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
5gd S:"I found a hack! We need 7 scenes, but we can add the hall & lobby, there's not much to talk about. Those should count!"
Me:"Totally counts. Today's big word is *Liminal Space*...like hallways or lobbies"
S:"I LOVE LIMINAL SPACES!"
#EduSky #LiminalSpaces #VRDesign
5gd S:"I found a hack! We need 7 scenes, but we can add the hall & lobby, there's not much to talk about. Those should count!"
Me:"Totally counts. Today's big word is *Liminal Space*...like hallways or lobbies"
S:"I LOVE LIMINAL SPACES!"
#EduSky #LiminalSpaces #VRDesign
February 12, 2026 at 8:19 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
5gd S:"I found a hack! We need 7 scenes, but we can add the hall & lobby, there's not much to talk about. Those should count!"
Me:"Totally counts. Today's big word is *Liminal Space*...like hallways or lobbies"
S:"I LOVE LIMINAL SPACES!"
#EduSky #LiminalSpaces #VRDesign
5gd S:"I found a hack! We need 7 scenes, but we can add the hall & lobby, there's not much to talk about. Those should count!"
Me:"Totally counts. Today's big word is *Liminal Space*...like hallways or lobbies"
S:"I LOVE LIMINAL SPACES!"
#EduSky #LiminalSpaces #VRDesign
Reposted by Mark Gerl
No more stolen chocolates this Valentine's Day!
Okay, maybe chocolate theft isn't an actual problem. 😂 But I thought it would be fun to see what the UNO Q 4GB from @officialarduino.bsky.social could do with unique facial recognition, & what kind of mischief I could get up to.
#sponsored_by_arduino
Okay, maybe chocolate theft isn't an actual problem. 😂 But I thought it would be fun to see what the UNO Q 4GB from @officialarduino.bsky.social could do with unique facial recognition, & what kind of mischief I could get up to.
#sponsored_by_arduino
February 12, 2026 at 5:12 PM
No more stolen chocolates this Valentine's Day!
Okay, maybe chocolate theft isn't an actual problem. 😂 But I thought it would be fun to see what the UNO Q 4GB from @officialarduino.bsky.social could do with unique facial recognition, & what kind of mischief I could get up to.
#sponsored_by_arduino
Okay, maybe chocolate theft isn't an actual problem. 😂 But I thought it would be fun to see what the UNO Q 4GB from @officialarduino.bsky.social could do with unique facial recognition, & what kind of mischief I could get up to.
#sponsored_by_arduino
Reposted by Mark Gerl
What Makes EdTech Engaging?
Technology by itself is not engaging. The interface and user experience must be designed for engagement.
alicekeeler.com/2023/02/17/w...
#TeacherTech #EdTech #EduSky
Technology by itself is not engaging. The interface and user experience must be designed for engagement.
alicekeeler.com/2023/02/17/w...
#TeacherTech #EdTech #EduSky
February 11, 2026 at 5:36 PM
What Makes EdTech Engaging?
Technology by itself is not engaging. The interface and user experience must be designed for engagement.
alicekeeler.com/2023/02/17/w...
#TeacherTech #EdTech #EduSky
Technology by itself is not engaging. The interface and user experience must be designed for engagement.
alicekeeler.com/2023/02/17/w...
#TeacherTech #EdTech #EduSky
Reposted by Mark Gerl
Roses are red, 🌹
This robot is too,
And, you can 3D-print your own...
in any colour you like, including blue! 🤖
I'm sharing my love of robotics by giving you 20% off when you purchase two or more ARPS-2, BEAPER Nano, or BEAPER Pico kits using code 'SHARETHELOVE': mirobo.tech
This robot is too,
And, you can 3D-print your own...
in any colour you like, including blue! 🤖
I'm sharing my love of robotics by giving you 20% off when you purchase two or more ARPS-2, BEAPER Nano, or BEAPER Pico kits using code 'SHARETHELOVE': mirobo.tech
February 11, 2026 at 6:50 PM
Roses are red, 🌹
This robot is too,
And, you can 3D-print your own...
in any colour you like, including blue! 🤖
I'm sharing my love of robotics by giving you 20% off when you purchase two or more ARPS-2, BEAPER Nano, or BEAPER Pico kits using code 'SHARETHELOVE': mirobo.tech
This robot is too,
And, you can 3D-print your own...
in any colour you like, including blue! 🤖
I'm sharing my love of robotics by giving you 20% off when you purchase two or more ARPS-2, BEAPER Nano, or BEAPER Pico kits using code 'SHARETHELOVE': mirobo.tech
Reposted by Mark Gerl
The link to the actual project is here: www.pcbway.com/project/shar...
