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Where can I send a Santa letter?

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Santa is central to the fun and wonder of Christmas, and the child’s letter to Santa is a great way to start the festive season off in style. This letter may be seen as a wish-list, allowing a child to detail some of the toys, games or items they want for Christmas, but it is about a lot more than that.

A Christmas letter to Santa is something most of us have experienced, and we consider it to be a tradition that we want to pass on. Whether you think the build-up to Christmas starts too early or not, there is a lot to be said for making sure your loved one falls in love with the festive season, and this letter is just the start of the process.

Where should you send your letter to Santa?

In the United Kingdom, the Royal Mail provides a helpful service for children to receive a letter from Santa, as long as you send an initial letter to Santa. The address to reach Santa Claus is Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ.

The Royal Mail service is a great feature, and it is one that has helped many children enjoy the festive season even more. However, it is a limited service, and there is a lack of personalisation to the letter. This is to be expected, and it isn’t a criticism of a service that has brought great joy to many people, households and families over the years.

Of course, it is possible to engage with Santa in a more engaging manner way these days, and if you want to enjoy a Santa letter that is highly personalised for your kids, you have more options to consider.

A personalised letter from Santa is a brilliant gift

Lapland Mailroom is the perfect example of where you can send a Santa letter, ensuring you receive a personalised message for your loved one. Whether you want to remind your child that they should be naughty rather than nice, or you want to congratulate them for their great behaviour, you can do so.

With a personalised letter which mentions other family members and elements of your child’s life, there is a far more engagement for your child. The message from Santa will always be a nice touch, but when it reminds your child of the many people in their life who love them and look out for them, it becomes a crucial part of Christmas.

A happy and joyous Christmas isn’t just about the big day, and it isn’t just about presents. If you are looking to ensure your kids enjoy the Christmas traditions you loved, while helping them to make the most of the season, there are plenty of things you can do to make the time of year more magical.

A personalised letter from Santa is just a small component of the festive season, but in years to come, it will likely be one of the most significant memories your child has of this time of year. Make sure you check out Lapland Mailroom and enjoy the best range of personalised Santa letters.

 

5 ways online tuitions are boosting learning for weaker students

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Online tuition is a buzzword these days in the educational community and rightly so! More and more students are turning to online tuition at home for learning flexibly, conveniently and at their own pace. Paucity of time is a major factor propelling growth of online tutoring solutions tailored for students across grades and educational levels.

Additionally, weaker students tend to gravitate towards online tuition since it fosters convenient and flexible private learning which helps them learn at their own pace without having to keep up with the rest, something that is undoubtedly essential. One-on-one private online tuition is steadily emerging as the best learning alternative for weaker students. The online learning concept has manifested itself hugely over the last few years with close to 3 million learners being enrolled in diverse online learning modules or taking at least one online learning course as a part of their degrees.

Here are the top 5 ways in which online tuitions are boosting learning for students who are weaker-

  1. They are more affordable – Online tuition is mostly affordable for weaker students who need more time and attention on an individualized basis. Getting home tuitions from tutors physically involves higher expenditure since they will charge more for travelling expenditure and also the time spent on one-on-one tuition which could have been spent teaching a whole batch together instead.
  2. They are extra convenient – Online tuitions foster greater convenience. They help weaker students get personalized attention and learn at their own pace in the comfort of their own homes without having to travel and waste more time in the bargain. Weaker students can devote time to learning at home and that too on a personalized basis. This added convenience is a major plus point by all means.
  3. Improved Contact with the Teacher – One on one tuition means that weaker students have much better contact with the tutor than others. They can easily ask question and clear doubts over lessons on online portals or Skype. This format ensures faster and better learning while also opening up a channel of communication/dialogue between tutors and their students.
  4. Additional Flexibility – Weaker students do not have to rush to compete and keep up with the rest of the class at private tuitions anymore. They can learn the subject and grasp concepts in a flexible manner at their own pace on a one-on-one personalized online tuition model. Classes can be scheduled as per the availability of the pupil and a plan is made by the tutor for covering the subject flexibly and comfortably while enhancing overall interaction with the student at the same time.
  5. They lead to higher confidence – Weaker students gain more confidence from online tuitions since they closely interact with their online tutors and build productive academic relationships. Close collaboration is possible in this format and not in larger classes and hence problem areas are discovered swiftly by teachers who can then assist weaker students overcome these hurdles flexibly and conveniently. Students who are shy and reclusive in group environments will naturally gain more confidence and learn better through private tuitions online.

