting Edge Educators in UK sign up ASAP. Her wealth of wisdom is staggering!
#EduSky #UX #LX #LifelongLearning
#EduSky #UX #LX #LifelongLearning
Hi, Londoners! I'll be giving an in-person full day #gameUX masterclass on Friday Dec 12th in #London.
You can sign up here:
www.eventbrite.com/e/game-ux-co...
Let me know if you have any questions. Please share and I hope to see you there!
#UX #gamedev #training #masterclass
You can sign up here:
www.eventbrite.com/e/game-ux-co...
Let me know if you have any questions. Please share and I hope to see you there!
#UX #gamedev #training #masterclass
Game UX & Cognitive Science Masterclass (London,UK Dec 12)
Learn the cognitive science and UX practices behind successful games like Fortnite, from former Director of UX at Epic Games.
www.eventbrite.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Having done a 2 session master class with Celia Hodent before, I personally recommend any UX / Game Dev / LX / Cutting Edge Educators in UK sign up ASAP. Her wealth of wisdom is staggering!
#EduSky #UX #LX #LifelongLearning
#EduSky #UX #LX #LifelongLearning
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Went to the AATE meeting about Data Visualization... Met up with some great friends and we talked about how to change education and our classrooms. There is something encouraging and energizing about sharing ideas with great minds.
#EduSky #GreatFriends #ChangeTheWorld
#EduSky #GreatFriends #ChangeTheWorld
November 10, 2025 at 9:33 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Went to the AATE meeting about Data Visualization... Met up with some great friends and we talked about how to change education and our classrooms. There is something encouraging and energizing about sharing ideas with great minds.
#EduSky #GreatFriends #ChangeTheWorld
#EduSky #GreatFriends #ChangeTheWorld
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome This is Tina. She does ballet, and likes to go on quests.
Her best friends are twin foxes, David and Leela. David is smart, likes to play games.
Leela is an adventurer. They go on quests together.
I was introduced by a student who was incredibly proud of her. 😁
#EduSky
Her best friends are twin foxes, David and Leela. David is smart, likes to play games.
Leela is an adventurer. They go on quests together.
I was introduced by a student who was incredibly proud of her. 😁
#EduSky
November 7, 2025 at 7:56 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome This is Tina. She does ballet, and likes to go on quests.
Her best friends are twin foxes, David and Leela. David is smart, likes to play games.
Leela is an adventurer. They go on quests together.
I was introduced by a student who was incredibly proud of her. 😁
#EduSky
Her best friends are twin foxes, David and Leela. David is smart, likes to play games.
Leela is an adventurer. They go on quests together.
I was introduced by a student who was incredibly proud of her. 😁
#EduSky
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 3D print class has the challenge "Design & print something that moves" implying print in place / gears
student is designing planetary gears, which lead to "How many teeth on a gear?" which lead to "How far apart are they?" which lead to geometry & algebra
#EduSky #MakerEdu
student is designing planetary gears, which lead to "How many teeth on a gear?" which lead to "How far apart are they?" which lead to geometry & algebra
#EduSky #MakerEdu
November 6, 2025 at 10:34 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 3D print class has the challenge "Design & print something that moves" implying print in place / gears
student is designing planetary gears, which lead to "How many teeth on a gear?" which lead to "How far apart are they?" which lead to geometry & algebra
#EduSky #MakerEdu
student is designing planetary gears, which lead to "How many teeth on a gear?" which lead to "How far apart are they?" which lead to geometry & algebra
#EduSky #MakerEdu
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome I absolutely love when students have that "Look what I did!" moment. Today's 8th grade Robotics was filled with shouts of pride & accomplishment. This is why I teach. Each team was able to code the square.
@sparkfun.bsky.social XRP Robots are amazing!
#EduSky #Robots🤖
@sparkfun.bsky.social XRP Robots are amazing!
#EduSky #Robots🤖
November 5, 2025 at 8:27 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome I absolutely love when students have that "Look what I did!" moment. Today's 8th grade Robotics was filled with shouts of pride & accomplishment. This is why I teach. Each team was able to code the square.
@sparkfun.bsky.social XRP Robots are amazing!
#EduSky #Robots🤖
@sparkfun.bsky.social XRP Robots are amazing!
#EduSky #Robots🤖
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome I enjoy giving students room to be creative in class. It helps me learn who they are as people.
It also makes moments like this possible. You don't get this from a scripted curriculum.
*Used with their permission.
#EduSky #LetKidsBeThemselves #WhyITeach
It also makes moments like this possible. You don't get this from a scripted curriculum.
*Used with their permission.
