Tackling Absenteeism and Boosting Engagement with Kai XR: Insights from Ms. Warren

Meeting the Challenges of Modern Classrooms

According to a Gallup study, only 47% of students in grades 5 through 12 report feeling engaged with school. This highlights the growing challenge educators face in fostering meaningful connections with students.

Educators today face a daunting task: engaging students who are often unmotivated and disconnected. For Ms. Portrice Warren, a seasoned facilitator in Birmingham City Schools with over 30 years of teaching experience, these challenges are all too familiar.

One of the biggest challenges I face is finding material that's relevant—meeting my students where they are. Coming off a pandemic, it's been tough to reengage middle schoolers who face so many distractions.

Absenteeism: A Persistent Problem

Absenteeism and truancy have compounded these challenges, with many schools struggling to keep students present and engaged. Ms. Warren shared how traditional approaches often fall short:

Students need something that sparks their curiosity and gives them a strong purpose for wanting to be in the building. Kai XR is designed to do just that—with immersive, high-quality instructional materials that have become a game-changer in my classroom.

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Kai XR: A Tool for Engagement and Attendance

Ms. Warren first discovered Kai XR through a professional development workshop.

I was in awe, Kai XR is exactly what my students needed. It’s designed to meet students where they are—in a space they’re familiar with—gaming and creating.

Since implementing Kai XR, Ms. Warren has seen a notable shift in student enthusiasm and participation. "There are times when students will ask, 'Ms. Warren, are we going to do a Kai XR lesson today?' They even show me things they've been working on independently, which is incredible," she said.

From Bell Ringers to Sub Plans: Versatile Classroom Integration

Kai XR’s flexibility has allowed Ms. Warren to integrate it seamlessly into her daily teaching routines.

I use [Kai XR] for everything—bell ringers, small group activities, introducing new concepts, and even when I’m out of the classroom and have a substitute. It’s a reliable tool that keeps students productive and engaged, even in my absence.

The platform’s collaborative features also enhance group projects, allowing students to share their unique strengths and learn from one another. "The collaboration mode is priceless," Ms. Warren noted.

[Kai XR] helps students build 21st-century skills like problem-solving and teamwork while reinforcing respect and focus

Real-World Learning: The Kenya Windmill Lesson

One standout example of Kai XR’s impact is an Adventure called, “Windmills: Clean Energy For a Brighter Future”, which focused on Kenyan windmills and renewable energy. "The platform Adventure allowed my students to explore a real Kenyan village, learn about the culture, and dive deep into concepts like renewable and non-renewable resources," Ms. Warren shared. "They then applied what they learned to build their own models of a Kenyan village."

[Kai XR’s] hands-on, immersive approach helped students connect with the material in meaningful ways. Seeing them design and create was special. It laid a solid foundation for deeper learning and application.

A Solution for Chronic Absenteeism

Ms. Warren believes that Kai XR has the potential to address absenteeism and truancy by giving students a reason to look forward to school.

[Kai XR] motivates students and gives them a sense of accomplishment. They love showing off their work and learning from their peers. It creates a built-in collaboration that makes them want to be present.

Why Teachers Should Choose Kai XR

When asked if she would recommend Kai XR to other educators, Ms. Warren didn’t hesitate. "Yes, absolutely," she said.

[Kai XR]  brings 21st-century learning into the classroom, serves as a motivator, and allows students to make real-world connections. True learning happens when students can see themselves in the lesson.

Kai XR has not only transformed Ms. Warren’s teaching but also rekindled her students’ love for learning. "It’s a tool that takes teaching and learning to the next level," she concluded.

Ready to Transform Your Classroom?

Discover how Kai XR can help you tackle absenteeism, boost engagement, and bring joy back to teaching. Join the growing community of educators who are making a difference—one immersive lesson at a time.

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