As a result, taking tuitions online will help weaker students study better and build up their confidence immensely. You should always look for the right online education portal in this regard. Vedantu.com an innovative online education portal for students in India is serving a huge audience in and fulfilling its promise within the Indian students community.

What are the different career routes in digital marketing

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Our world today is constantly connected. With technology literally at our fingertips – being ‘online’ has become a way of life. In fact, digital marketing isn’t the ‘next’ big thing – it’s already here! This relatively new industry is experiencing exponential growth which opens up many opportunities if you’re seeking a career in digital marketing. And what’s more, digital marketing has become a cornerstone of a company’s overall marketing strategy – so simply put – a digital marketer is in high demand.

If you haven’t quite decided which career route in digital marketing you want to take, that’s okay. This article will cover some careers that are the most popular in digital marketing. It’s also a really great start to complete a digital marketing course so that you have a solid background and full understanding of the many aspects that make up digital marketing.

Why choose a career in digital marketing?

As the entire world becomes digitally connected more and more each day, there can be no doubt that a career in digital marketing is a great choice. The number of businesses that don’t have an online presence these days is diminishing – which is great news for a digital marketer. You’ll always be in demand. Almost every business needs to create an online presence to just stay in business, let alone to grow and prosper.

Many elements make up digital marketing. As digital marketing continues to grow so too do the many parts of what makes up digital marketing.

It’s comforting to know that there are many reasons why the demand for a digital marketer continues to grow. So, let’s take a look at the main reasons this is so.

  • E-commerce popularity – The convenience and ease of making purchases online is second to none. Busy lives are becoming busier and more consumers are enjoying this comfort. The number of e-commerce sites is mushrooming. You can buy almost anything online these days therefore a career in the complex world of e-commerce is a solid choice.
  • Number of people online rising – With more brands finding digital platforms a better way of advertising, the number of people online is rising daily. Digital marketing professionals have practically guaranteed job opportunities.
  • Cost-effectiveness – Advertising has traditionally been seen as a costly grudge expenditure. Digital marketing has changed all that. More businesses are snapping up the chance to market their brand online as it’s one of the most cost-effective methods of advertising.

The different roles within the digital marketing sphere

So, we’ve established that there are plentiful opportunities for a digital marketer and choosing a career in this industry is a wise choice.

But what job possibilities exist in digital marketing? Three are a wide range of career routes you could take, so let’s take a closer look at the possibilities.

  • Content creator – Captivating online content is not a fad. Great content is not about to fade into the background. Therefore, being able to create engaging, informative and eye-catching content is a sought after skill in digital marketing. Remember, content is ‘still’ king.
  • SEO specialist – Search engine optimisation has become quite a complex skill. Optimising a website so that it appears on the first page of the search engine results pages is key. This role is constantly evolving; therefore, an SEO specialist needs to keep up to date with new trends, tips and techniques.
  • Social media marketer – The popularity of social media continues to skyrocket. Almost every brand has a profile on at least one of the social media platforms.
  • Email marketing – Email marketing has been around for a while, yet it remains a very effective form of digital marketing.
  • Inbound marketing – As the world becomes more digitally focussed, it’s important that brands retain a certain human element to their digital marketing. Personal engagement is vital for a career in inbound marketing.
  • E-commerce specialist – Shoppers just love the convenience of making purchases online. E-commerce has become big business.
  • PPC marketing – Google Ads is a must in any digital marketing strategy, therefore pay-per-click (PPC) marketing know-how is crucial. Understanding the metrics is a sought after skill.
  • Digital analyst – Every digital marketing campaign needs analysing. Understanding the results of a campaign is key to developing ongoing digital marketing strategies.

