iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Rainy but still great Friday at the St. James Court Art Show in Louisville. School group of 45 middle school art students toured despite the rain. Picked up fantastic art from @paperspaceship.bsky.social and @kristalserna.bsky.social as well as new pewter minis from Heekin Pewter.

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Reposted by Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC

New Video Game Advisor @newvgadvisor.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp (Mobile, 2017)

A note reads, "From the Mind of Jay: Everyone works too much. It's important to take a break every once in a while!"

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

T.C. Kemper, author of The Ginghams, returned to her former middle school to speak to a crowd of nearly 800 students! She broke down the writing and publishing process, and noted that kids (weird ones included) from anywhere can achieve dreams. Thanks, @tckemperwrites.bsky.social #MGLit #KidLit

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Banana Ball is a gift to humanity. Loco Beach Coconuts vs Indianapolis Clowns - Lexington, KY. 🌴 Huge respect/confusion to the Loco Beach staff member taking game pictures on a Nintendo 3DS.

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Picked up The Neverfear, third book in the Impossible Creatures Series by Katherine Rundell. First two books were extremely good fantasy reads with classic vibes. Lots of students loving these as recommendations. #BookSky

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Moved this guy from a potentially rough day by the elementary school playground. Tiny, great attitude. 🐍 #snake

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Backyard Velvet Ant - (Surprise, it's a wasp.) Don't remember noticing any of these any time recently. Cool to look at, not to touch. #bugsky entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef442

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Cash returning and winning with the Lizard Man after his previous defeat would be the ultimate Cinderella story comeback victory. A true and clear indicator that good times are ahead. #Vote

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

The Ginghams, a debut #middlegrade novel by TC Kemper was a recent 5 Star ⭐ read and one of my favorites this year. @tckemperwrites.bsky.social Legitimately spooky sci-fi/horror perfectly balanced for the audience, fast-paced and full of action, important themes tackled well. VERY good. #mglit

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Door Snake! 🐍 Apparently this is a thing that can happen. Imagine my surprise at seeing him in the corner of my eye coming back inside after picking up a delivery. I walked right under him. He's lucky I'm a fan. Safely extracted to the backyard.

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Following up Monday, going to show students the state-specific entomology/identification page the University of Kentucky has, and talk about the absurd amount of beetle species on the planet.

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

New students learned about the desert beetles I keep in my classroom on the first day of school. Day two, one of them brought in a pickle jar containing a beetle she rescued from drowning in a saltwater pool. Beetle is being rehabilitated with lots of good food.

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Recently watched a video on Maze: Solve the World's Most Challenging Puzzle published in 1985. Extremely cool all around. Unfortunately wayyy out of print. Digital versions exist, but this is my new #1 "need to stumble on it at a yard sale" find.

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

New niche internet fact: Actor Khleo Thomas, who played Zero 23(!) years ago in the Disney movie/book adaptation HOLES, has a custom keyblade featuring all the things. Yellow spotted lizard, tiny onion, sploosh, it even has "if only if only" etched into it.

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Silk Moth visitor hanging out early this morning.

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

The original Xbox long loading times didn't matter, (wild/weird/scary loading screens helped). Morrowind was/is one of the greatest of all time.

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

STLP Conference in Lexington hosted an impresive 20,000 attendees and 550 KY Schools this year! Really impressive seeing how big this event has become for kids in the state. So many outlets for kids interested in technology, design, creativity, art, etc. www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/04...

kentuckyteacher.org

Students engage in vibrant learning at 2026 STLP State Championship

Thousands of people fill the Central Bank Center in Lexington, home of Rupp Arena, for the 2026 Student Technology Leadership Program State Championship. Photo by Joe Ragusa, Kentucky Department of Ed...

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Neat example with @xbox.com This student streamed home design from House Flipper 2 paired up with blueprints. Streaming tech made it super easy for them to showcase their home to a live audience.

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Here's a student who went into The Sims 4 after doing her blueprints and cost analysis to build her home. Provided an awesome visual for guests to see, with details down to individual plants/landscaping and individual furniture pieces.

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

2026 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Michelle Gross has students plan, design, and build models of their dream home each year (with all the real-world math involved,) in an ultimate example of how cool math projects can be. Some built houses using favorite games #EduSky #math

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Citizens of the desert beetle tank are on the move. 🪲

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Enjoyed talking about Teaching Like a Game Designer today at #KAST26 (Even got a thumbs up from a 90s tech icon.)

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

This quarter, students are unlocking the secrets of an ancient desert pyramid while studying on our class hub. Adding puzzles and new areas to explore using Genially, and students are unlocking small story clue videos made with RPG Maker.🗝️ #gamebasedlearning #gamesineducation

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

The golden snake does sound pretty amazing.

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Reposted by Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC

Kentucky Educators for Role Playing Games @kyedrpg.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

So proud of Michelle Gross, the 2026 Kentucky Teacher of the Year who was featured in my book (alongside Sarah Parnell and @collinsclasssc.bsky.social) for her work on "The Academy" classes! #PolyhedralPedagogy #kyedrpg

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

Blue Prince developers decided the player is going to do increasingly complex math puzzles/problems every gameplay run. I hate these, but have family who love them. There's so many things in the game where it REALLY helps if you have the aid/perspective/skills of others (and that is awesome.) 🪏🐦

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

Fan of years where we get a bunch of Newberry Honor books - this group looks fantastic. 📚 #alayma

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

Middle School kids built the extremely solarpunk "New Generation City" for a school entry in the Future City competition, (they won best model!) Giant edible landscaping everywhere, hunger eliminated. Free trolleys on cool magnetic tracks. Way more cool ideas (with almost no input from me.)

