Edtech Throwdown

Episode 171: 6 Tools Tips and Tricks to Blast off Your School Year

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown This is episode 171 called “6 Tools Tips and Tricks to Blast off Your School Year” In this episode, we’ll talk about the end of summer time crunch and 6 of our favorite edtech recommendations to help blast off your school year! This is another episode you don’t want to miss. Check it out.

Segment 1: Intro

Narrative: Crunchtime and PD Days are here!

Segment 2: 6 Tools

Nick:

• Flaticon for AI guideline markers. Switching from noun project to flaticon. They have way more stuff. All my assignments this year will have different icons to indicate to the students how AI can be used on this type of assignment.
• Using AI as a tutor. Last night ChatGPT helped my wife learn how to reformat 7000 lines of data and then set up formulas based on that data for a work project.
• Tables in Google Sheets: With tables, you can simplify and accelerate spreadsheet building by bringing format and structure to unorganized ranges. By selecting your data range and going to Format > Convert to table, Sheets now does the heavy lifting to format and organize data with a polished design including column types, filters, color coding, dropdown menus and more.

Guise:

• Diffit has eduprotocols
• Writer Igniter https://diymfa.com/writer-igniter/
• Canvastera

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Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown This is episode 170 called “Back To School & Refreshing Your Edtech Mindset.” In this episode, we’ll talk about how we are preparing to wrap up summer and get ready for the start of the school year. An important part of this is the refreshing of our edtech mindsets - listen in to learn how we’re doing it! This is another episode you don’t want to miss. Check it out.

Segment 1:

Narrative: Getting ready to start the new school year.

Segment 2: Edtech Mindset & Opening Day Activities

• How will you be using Edtech this year? How is this different from years past?
• Nick: Focus on teaching problem solving and getting questions answered, rather than teaching how to use specific tools. So many updates all the time. Constantly changing tutorials and guides to keep up. Why! Instead, teach students to roll with these changes and use resources already there.
• Show them and provide links to website specific tech guides
• Teach them good phrases to google when it comes to tech help
• Ask AI tools for help
• Guise
• I am going to simplify and reduce the amount of tools that students use in the classroom
• Be aware of technology burnout
• 8 class periods a day 3 edtech tools per class = 24 edtech tools students may use
• What advice would you give to new and experienced teachers for using edtech this year?
• Nick: Stick with time-tested tools that have been around and are not likely to go away. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. For example, the recent locking away of Flip shows us that even popular tools can become out of reach.
• Be clear with your AI policies. Don’t be scared of the AI conversation
• What are some edtech activities/tools that you are looking forward to trying this year?
• Nick: Khanmigo for me and School.AI for my students.
• Guise
• MagicSchoolAI and Textblaze

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Edtech Throwdown

Episode 169: Edtech for Video Discussions AKA Replacers for Flip (Flipgrid)

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown This is episode 169 called “Edtech for Video Discussions - AKA Replacers for Flip”. In this episode, we’ll talk about the ever popular Flip, formerly known as Flipgrid, as it is set to transition to Microsoft obscurity. Video discussions are a valuable tool, whether you’ll have access to Flip or not and this episode will teach you about them! This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out!

Segment 1:

Narrative: I recently had a teacher ask “what do you recommend we use in place of Flipgrid next year? Flip, formerly Flipgrid is going away …kind of

Video discussions is a weird segment of edtech because it doesn’t really exist outside of Flip (flipgrid)

Replacers are tough because there really aren’t any competitors for Flip that do this exact thing.

Segment 2:

Replacer options:

1. Padlet: Popular interactive learning space.
2. Detailed description: To start posting, double-click anywhere on the board. You can then drag and drop files, paste files, or use the Save As bookmark with Padlet mini. Alternatively, click the plus icon in the lower right corner to add content. You can upload images, videos, audio files, links, or documents. Padlet can be used in many ways, from a brainstorming board to a live question bank, limited only by your imagination. You can even make it collaborative, allowing your students to expand and enhance it with their creativity. Once you're ready, hit publish to share your Padlet. It can be integrated with apps like Google Classroom and various LMS options. Additionally, Padlet can be embedded on blogs or school websites.
3. Canva Presentations and video insert. Tell Ss to click Upload and Record Yourself so they can insert their own video. Use the other presentation space for comments and discussion.
4. Whiteboards would be great for this, but in Whiteboards, when you click Upload there is not a record yourself option.
5. Wakelet still incorporates the Flip camera - will this last … hard to say. There is a free version of Wakelet, but you’ll likely want the paid version.
6. Low “tech” version: Google Slides!
7. Book Creators video option
8. See-Saw video recording options. Seesaw combines instructional tools, standards-aligned lessons, student portfolios, and inclusive communication features. Some teachers use Seesaw primarily as a place for students to share their work, and specifically encourage individual reflection and peer feedback. Seesaw becomes a place not only where student work

Edtech Throwdown

Episode 168: Leveraging Social Media for Creative Classroom Projects

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown This is episode 168 called “Leveraging Social Media for Creative Classroom Projects”. In this episode, we’ll talk about how social media inspired projects can put a creative and engaging spin on a variety of classroom projects. This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out!

Segment 1:

Narrative: What are nick and guise’s go-to social media platforms?

Having a class social media account can be a powerful motivator and a great way for some positive PR

Just so you know, Canva can be used as the edtech for ALL of these ideas, but we tried to change it up.