 

5 Tips For Managing Your Ecommerce Store More Efficiently

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Managing an eCommerce store can be challenging, especially if it’s your first venture into the world of online marketplaces. Whether you’re running an online retail store, subscription service, or other eCommerce variety, these five tips are universally applicable in just about any eCommerce business. Follow these five tips for greater efficiency and success with your eCommerce store.

1. Be Mobile-Friendly

If you’re running an eCommerce platform, it’s pretty much a requirement that your site is mobile friendly. In fact, ideally, you’ll have your own app so customers don’t have to use their mobile web browsers to access your products. An app is a simple but effective way to bridge the gap between you and your customers and keep your brand at the forefront of their minds.

Mobile-friendly sites will load quickly and be responsive on mobile devices. This is important, considering that most people prefer to use their mobile devices anyway to do their online shopping. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re going to run into trouble attracting new customers and keeping your current customers engaged. Let’s be honest, a slow-loading or unresponsive site is simply too frustrating to spend much time on. Disengagement, and therefore lack of sales, will occur for your business without a mobile-friendly eCommerce site.

The best thing you can do is pay a developer to create an app for your business. That way, you can be certain your customers can access your brand and products no matter where they are. With an app, you’ll be able to offer a more customized and personal experience for your customers.

2. Chatbots

It can be difficult to reply to every inquiry your customers make when visiting your site, especially if you have thousands of users on a monthly basis. The best solution to this problem is a chatbot or an automated chat system that will pop up when customers navigate to your site. The chatbot will say something like, “how can I help you today”, which will prompt a response from the customer.

Once the bot knows what the customer is looking for or needs help with, the correct representative will be notified. With some systems, the AI handles the entire process; directing customers to the specific pages or products they’re looking for based on their feedback to the initial contact questions.

3. Streamline Your Web Design

An overly-complicated website can be both difficult to navigate and slow to load. Sites that are laden with graphics, videos, and pictures are simply ineffective in that the visual elements quickly become distracting. It’s best to keep your site design as simple as possible; you want to get your point across without employing too many details on the aesthetic side of things.

Simplicity is king when it comes to effective websites. The best websites are responsive and not oversaturated with graphics and flashing ads. If you’re not sure how to streamline a DIY design you did on a site like Wix, it’s best to just get a designer/developer. The expertise and customization these professionals can offer your site simply can’t be matched by doing it yourself.

4. Use a POS

There are dozens of options in the POS world that can help your site streamline its payment processing and better manage inventory. POS software for retail is affordable and versatile, with several built-in features that will help better your business overall and make the website much more efficient.

If you’re struggling with inventory management, or your current payment processing system isn’t working out, it’s time to make the switch. You can choose POS services like Square POS or Vend HQ for products that will meet your every need and bring a customer satisfaction guarantee along with them!

5. Pay Attention to Customer Feedback

Last, but certainly not least, you’ll want to pay close attention to customer feedback when it comes to running your store. Customers will let you know if the site is difficult to access or navigate, or if there’s something wrong with the inventory system. The customers who shop on your site have plenty of valuable insight that you can utilize to streamline the buying process and the site itself.

As with any business, the customer is the key component to your success. Therefore, you should always take any complaints (or compliments) seriously and work to address them as quickly as possible. This will help you better manage the business as a whole, and continue to promote loyalty and trust among your customers.

Conclusion

For every eCommerce store, there are steps that can be taken to improve management and help streamline operations for a more efficient store overall. Don’t forget that a professionally designed and maintained website will ensure that things stay efficient and load properly. You want your site to function as well as it looks, or else customers will more than likely disengage from the site altogether!

 

Interdependence PR – What to Watch Out For When In a Meeting With a PR Company

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My business spent a very long time looking for the right PR company before we finally settled on the amazing team at Interdependence PR, who have completely transformed our business with their expertise. During that search we learned an awful lot about PR companies and how they go about their business, and we also sat through many meetings with companies who just weren’t the right fit for us. We learned during this stage that there are many red flags to watch out for when looking to get the perfect company for your particular business. Owing to this experience I wanted to give you the skinny on a few things which you need to watch out for during your meeting with a potential public relations company.