I'd love it if you could give it a like, or let me know what you think I could do to make it even better!
I'd love it if you could give it a like, or let me know what you think I could do to make it even better!
February 11, 2026 at 7:07 PM
The link to the actual project is here: www.pcbway.com/project/shar...
I'd love it if you could give it a like, or let me know what you think I could do to make it even better!
I'd love it if you could give it a like, or let me know what you think I could do to make it even better!
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 6th gd Design Thinking class discussed "Where do you see good design in your lives now?"
Their answers: accessible parks, light up shoes, Peloton bikes, musical toothbrushes, Heelys & Mr Gerl's class
I think they're getting it. (And how to use flattery)
#EduSky #GoodDesign
Their answers: accessible parks, light up shoes, Peloton bikes, musical toothbrushes, Heelys & Mr Gerl's class
I think they're getting it. (And how to use flattery)
#EduSky #GoodDesign
February 11, 2026 at 8:14 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 6th gd Design Thinking class discussed "Where do you see good design in your lives now?"
Their answers: accessible parks, light up shoes, Peloton bikes, musical toothbrushes, Heelys & Mr Gerl's class
I think they're getting it. (And how to use flattery)
#EduSky #GoodDesign
Their answers: accessible parks, light up shoes, Peloton bikes, musical toothbrushes, Heelys & Mr Gerl's class
I think they're getting it. (And how to use flattery)
#EduSky #GoodDesign
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Showed Design Thinking class the Space Mountain episode of "Behind The Attraction". It's fascinating to see the design process of 1 concept 6 different ways.
It's also encouraging to see some eyes light up when they see their futures. 🤩
#EduSky #FutureImagineers #DisneyEdu
It's also encouraging to see some eyes light up when they see their futures. 🤩
#EduSky #FutureImagineers #DisneyEdu
February 9, 2026 at 8:15 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Showed Design Thinking class the Space Mountain episode of "Behind The Attraction". It's fascinating to see the design process of 1 concept 6 different ways.
It's also encouraging to see some eyes light up when they see their futures. 🤩
#EduSky #FutureImagineers #DisneyEdu
It's also encouraging to see some eyes light up when they see their futures. 🤩
#EduSky #FutureImagineers #DisneyEdu
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
"We solved the fish problem!" 5th graders running into the lab ahead of class to brag on their code. Finding the right blocks, putting them in the right order, realizing when to run parallel, they got it all working.
This is why Project Based Learning works.
#EduSky #PBL
"We solved the fish problem!" 5th graders running into the lab ahead of class to brag on their code. Finding the right blocks, putting them in the right order, realizing when to run parallel, they got it all working.
This is why Project Based Learning works.
#EduSky #PBL
February 6, 2026 at 8:00 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
"We solved the fish problem!" 5th graders running into the lab ahead of class to brag on their code. Finding the right blocks, putting them in the right order, realizing when to run parallel, they got it all working.
This is why Project Based Learning works.
#EduSky #PBL
"We solved the fish problem!" 5th graders running into the lab ahead of class to brag on their code. Finding the right blocks, putting them in the right order, realizing when to run parallel, they got it all working.
This is why Project Based Learning works.
#EduSky #PBL
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Game Design class has students working in everything from Rust to Scratch. Hearing their excitement of "I got a green dot on the screen!" (Rust) & "Our unicorn moves!" (Scratch) reminds me of the power of making games as well as playing games.
#EduSky #YasminKafai
#EduSky #YasminKafai
February 5, 2026 at 8:18 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Game Design class has students working in everything from Rust to Scratch. Hearing their excitement of "I got a green dot on the screen!" (Rust) & "Our unicorn moves!" (Scratch) reminds me of the power of making games as well as playing games.
#EduSky #YasminKafai
#EduSky #YasminKafai
And there it is!