#EduSky #LetKidsBeThemselves #WhyITeach
October 30, 2025 at 7:02 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome I enjoy giving students room to be creative in class. It helps me learn who they are as people.
It also makes moments like this possible. You don't get this from a scripted curriculum.
*Used with their permission.
#EduSky #LetKidsBeThemselves #WhyITeach
It also makes moments like this possible. You don't get this from a scripted curriculum.
*Used with their permission.
#EduSky #LetKidsBeThemselves #WhyITeach
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome The 8th grade Robotics class got their robots today! They assembled the XRP robots from @sparkfun.bsky.social in a single class. The only disappointment is I only had 1 frost blue sparkly filament chassis. Guess what I'm printing this weekend.
#EduSky #Robots #XRPRobots
#EduSky #Robots #XRPRobots
October 28, 2025 at 7:19 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome The 8th grade Robotics class got their robots today! They assembled the XRP robots from @sparkfun.bsky.social in a single class. The only disappointment is I only had 1 frost blue sparkly filament chassis. Guess what I'm printing this weekend.
#EduSky #Robots #XRPRobots
#EduSky #Robots #XRPRobots
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome VR is an amazing technology, allowing us to explore worlds we can't go to physically. It can also be an incredible art platform, making beauty you can walk in.
A student made this piece, complete with unicorns.
@delightex.com
#EduSky #VREdu #NeedsMoreUnicorns
A student made this piece, complete with unicorns.
@delightex.com
#EduSky #VREdu #NeedsMoreUnicorns
October 27, 2025 at 10:46 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome VR is an amazing technology, allowing us to explore worlds we can't go to physically. It can also be an incredible art platform, making beauty you can walk in.
A student made this piece, complete with unicorns.
@delightex.com
#EduSky #VREdu #NeedsMoreUnicorns
A student made this piece, complete with unicorns.
@delightex.com
#EduSky #VREdu #NeedsMoreUnicorns
Reposted by Mark Gerl
Latest for Edutopia! edut.to/4nFiKCZ
October 26, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Latest for Edutopia! edut.to/4nFiKCZ
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 7th/8th grade AI Exp fine tuned their Teachable Machines to finally complete a maze! The cheers were very human as the "You Win!" signs popped up on screens.
teachablemachine.withgoogle.com
playground.raise.mit.edu/create/
@nancyeblairblack.bsky.social
#EduSky #AIEdu
teachablemachine.withgoogle.com
playground.raise.mit.edu/create/
@nancyeblairblack.bsky.social
#EduSky #AIEdu
October 24, 2025 at 7:15 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 7th/8th grade AI Exp fine tuned their Teachable Machines to finally complete a maze! The cheers were very human as the "You Win!" signs popped up on screens.
teachablemachine.withgoogle.com
playground.raise.mit.edu/create/
@nancyeblairblack.bsky.social
#EduSky #AIEdu
teachablemachine.withgoogle.com
playground.raise.mit.edu/create/
@nancyeblairblack.bsky.social
#EduSky #AIEdu
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome AI Exploration for 7/8th gd. Learning the importance of data, and good data, in training systems to be accurate with Teachable Machine. They learned when you game the system to get results in training it leads to bad results in production.
#EduSky #AIEducation #DataIsLife
#EduSky #AIEducation #DataIsLife
October 22, 2025 at 7:20 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome AI Exploration for 7/8th gd. Learning the importance of data, and good data, in training systems to be accurate with Teachable Machine. They learned when you game the system to get results in training it leads to bad results in production.
#EduSky #AIEducation #DataIsLife
#EduSky #AIEducation #DataIsLife
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome. New term, new classes, new curriculum. VR for 5th, Chocolate Design Thinking for 6th, 3D Modeling & Printing for 7th, AI for 7/8th, Robotics for 8th.
If you put all my classes together you get virtual sentient robots made in PETG that bring you chocolate. 🤓🤖🍫🖨
#EduSky
If you put all my classes together you get virtual sentient robots made in PETG that bring you chocolate. 🤓🤖🍫🖨
#EduSky
October 20, 2025 at 11:59 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome. New term, new classes, new curriculum. VR for 5th, Chocolate Design Thinking for 6th, 3D Modeling & Printing for 7th, AI for 7/8th, Robotics for 8th.
If you put all my classes together you get virtual sentient robots made in PETG that bring you chocolate. 🤓🤖🍫🖨
#EduSky
If you put all my classes together you get virtual sentient robots made in PETG that bring you chocolate. 🤓🤖🍫🖨
#EduSky
Reposted by Mark Gerl
This is ARPS-2's Educational Starter configuration – just pop it onto an #Arduino UNO R3 or R4 and start programming!