Track Record of Success

Let’s just get one thing clear, almost every PR company who you speak to is going to be able to talk a good game, why? Because this is what industry they are in, in fact it is the least that you should expect from them. Unfortunately however there are many who can’t quite back up their words with actions and this is why you have to focus on the track record of a company. If a PR firm can show you evidence of their past successes then great, if they cannot then it may be time to look elsewhere.

Results Driven

My team and I are incredibly passionate about our company and we are absolutely committed to delivering results for the company. Understandably then we also expect the same thing from any company who will be working on our behalf, especially if that company is one which specializes in public relations. During the meeting you need to feel this from the guys sitting across the table, that they are just as committed to delivering results as you are, if you don’t feel it, you won’t do well working with this company.

Customer Service

Something which we learned after meeting with many of these companies is that many of them really lack customer service skills. Quite why this happens I am not sure, perhaps they think that we need them more than they need us. Ultimately however this is a service industry and by virtue of that you must feel a strong level of customer service towards you. If they cant get that right, how well do you think they can help your business?

Jack of All Trades

Sometimes being great at many things is beneficial, when it comes to PR however you want a company who is specialized on your industry. They need to know how to speak to your market and how to strategize within it, if a PR company says that they can turn their hand to any market then you may wish to look elsewhere for a company which really specializes in what your business does.

Keep an eye out for these items when you have a meeting with a PR firm.

 

First American Home Warranty Reviews – Tips on Protecting Your Home From The Elements

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If you live in an area which is prone to natural disasters then it is absolutely crucial that you have done all that you can to make sure that your property has the protection which is needs. Surprisingly not enough people focus on this and I was reading some of the First American Home Warranty reviews recently, where so many remarked on the quality of the service, but also highlighted their own lack of preparation for a natural disaster. You only need to look at how the wildfires in California ravaged so many properties, to see just how important this is. You can never guarantee your property’s safety against the elements, but there are things that you can do to increase your protection.

Home Warranty

A home warranty will protect items in the home such as your plumbing and electrics, your HVAC system and your vehicles outside the home. Getting good home warranty is easy to do and you just need to get online, compare the best deals for buyers, check out what people are saying in the reviews and find the most suitable plan for your particular needs.

Home Insurance

Insurance is different from the warranty as this protects against damage to your home, including structural damage. A good home insurance policy should be one which protects against natural disasters, one which offers a low excess and maximum payout and one which offers reasonable monthly premiums. You should also look for a reputable company with good customer service, and one with experts of the insurance industry working for them.

Additional Protection

There are also things which you should be doing in the home to maximize protection.

Hurricanes – Hurricane shutters are a vital purchase and you should also look to make sure that your garage door is strong and reinforced. Another purchase which you should look to make is hurricane straps which will help to support the structure of the property.

Earthquakes – You must ensure that your property is able to withstand an earthquake of 9.0, this is the largest ever recorded. Within the home you need to focus on securing the cabinets and fittings in the home to be sure that they won’t fall and break if an earthquake hits. When attaching anything to a wall you have to ensure that you are using heavy duty screws and fittings so that it won’t budge.

Floods – Elevating your kitchen appliances and your electrical items off the floor will help you t minimize the damage which a flood can do, as well as helping you to avoid secondary issues like fire.

Wildfires – Make sure that there is an exclusion zone around the property, this zone shouldn’t have anything in it which could potentially catch fire, as this will then set fire to the property. Be sure that everyone knows why this zone is here and the importance of keeping it clear.

You can never completely avoid damage but there are some things which you can be doing in order to minimize it.

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TaxAudit Reviews Two Ways the IRS May Audit You

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There are some people you’d rather never hear from if you can help it: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is one of them. However, you may end up being one of the “lucky” taxpayers who are chosen to undergo the IRS audit process. The question you may be asking yourself in this situation is “How exactly will the IRS audit me?” According to the experts at TaxAudit, which has earned a number of glowing audit defense reviews, the IRS might choose to audit you in a couple of key ways.