They do not autosave!!!! You can spend 30 minutes filling out a form then close the browser and it's just GONE GONE. No warning that you'll lose data, no browser pop-up to ask if you are done for sure. Just I stant regret unless you manually saved first. In 2026. In a professional industry.
February 4, 2026 at 9:13 PM
And there it is!
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
Trying to teach students how to save in a platform that doesn't autosave. It was a completely foreign concept to them. Not that they couldn't but it didn't register that they should.
Watching them grapple with "I can lose my work" was rough. 😧
#EduSky #SaveEarlySaveOften
Trying to teach students how to save in a platform that doesn't autosave. It was a completely foreign concept to them. Not that they couldn't but it didn't register that they should.
Watching them grapple with "I can lose my work" was rough. 😧
#EduSky #SaveEarlySaveOften
February 4, 2026 at 8:07 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
Trying to teach students how to save in a platform that doesn't autosave. It was a completely foreign concept to them. Not that they couldn't but it didn't register that they should.
Watching them grapple with "I can lose my work" was rough. 😧
#EduSky #SaveEarlySaveOften
Trying to teach students how to save in a platform that doesn't autosave. It was a completely foreign concept to them. Not that they couldn't but it didn't register that they should.
Watching them grapple with "I can lose my work" was rough. 😧
#EduSky #SaveEarlySaveOften
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
*Next year's classes I want to teach written on my dry erase wall*
S:"What is all that?"
Me:*explains 13 different classes over 4 terms*
S:"You really teach that much?"
Me:"Yeah"
S:"You really should learn to relax"
If only, kid....if only I could.
#EduSky #Courses
*Next year's classes I want to teach written on my dry erase wall*
S:"What is all that?"
Me:*explains 13 different classes over 4 terms*
S:"You really teach that much?"
Me:"Yeah"
S:"You really should learn to relax"
If only, kid....if only I could.
#EduSky #Courses
February 3, 2026 at 8:24 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
*Next year's classes I want to teach written on my dry erase wall*
S:"What is all that?"
Me:*explains 13 different classes over 4 terms*
S:"You really teach that much?"
Me:"Yeah"
S:"You really should learn to relax"
If only, kid....if only I could.
#EduSky #Courses
*Next year's classes I want to teach written on my dry erase wall*
S:"What is all that?"
Me:*explains 13 different classes over 4 terms*
S:"You really teach that much?"
Me:"Yeah"
S:"You really should learn to relax"
If only, kid....if only I could.
#EduSky #Courses
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Val from OptimaXR.ai came to introduce Engage VR to 7th Gd.
They're now making new worlds where anything is possible. It all begins with the "What if..." of speculative fiction then become worlds to explore.
Thank you Val, for being an amazing expert.
#EduSky #VRAREdu
They're now making new worlds where anything is possible. It all begins with the "What if..." of speculative fiction then become worlds to explore.
Thank you Val, for being an amazing expert.
#EduSky #VRAREdu
February 2, 2026 at 8:46 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Val from OptimaXR.ai came to introduce Engage VR to 7th Gd.
They're now making new worlds where anything is possible. It all begins with the "What if..." of speculative fiction then become worlds to explore.
Thank you Val, for being an amazing expert.
#EduSky #VRAREdu
They're now making new worlds where anything is possible. It all begins with the "What if..." of speculative fiction then become worlds to explore.
Thank you Val, for being an amazing expert.
#EduSky #VRAREdu
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Some students discovered ping & traceroute. Python class became an impromptu Networking & Security class.
S:"Why don't you teach a hacking class?"
Me:"It's the one thing I'd teach you that I don't want you to use, that you would actually use "
#EduSky #HackerClass?
S:"Why don't you teach a hacking class?"
Me:"It's the one thing I'd teach you that I don't want you to use, that you would actually use "
#EduSky #HackerClass?
January 30, 2026 at 7:57 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Some students discovered ping & traceroute. Python class became an impromptu Networking & Security class.
S:"Why don't you teach a hacking class?"
Me:"It's the one thing I'd teach you that I don't want you to use, that you would actually use "
#EduSky #HackerClass?
S:"Why don't you teach a hacking class?"
Me:"It's the one thing I'd teach you that I don't want you to use, that you would actually use "
#EduSky #HackerClass?
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome For whatever reason, I am acutely aware of the power of interdependence in education. Connecting with other teachers, sharing insights with students, letting parents know their students are incredible people, learning from others what I don't know.
