David Lee EdTech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXGvn_vKFKw Korea was where my teaching journey started. Being here reminds me of Neil Gaiman’s concept of "the Mountain" —that distant goal that guides every decision we make. Korea was the start of my path toward my mountain. Looking back, I realize two things defined my early 20s. First, luck plays a huge role . I came to South Korea at 23 to teach English. By pure chance, the academy I chose was in the same building as an international school. I walked upstairs, asked about positions, and that serendipitous moment launched my international teaching career. Second, accountability forces growth . I was hired as a computer teacher despite knowing very little about technology. As Johnny Harris says, high accountability forces you to learn . I had to convince the administration I could do the job, then frantically upskill. That pressure is exactly what jumpstarted my journey into EdTech, Project-Based Learning and STEM education. To young educat...

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QnsV9pDKZs&feature=youtu.be ecently, I had the chance to do exactly that when my colleague, Gabe Haydu, introduced me to a team of 5th graders who wanted to build a hexacopter drone. Here is the catch: I had never built a drone in my life. But I realized this was the perfect opportunity to show students that you don’t need to be an expert to tackle a complex challenge—you just need passion, persistence, and a growth mindset. The Reality Check We bought a QWinOut F550 Drone Kit and started the build. However, we hit a wall almost immediately. I had made two unfair assumptions: that the students knew how to collaborate effectively, and that they possessed project management skills. We had to pause the build to build the team. We established collaboration norms—like "mistakes are okay as long as you learn from them" and "communicate feelings productively." We also developed a concrete Action Plan to track goals, resources, and ti...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GduxJVcet8c Too often in schools, valuable data sits in silos — locked in spreadsheets or isolated within specific departments. But what happens when we use that information to fuel collaboration rather than just reporting? That is the focus of the Data in Schools Conference . We are gathering educators to explore how we can move from “data-rich but information-poor” to truly actionable, team-based decision-making. This isn’t just about complex algorithms. It’s also about: Breaking down silos: Creating systems where insights are shared across grade levels and departments. Fostering teamwork: Using data as a neutral starting point for difficult conversations about student support. Real-world application: Learning from peers who are already using data to drive tangible improvements in teaching and outcomes. If you are looking for strategies to harness the power of data for the benefit of all students — and want to connect with a community doing the same —...

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgvHMrQ6Vq8 Deion Sanders famously said, “If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good.” I felt that extra boost after getting a fresh cut, but as I sat in the chair, I realized I was walking away with more than just a haircut—I was witnessing a masterclass in design. The place was K-Cuts here in Singapore. At first glance, it’s a budget option: 10 to 15 minutes, cost-effective ($12 SGD), and no-frills. But when I looked closer, I saw that everything was designed with extreme intention. I noticed the payment kiosk that eliminated queue friction. I saw the individual closets for customer belongings, the UV sterilizers for tools, and the ingenious vacuum system at the floor base that let stylists sweep away hair in a second. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about removing every non-essential barrier to create efficiency for both the customer and the employee. Design is Problem Solving We often confuse "design" w...

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dPwynLRQMo "Cheeseburger Kid." Known for his agility and daring aerial maneuvers, his performance was a masterclass in athleticism, theatrics, and storytelling. As I watched the spectacle unfold—from the high-flying moves to the intense rivalries—I had a thought: What if a group of students decided to create their own wrestling entertainment event? If safety and student well-being were the top priority, I believe this would be the ultimate Project-Based, Transdisciplinary Learning experience. Authenticity in Design : I love designing learning experiences that are as authentic as possible. To hone this skill, I often examine real-world projects to see how academic knowledge is applied to produce a tangible outcome. A wrestling event is the perfect case study. It all starts with a Challenging Question: “How might we produce a wrestling entertainment event for the community?” This central focus motivates students to engage in sustained inquiry...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe9bv9w5-o0 In this conversation, Joyce Pereira and I dive into the innovative KoLAB program —a unique STEM and project-based learning (PBL) initiative that blends transdisciplinary pedagogy with real-world challenges. I share insights into the program's foundational principles, including its focus on authentic contexts and applied learning practices, while we explore its impact on students and educators alike. We also discuss thoughtful strategies to breathe new life into the program, from aligning with community needs to integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainability goals. Whether you're an educator, program designer, or STEM enthusiast, this episode offers inspiration and actionable recommendations for creating transformative learning experiences. Let’s reimagine the future of STEM and PBL education together! Joyce Pereira inkedin.com/in/joycelourencopereira