First, the IRS may send you what’s called a CP2000 notice. This notice matches up the documents that third parties have sent to the government about income you’ve received – such as 1099s and W-2s – with the income-related information you’ve reported on your tax return. Let’s say you missed an individual retirement account distribution; in this case, the notice you receive from the IRS will show the income-related information you reported, the information that your employer, banks, and financial institutions reported, and the amount by which these two totals differ. Then, you’ll see how much extra tax you may be required to pay. If you believe that the CP2000 notice is erroneous, you can dispute the taxes being proposed within the next 30 days.

The IRS might also decide to complete a field examination audit. Revenue agents typically use this audit method for business entities or for individuals with high incomes or complicated incomes, according to current tax audit reviews. You can expect your audit to take place at your business location or at your residence. This might seem intrusive, but fortunately, it can also save you on the time and hassle associated with reporting to an IRS office.

Facing a tax audit can no doubt be stressful. However, staying organized and consulting an audit defense firm to find out what your rights are during a tax audit may help you to more confidently complete the process.

First American Home Warranty Reviews – Tips on What You Can Do To Protect Your Home From The Elements

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A natural disaster can strike at any time and even if you do get a little bit of fair warning, it is still vital that you have done all that you can in advance to keep your home protected. We have seen the devastation which has been caused in California because of the wildfires and in Florida following a hurricane and if you live in a zone which is prone to natural disasters you have to do all that you can to maximize your protection, and here is how.

Home Warranty

Home warranty will protect the large items in your home such as your HVAC system, cars, electronics and the plumbing system in your home, all of which could be at risk after a natural disaster. When searching for the best home warranty you need to check out reviews, it was the First American Home Warranty reviews that helped to choose those guys. Compare pricing and different plans for buyers of home warranties to get the best cover and the lowest premiums.

Home Insurance

Home insurance will protect the structural integrity of your home, as well as the damage which is caused by a disaster such as water and fire damage, as well as theft. Look for a home insurance company with great reviews, solid customer service, and experts who can help you to get the right deal based on the value of your home, and the risk of an ‘act of God’.

Earthquakes – If you live in an earthquake zone then you should ensure that your building is structurally sound and solid enough to withstand an earthquake up to 9.0. Also ensure that your TV, cabinets and items in the home are well secured so that they don’t fall when an earthquake hits.

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms – Hurricane shutters are a must buy item if you live in a zone prone t hurricanes and storms, so too is a solid garage door and hurricane straps which will support the structural integrity of the property.

Wildfires – You can’t fire-proof your home and so the obvious solution here is to make sure that the fire cannot get to it. If you are able to then you should clear an exclusion zone around the property. This zone should be clear from anything like foliage that can catch fire, which in turn could set fire to the property.

Another option which you could consider that will protect you and your family from the effects of a natural disaster is to build a safe room outside the home. This room should be like a concrete shelter which will protect everyone inside it. The room can be multi-functional and you could use it for storage or as a utility-style room.

The key here is in the preparation, do that well and you can ensure that your home is protected.

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The Benefits of Studying at the American College of Acupuncture

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American College of Acupuncture is a college in Houston which specializes in the teachings of Oriental medicine and acupuncture and they offer one of the best chances to study this topic in the country. This is a college which has been widely acclaimed and which is generally considered as being the best of its type in the USA. I have recently finished the most incredible 4 year course there which saw me earn a doctorate, and it has been the most challenging but rewarding 4 years of my life. If you wish to study Oriental medicine then this is the place to do it, and here are the benefits which you can count on when you do.

Courses Available

One of the most beneficial reasons as to why this college is so greta is because they offer a wealth of courses which you can take. My four year doctorate was just one of 2 doctorates that are available at the college, they also offer 2 masters courses which take a year each. If you just want learn a little bit about Oriental medicine then you can also take advantage of the short courses which the college offers, perfect to get a taste for this topic.

Depth

Whether you take on a short course or a post-grad option you will be amazed by the depth which the courses go into. For example they will not just cover the practices, theories and techniques behind Oriental and Chinese medicine, but also the administration side of things and how you can use these ancient practices in today’s modern world.