#EduSky #SocialEnergy
#EduSky #SocialEnergy
a group of avengers assemble in a circle with their hands together
ALT: a group of avengers assemble in a circle with their hands together
media.tenor.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:02 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome For whatever reason, I am acutely aware of the power of interdependence in education. Connecting with other teachers, sharing insights with students, letting parents know their students are incredible people, learning from others what I don't know.
#EduSky #SocialEnergy
#EduSky #SocialEnergy
#TodausMomentOfAwesome 2017 I taught Python chat bot scripts & a student made a chatbot of 7 southern states.
2026 new students have taken that example, boosted the data to include all 50 states.
I love seeing the way students inspire each other, even if they never meet.
#EduSky @python.org
2026 new students have taken that example, boosted the data to include all 50 states.
I love seeing the way students inspire each other, even if they never meet.
#EduSky @python.org
January 28, 2026 at 8:12 PM
#TodausMomentOfAwesome 2017 I taught Python chat bot scripts & a student made a chatbot of 7 southern states.
2026 new students have taken that example, boosted the data to include all 50 states.
I love seeing the way students inspire each other, even if they never meet.
#EduSky @python.org
2026 new students have taken that example, boosted the data to include all 50 states.
I love seeing the way students inspire each other, even if they never meet.
#EduSky @python.org
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 5th graders are working on their VR book reports. It's fascinating to see them collaborate to represent one scene from a book. They are doing such great work bringing literature to life & exploring design software.
#EduSky #TechLiterature #CreatorsNotConsumers
#EduSky #TechLiterature #CreatorsNotConsumers
January 27, 2026 at 10:09 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 5th graders are working on their VR book reports. It's fascinating to see them collaborate to represent one scene from a book. They are doing such great work bringing literature to life & exploring design software.
#EduSky #TechLiterature #CreatorsNotConsumers
#EduSky #TechLiterature #CreatorsNotConsumers
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome MidPoint check ins Immersive Worlds.
"What if everything in the world was made of chocolate?"
"What if Climate Change caused us to live underwater?"
"What if human tribes were associated with elements?"
I cannot wait to go explore these worlds!
#EduSky @delightex.com
"What if everything in the world was made of chocolate?"
"What if Climate Change caused us to live underwater?"
"What if human tribes were associated with elements?"
I cannot wait to go explore these worlds!
#EduSky @delightex.com
January 23, 2026 at 8:09 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome MidPoint check ins Immersive Worlds.
"What if everything in the world was made of chocolate?"
"What if Climate Change caused us to live underwater?"
"What if human tribes were associated with elements?"
I cannot wait to go explore these worlds!
#EduSky @delightex.com
"What if everything in the world was made of chocolate?"
"What if Climate Change caused us to live underwater?"
"What if human tribes were associated with elements?"
I cannot wait to go explore these worlds!
#EduSky @delightex.com
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 6th Grade Design Studio interviewed clients, the Athletic Department regarding chocolate design. Possible use cases are for awards banquets, volunteer appreciation, athlete signing days.
They were sharp, professional & I'm immensely proud of them
#EduSky #ChocolateDesign
They were sharp, professional & I'm immensely proud of them
#EduSky #ChocolateDesign
January 22, 2026 at 9:46 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome 6th Grade Design Studio interviewed clients, the Athletic Department regarding chocolate design. Possible use cases are for awards banquets, volunteer appreciation, athlete signing days.
They were sharp, professional & I'm immensely proud of them
#EduSky #ChocolateDesign
They were sharp, professional & I'm immensely proud of them
#EduSky #ChocolateDesign
I long for the day we get to do a Polaris style symposium for Education, just another thing Schools can learn from the Game Design Industry.
Time for a cup of coffee and a good read.
#EduSky #TackleTheBigProblems
Time for a cup of coffee and a good read.
#EduSky #TackleTheBigProblems
It's the Polaris 2025 reports! They've come! They're here! It's a bumper crop of five, count'em FIVE papers! We got comedy, we got death, we got cringe, we got trust... something for the whole team.
Piping hot game design knowledge and insight await:
polarisgamedesign.com/reports/
Piping hot game design knowledge and insight await:
polarisgamedesign.com/reports/
January 21, 2026 at 10:54 PM
I long for the day we get to do a Polaris style symposium for Education, just another thing Schools can learn from the Game Design Industry.