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Christmas is saved thanks to the efforts of students who completed an optional seasonal challenge. Our teacher team each made a character, and Santa swooped in at the last minute to help students unlock the challenge. Fifty-nine students defeated this boss in a tricky quiz! #EduSky #Gamification

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

New Tape Day: Absolute 10/10 album music for bugs by camiidae. Thanks @turtlepalstapes.bsky.social for the excellent release + bonus stickers! 🪲🦗

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Fate conspired to send me shopping in World Market at 4PM, precisely the time an in-store hunt for gingerbread men gift cards started. Success means the Bonne Maman 24 Days of Jam Advent Calendar came home. A tiny jar of jam every single day will herald the coming of the season. 🎄

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

New arrival just in time for Thanksgiving Break... Congrats to @watsonedtech.bsky.social and @kyedrpg.bsky.social on your book! 📖 Very awesome to be one of the HUGE group of teachers you included in the book when discussing Tabletop Role-Playing Games in the Classroom! @mcfarland.bsky.social

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

Found this weekend: Marbled Orb Weaver - Pumpkin Spider while cleaning out the garage today. Looking extremely autumnal. Left it to continue its work in peace. #SpiderSky 🕷️🕸️

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

Josephine Sculpture Park - Frankfort, KY First visit and probably didn't even hit half of the park after an hour. Completely free visit and completely awesome art.

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

Thanks to Bernheim Forest for hosting students today, where we saw Kentucky autumn at it's absolute peak. Kids hiked to see the giant sculptures by artist Thomas Dambo, and learned how nature, art, and stories can all connect.🍂

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Happy Halloween! 🎃 Had students embark on a spooky mission, where they read The Tell-Tale Heart, solved puzzles, and confronted Baba Yaga to save villagers. Class had to score 80% on a repeatable mastery check "battle" over studied content to win. Halloween is always fun.

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

Stardew Valley Symphony of Seasons in Louisville at the Kentucky Center. 35 Piece Orchestra played highlights from the soundtrack to 2000+ attendees. Conductor said with 130 stops it's the largest ever video game-music related tour like this. (We had 2nd row, awesome time!) 🌽🎃

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

First time visiting Hillcrest Avenue in Louisville after learning about how crazy their yearly Halloween setup is. Still fun/impressive to walk through even in daylight. 🎃 #Halloween

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

@watsonedtech.bsky.social She mentioned trying this with KBA nominees for student interest, please pass on my recommendation that she try "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell from the 25-26 list. Book lends itself in so many ways toward setup for the type of adventure that'd work perfect.

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

The language arts teacher part of me absolutely loved reading about this librarian creating a ttrpg/novel study combo. Equally cool to hear it's happening in the county next door! #TTRPGsky

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Congratulations to Michelle Gross, the new 2026 KY Teacher of the Year! 🎉 Anyone who has worked with Michelle knows this was deserved. Really awesome when you see the hard work someone puts in every day for kids be recognized.

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

Heekin Pewter Company has an incredible booth set up at St. James Court Art Show in Louisville this weekend. Second year I've run into it and purchased his work (look at that frog!) Told me he's been playing Dungeons & Dragons for 50 Years. Definitely checkout his Etsy store! #miniatures

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

7th and 8th Grade SCMS Advance Art students attended the St. James Court Art Show today. Awesome field trip. Students interviewed artists on their process, and created works of their own. 🎨

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

Each student's completed character can be clicked to see how they are contributing to the battle, and copy/pasted to other areas of the map when the story moves elsewhere.

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

Yesterday, students used Google Forms to vote on which "Rangers" in class (students studying science,) will help on a team mission. The nominated students designed their characters today and were added on to our interactive map to battle monsters and defend their allies.🏹 #Edusky #Gamebasedlearning

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

Thank you to @kyedrpg.bsky.social for sharing the stories of teachers in KY and beyond. Honored to be mentioned, thanks for shouting out my awesome students! 🎉🎊

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

After decisions are made, students can login and see the impact their choice had on characters, setting, etc. On my side, it doesn't take long to update some elements, (and it's extremely fun both to swap things around and see what students decide.) 🎮

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Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC @collinsclasssc.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

This school year, students sign-in to our gamified learning hub and vote to make decisions that impact the story and setting of "The Academy." Starting small, as in the pictured example where students help a character choose their class, (Magician, Knight, Beastmaster, Ranger, or Bard.) #EduSky

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Reposted by Chad Collins | CollinsClassSC

American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

Summer for thousands of people in Ann Arbor, Mich., means scavenging for hidden codes around the city and voraciously reading books to collect points. It's part of an enormously popular game that's been a triumph for the public library that runs it. www.npr.org/2025/08/04/n...

npr.org

How a public library's summer game took over a Michigan city

Summer in Ann Arbor, Mich., means thousands of people hunting for hidden codes around the city and reading books to earn points. It's part of a popular game organized by the public library.

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