Science and Online Learning

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter often called the brain’s “motivation chemical”, plays a crucial role in how students engage with learning. When students anticipate or receive rewards, dopamine levels rise, reinforcing behaviors that produce positive outcomes. This neurological mechanism is especially relevant in today’s online K‑12 classrooms that embed gamification into their design. Dopamine and Motivation: The … Read more

Neuroscience of Language Acquisition From infancy through early childhood which is the peak period of neuroplasticity, the bilingual brain undergoes measurable structural changes in response to multilingual learning. Bilinguals typically show increased grey matter density in the inferior parietal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, regions tied to language control and conflict monitoring. They also develop enhanced white matter connectivity, reflecting more … Read more

Virtual classrooms are known for their flexibility and accessibility. However, that does not come free. There are also unique challenges, particularly in fostering the human connections vital for students’ emotional and social development. This is where Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) becomes crucial. Adapting SEL to digital classrooms is necessary for holistic education in the 21st century. … Read more

The world of education has changed dramatically in recent years. More students than ever are learning online, attending virtual classrooms from the comfort of their homes. While online learning brings flexibility and access to many, it can be challenging for students with disabilities. Thankfully, assistive technologies are stepping in to bridge that gap, helping students … Read more

One key challenge educators face is helping students overcome misconceptions—deeply held but incorrect ideas about how the world works. These misconceptions can form in any subject, from thinking that heavier objects fall faster than lighter ones in science, to misunderstanding historical events or mathematical concepts. This process of helping students replace incorrect ideas with accurate knowledge is called conceptual … Read more

Virtual classrooms have changed the way we learn by making education more flexible and accessible, and by offering different ways to learn. But this change also makes students use more mental effort, especially skills known as executive functions. These include things like thinking critically, planning ahead, staying focused, and making good decisions. These skills are especially … Read more

Forgetting is something psychologists have studied for over a hundred years. One of the first to explore it in depth was Hermann Ebbinghaus, who introduced the idea of the “forgetting curve.” This concept shows that we forget information quickly after we first learn it—unless we actively review and reinforce it. With the rise of online schools … Read more

Consistency is the cornerstone of success, regardless of whether we talk about academic or professional life. While digital classrooms offer flexibility and freedom, that same flexibility can easily become a double-edged sword when students lack structured routines. Establishing positive learning habits isn’t just good advice—it’s rooted in behavioral science. Why Routines Matter in Remote Learning … Read more

While online education offers flexibility and accessibility, it also presents new challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining student motivation and engagement. One promising solution lies at the intersection of psychology and economics: Behavioral Economics, Nudge Theory. Nudge Theory, popularized by Nobel laureate Richard Thaler and legal scholar Cass Sunstein, is based on the idea that small design changes … Read more

Neuromodulation refers to non-invasive ways of nudging brain circuits with tiny electrical (or magnetic) currents so they fire a little more—or a little less—readily. The most widely studied form is transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), where 1–2 mA of current is delivered through two sponge electrodes on the scalp for 10–30 minutes. Because the current is far … Read more

Education is constantly changing and evolving. Thanks to online schools and learning platforms, teachers now have access to powerful tools that support multisensory instruction. This method uses more than one sense at the same time. When done well, digital content that includes visuals, sound, and interactive features can help students understand, remember, and stay engaged … Read more

When we learn, we use our brains. When we teach children, we influence how their brains develop. The rapidly growing and developing online education uses tools designed to engage students.  Do these tools, demanding attention and action from the students, also push them to develop a more flexible, faster brain?   What is Neuroplasticity?  Neuroplasticity is a … Read more