Time for a cup of coffee and a good read.
#EduSky #TackleTheBigProblems
Time for a cup of coffee and a good read.
#EduSky #TackleTheBigProblems
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome A colleague sent me notes about Hardware Architecture, I had these students 4 years ago. The pool of talent is amazing!
His list of projects & concepts will give them a challenge but I am confident they will rise to them 😁
#EduSky #LegacyOfAwesomeness #TheGallowaySchool
His list of projects & concepts will give them a challenge but I am confident they will rise to them 😁
#EduSky #LegacyOfAwesomeness #TheGallowaySchool
January 21, 2026 at 10:51 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome A colleague sent me notes about Hardware Architecture, I had these students 4 years ago. The pool of talent is amazing!
His list of projects & concepts will give them a challenge but I am confident they will rise to them 😁
#EduSky #LegacyOfAwesomeness #TheGallowaySchool
His list of projects & concepts will give them a challenge but I am confident they will rise to them 😁
#EduSky #LegacyOfAwesomeness #TheGallowaySchool
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
S:"Can I show the flow chart for my game?"
Me:"Sure, of course!"
S:*unfurls 3 pages taped together to make long in-depth flowchart*. "so it starts up here with the main character..."
This is why I teach... so students get to flex their creativity
#EduSky #FlowchartsRock
S:"Can I show the flow chart for my game?"
Me:"Sure, of course!"
S:*unfurls 3 pages taped together to make long in-depth flowchart*. "so it starts up here with the main character..."
This is why I teach... so students get to flex their creativity
#EduSky #FlowchartsRock
January 20, 2026 at 8:19 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome
S:"Can I show the flow chart for my game?"
Me:"Sure, of course!"
S:*unfurls 3 pages taped together to make long in-depth flowchart*. "so it starts up here with the main character..."
This is why I teach... so students get to flex their creativity
#EduSky #FlowchartsRock
S:"Can I show the flow chart for my game?"
Me:"Sure, of course!"
S:*unfurls 3 pages taped together to make long in-depth flowchart*. "so it starts up here with the main character..."
This is why I teach... so students get to flex their creativity
#EduSky #FlowchartsRock
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Immersive World class is a blend of Literature, AI, and UX psychology so students can create worlds then walk around in them in VR.
Student said "What if the world is made entirely from building bricks?" 🤔
One of the Gemini generated images is below.
#EduSky
Student said "What if the world is made entirely from building bricks?" 🤔
One of the Gemini generated images is below.
#EduSky
January 14, 2026 at 8:06 PM
#TodaysMomentOfAwesome Immersive World class is a blend of Literature, AI, and UX psychology so students can create worlds then walk around in them in VR.
Student said "What if the world is made entirely from building bricks?" 🤔
One of the Gemini generated images is below.
#EduSky
Student said "What if the world is made entirely from building bricks?" 🤔
One of the Gemini generated images is below.
#EduSky
Reposted by Mark Gerl
Teach #gamestudies?
Study #videogames?
There is a repository of over 200 videos on the Psychgeist YouTube channel!
www.youtube.com/psychgeist
Study #videogames?
There is a repository of over 200 videos on the Psychgeist YouTube channel!
www.youtube.com/psychgeist
Psychgeist
Where science, video games, and pop culture meet.
Hosted by Dr. Rachel Kowert, a psychologist and game researcher, this channel breaks down the science behind your favorite games, shows, and fandom...
www.youtube.com
January 12, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Teach #gamestudies?
Study #videogames?
There is a repository of over 200 videos on the Psychgeist YouTube channel!
www.youtube.com/psychgeist
Study #videogames?
There is a repository of over 200 videos on the Psychgeist YouTube channel!
www.youtube.com/psychgeist
Reposted by Mark Gerl
Tech frees us from the paradigm that every kid needs to be doing the same thing at the same time.
#edtech #TeacherTech #EduSky
#edtech #TeacherTech #EduSky
January 9, 2026 at 7:02 PM
Tech frees us from the paradigm that every kid needs to be doing the same thing at the same time.
#edtech #TeacherTech #EduSky
#edtech #TeacherTech #EduSky