The use of Learning Blade in my middle school STEM classes has had a positive impact on both student engagement and career awareness. Students are not only practicing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, but they are also being introduced to a wide variety of STEM careers in a way that is interactive and easy to understand.

One of the most meaningful impacts is the exposure students gain to careers they may not otherwise encounter, especially in a rural Missouri community. These activities help broaden their perspectives and allow them to begin thinking about future opportunities beyond what they see in their immediate surroundings.

For example, one student shared that he loves it because it teaches him things and it’s easy to understand. This reflects what I see across many students. Learning Blade presents information in a way that is accessible and engaging, which helps build confidence while learning about new topics and careers.

We have been using the courses for 3D printing, engineering careers, along with several others that become relevant during the course of the day. Students choose their missions to complete. Their choices are based upon interest inventories and aptitude assessments. My 8th-grade students complete a career research project. The lessons in Learning Blade expose them to so many more options than what is usually thought of in our small, rural area. Students can see that agriculture has more opportunities than driving a tractor or raising livestock. They can experience the world outside of our small community, which gives them a better outlook on what the future holds.

I use Learning Blade as a bell work activity at the beginning of class. It provides students with a consistent and meaningful way to transition into the learning environment while reinforcing key concepts and skills. Learning Blade has had a positive impact by exposing students to a wide range of topics and career pathways that we may not have the opportunity to cover during regular class instruction. It helps broaden their understanding of STEM-related fields and real-world applications, increasing engagement and awareness.

One of the features I appreciate most about Learning Blade is that it is a free and accessible resource. I also value the read-aloud option, which supports diverse learners by allowing students to engage with the content in a way that best suits their needs. This feature helps reduce potential embarrassment for struggling readers and supports comprehension for auditory learners.

Additionally, Learning Blade provides students with a structured, independent activity, which allows me time to prepare for the day’s lesson and ensure a smooth start to class.

eDynamic Learning products, particularly the Learning Blade missions, allow my students to engage in academic activities that are thematic and integrated across curriculum areas. The missions are STEM-focused and connect learners to related instruction while introducing them to careers that involve learning and integrating STEM concepts. The first module my students engaged in was the Introduction to AI. The AI module used research-based implementation strategies, such as project/problem-based learning as well as 3-Dimensional learning to integrate science and design thinking practices with cross-cutting concepts and disciplinary core ideas.