Quality of Professors

This is a college which prides itself on being the best in the country and in order to maintain that they seek out the very finest teachers and professors for there students. Some these professors have traveled throughout Asia honing their knowledge and their techniques and others have actually come from China and other parts of Asia, to share their knowledge. The professors demand a high standard from you and in return you will learn more than you ever thought that you could about these subjects.

Real Life Experience

The theory is of course important but so too is being able to put what you are learning into practice. It is for this reason that the college has a clinic on campus which is used by members of the public, giving you the perfect chance to put your knowledge into practice.

Health and Helping

The knowledge which you learn here will make you think deeper about your own health and the type of lifestyle which you live. For my part I have changed my own lifestyle as a result and I have also been able to help my friends and my family with the things that I have learned here, from health problems to supporting them with a healthier lifestyle.

The best college to study this topic and one which will provide you with a great amount of benefits.

 

Teachers Now Integrate Online Games into Their Lesson Plans

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There are many strong proponents of the value of gaming for productivity–particularly in the education realm. A quick look at this survey shows that 15 percent of gamers surveyed reported they have played online games in a school setting. With technology becoming easier to use and more integrated into our everyday life, online games now have a place in education. They are being used more and more in classrooms where teachers are gleaning opportunities to learn and grow by allowing the students to play online games as a part of the lesson.

Terry Heick, a writer for the education blog TeachThought.com shares, “Even if you’re soundly convinced about their merit and place in learning, how can you consistently integrate them in the classroom? The 21st century classroom is about diversity–infinite possible pathways between content and students, resulting in self-directed learning as much as data-driven ‘teaching.’ Online games can be a significant part of that.”

Research for Inspiration

For educators looking for specific ways to incorporate online games into their classrooms and lessons there are many resources available. Some teachers have found benefit using Wikis to find the most popular games. These allow you to collaborate and share ideas on how to teach and integrate these games into the classroom, whether you want to focus on World of Warcraft, Minecraft, or any other games that may come to mind.

Dr. David Childs, Ph.D., Northern Kentucky University shares many resources to help social study teachers incorporate online games into their lesson plans on Democracy and Me.org. “Using online games for educational purposes is nothing new, many people of a certain generation remember Oregon Trail and early math video games of the late twentieth century. However, many teachers do not realize the incredible role online games can play in the classroom today, especially in the area of social studies,” he explains.

Real Life Examples

This 2014 blog post on using technology to teach history in the classroom goes a little deeper, “Current video games, and even some older ones, contain huge amounts of historical, geographical, and economic data that we need to find ways to use…an AP US history teacher using the game Medal of Honor helped his students understand the events surrounding D-Day and the impact they had on post-war relationships.” This particular teacher connected the game to real life and tapped into students emotions by having veterans come in and share their stories — but only after the kids had played the game and learned the language used and a bit of the geography of that time period. It had a profound effect on his students.

The National Education Association is taking notice. They recently wrote about the uptick in game-based classrooms, focusing on Gaming and Instructional Technology Specialist, Lucas Gillespie, who has a blog devoted to showing teachers how they can incorporate gaming into the classroom. “I like to use the games that my students play at home because I find they have more fun and I’m better at creating lessons through those types of games,” says Gillespie. “With that, it is important to acknowledge that there is an equity issue around getting those types of online games in the classroom. I need to have a PC, often with some decent power, to play games like Minecraft: Education Edition, Cities: Skylines, and Offworld Trading Company.”

A Different Approach

But, what if you don’t have that kind of access in your school system? Gillespie explains, “I allowed students to bring their own devices to school. Students would team up to complete the tasks together in the game using the same devices they used at home. If none of that is possible, you can still use game-based learning in the classroom by having students create their own games. Whether digitally, on free programs like Scratch, or with low/no-tech board games, having students make their own games is an awesome experience and one of my favorite assessments.”

Online gaming will surely continue to grow and evolve with technology, as will its use in the classroom. Allowing students do something immersive and interactive, such as playing online games, can provide numerous benefits in the classroom and beyond.