It's great for beginners because it's quick to build, has enough I/O devices to make a variety of simple programs, and is more reliable than the spaghetti wiring of a breadboard. 🤣
It's great for beginners because it's quick to build, has enough I/O devices to make a variety of simple programs, and is more reliable than the spaghetti wiring of a breadboard. 🤣
October 19, 2025 at 6:38 PM
This is ARPS-2's Educational Starter configuration – just pop it onto an #Arduino UNO R3 or R4 and start programming!
It's great for beginners because it's quick to build, has enough I/O devices to make a variety of simple programs, and is more reliable than the spaghetti wiring of a breadboard. 🤣
It's great for beginners because it's quick to build, has enough I/O devices to make a variety of simple programs, and is more reliable than the spaghetti wiring of a breadboard. 🤣
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome DnD club meets in my lab on Fridays. Today during the campaign the DM says "The corpse is now completely useless, more of an accessory than anything".
Which is wonderful writing and disturbing imagery at the same time. I'm proud but a bit concerned.
#EduSky #DnDClassroom
Which is wonderful writing and disturbing imagery at the same time. I'm proud but a bit concerned.
#EduSky #DnDClassroom
October 17, 2025 at 7:03 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome DnD club meets in my lab on Fridays. Today during the campaign the DM says "The corpse is now completely useless, more of an accessory than anything".
Which is wonderful writing and disturbing imagery at the same time. I'm proud but a bit concerned.
#EduSky #DnDClassroom
Which is wonderful writing and disturbing imagery at the same time. I'm proud but a bit concerned.
#EduSky #DnDClassroom
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 8th grade saw "The Rocket Men" @synchrotheatre.bsky.social Amazing performances, really thought provoking script. Reminiscent of "Copenhagen" by Michael Frayn. Science meets Art meets History to punch you in the heart pants.
#EduSky #EducationalTheater #WowThatEnding!
#EduSky #EducationalTheater #WowThatEnding!
October 15, 2025 at 6:22 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 8th grade saw "The Rocket Men" @synchrotheatre.bsky.social Amazing performances, really thought provoking script. Reminiscent of "Copenhagen" by Michael Frayn. Science meets Art meets History to punch you in the heart pants.
#EduSky #EducationalTheater #WowThatEnding!
#EduSky #EducationalTheater #WowThatEnding!
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 5th grade is wrapping up VR Tours of school, & a team finished early so was testing in VR Headsets. When Prospective Parents were brought in, the students talked about their project & offered a headset for the parents to see.
I love when parents say "Wow!"
#Edusky #VREdu
I love when parents say "Wow!"
#Edusky #VREdu
October 10, 2025 at 6:25 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 5th grade is wrapping up VR Tours of school, & a team finished early so was testing in VR Headsets. When Prospective Parents were brought in, the students talked about their project & offered a headset for the parents to see.
I love when parents say "Wow!"
#Edusky #VREdu
I love when parents say "Wow!"
#Edusky #VREdu
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome The assignment was a brief portfolio slide deck of what you've learned this term. One student ended her presentation with this.
I'm not crying, my lab is just very dusty.
#EduSky #StudentAppreciation #IDeserveAMedalMyStudentSaidSo
I'm not crying, my lab is just very dusty.
#EduSky #StudentAppreciation #IDeserveAMedalMyStudentSaidSo
October 9, 2025 at 7:16 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome The assignment was a brief portfolio slide deck of what you've learned this term. One student ended her presentation with this.
I'm not crying, my lab is just very dusty.
#EduSky #StudentAppreciation #IDeserveAMedalMyStudentSaidSo
I'm not crying, my lab is just very dusty.
#EduSky #StudentAppreciation #IDeserveAMedalMyStudentSaidSo
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
Due to a schedule change we had a shortened class. They asked if they could do Formula 1 Robot Races. @spheroeducation.bsky.social
"We imagine a school where teachers & students stretch themselves with projects of their own design." -Seymour Papert
#EduSky #Formula1
Due to a schedule change we had a shortened class. They asked if they could do Formula 1 Robot Races. @spheroeducation.bsky.social
"We imagine a school where teachers & students stretch themselves with projects of their own design." -Seymour Papert
#EduSky #Formula1
October 8, 2025 at 6:47 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
Due to a schedule change we had a shortened class. They asked if they could do Formula 1 Robot Races. @spheroeducation.bsky.social
"We imagine a school where teachers & students stretch themselves with projects of their own design." -Seymour Papert
#EduSky #Formula1
Due to a schedule change we had a shortened class. They asked if they could do Formula 1 Robot Races. @spheroeducation.bsky.social
"We imagine a school where teachers & students stretch themselves with projects of their own design." -Seymour Papert
#EduSky #Formula1