Segment 2:

Project ideas:

1. Make a meme project
2. Example: Generate class rules using memes, learn new vocabulary, identify the novel using memes, describe a historical event (thanks NSTA blog!)
3. Edtech: Just look them up, there are many. Meme Creator, Meme Generator and Quick Meme are some to check out.
4. Gif creation
5. Example: Create a gif that models a series of exercises for certain parts of the body. Each student gets a different muscle group or body part.
6. Edtech: Canva animations
7. Edtech: Lots of video editing platforms let you download the video as a gif
8. Historical figure instagram post
9. Example: Create an instagram post that is a series of 4 (minimum) photos of your assigned figure doing something. One of the 4 must be a “selfie” and they must all be connected to something this person MIGHT post about, were they on Insta today.
10. Edtech: Adobe Express - A great, free Canva alternative
11. Mock twitter debate
12. Example: In this project, students will participate in a mock debate as if they were on the Twitter platform (now known as X). This exercise is designed to improve writing and argumentation skills in Spanish, as well as to encourage the ability to debate respectfully in a public setting. Students will not use real Twitter but will write their posts and comments as if they were on the platform. Debate Topic: "Should cities implement more bike lanes to encourage bicycle use?"
13. Edtech: Create a template in Google slides that has images from real X posts with the words remove. Students insert text boxes on top of those blank spaces.
14. At home science tik tok video
15. Example: Create a 1 minute to 3 minute (tiktok times) at-home science video and explain what is going on in the caption. For example, Slime is popular right now. Make the slime, film it, write a brief caption that explains the...

Edtech Throwdown

Episode 167: The Great Debate 12 Teaching Strategies and Their Place in Education (Part 2)

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown This is episode 167 called “The Great Debate 12 Teaching Strategies and Their Place in Education (ParT 2)”. In this episode, we’ll talk about the current teacher practices and whether they are still relevant in education! This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out!

Segment 1:

Narrative: It's time to reflect on some of the most used teaching practices and discuss whether they are still relevant

Segment 2:

PART 1:

1. Lecture: The traditional method of teaching where the instructor delivers information to students through verbal presentation.
2. Blended Learning: an educational strategy that combines multiple teaching methods to help students learn more effectively. It usually combines traditional classroom instruction with digital learning, but can also include other face-to-face and online activities.
3. Case Study: Presenting real-life scenarios or situations for students to analyze and apply their knowledge to problem-solving.
4. Project-Based Learning: Engaging students in hands-on projects that require them to apply their knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems.
5. Problem-Based Learning: Presenting students with authentic, complex problems to solve, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
6. STEM Learning: Stem education focuses on practical application, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world scenarios. Students engage in hands-on projects that mirror actual challenges they may encounter in their future careers.

PART 2:

1. Narrative: using scenarios or a narratives to lead a class project
2. Flipped Classroom: Reversing the traditional learning model by having students review instructional materials at home and using classroom time for discussions and activities.
3. Discussion: Facilitating class discussions to encourage active participation and critical thinking among students.
4. Debate/Argumentation: Small groups simultaneously
5. Gamification: Incorporating game elements, such as competition, rewards, and challenges, into the learning process to increase student engagement and motivation.
6. Independent Study

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Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown This is episode 166 called “The Great Debate 12 Teaching Strategies and Their Place in Education Part 1 ”. In this episode, we’ll talk about the resources that we’ll be exploring while on this year’s summer vacation! This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out!

Segment 1:

Narrative: It's time to reflect on some of the most used teaching practices and discuss whether they are still relevant

Segment 2:

1. Lecture: The traditional method of teaching where the instructor delivers information to students through verbal presentation.
2. Blended Learning: an educational strategy that combines multiple teaching methods to help students learn more effectively. It usually combines traditional classroom instruction with digital learning, but can also include other face-to-face and online activities.
3. Case Study: Presenting real-life scenarios or situations for students to analyze and apply their knowledge to problem-solving.
4. Project-Based Learning: Engaging students in hands-on projects that require them to apply their knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems.
5. Problem-Based Learning: Presenting students with authentic, complex problems to solve, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
6. STEM Learning: Stem education focuses on practical application, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world scenarios. Students engage in hands-on projects that mirror actual challenges they may encounter in their future careers.

Edtech Throwdown:

Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.

Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech Throwdown

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Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown This is episode 165 called “Edtech Resources for the Summer”. In this episode, we’ll talk about the resources that we’ll be exploring while on this year’s summer vacation! This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out!

Segment 1:

Narrative: Summer time talk

Segment 2:

Guise’s Books

• Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
• In the U.S. Marines during mealtime, Sinek explains, it’s common for the highest ranking officers to fix their plates last. This not only ensures everyone on the team is fed, but sends an important message: Leaders look after their people first. But Sinek’s people-first approach is only one component of a larger narrative that includes segments on creating a safe environment within your organization—he refers to this as the “Circle of Safety”—and the surprising impacts of what he calls “selfless chemicals” like serotonin and oxytocin on leadership style.

Nick’s Books

• Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity by Michael Hernandez: The book:
• Shows how to create uncheatable assessments through student-created story projects
• Helps educators create meaningful learning experiences by integrating edtech tools and storytelling into their curriculum.
• Shows how storytelling can help students activate higher-level thinking to conduct research, process ideas and information, and share the synthesis of these ideas with an audience.
• Illustrates how digital storytelling can help develop a mindset of collaboration, mental agility and resilience.
• Presents student examples, teacher case studies and sample lessons to demonstrate how to integrate student stories into curriculum in authentic ways.
• Offers flexibility, through sample projects that vary in degree of difficulty, so teachers can choose the best option based on their resources and unique situation.
• Schoolishness: Alienated Education and the Quest for Authentic, Joyful Learning by Susan D. Blum (Author)
• In Schoolishness, Susan D. Blum continues her journey as an anthropologist and educator. The author defines "schoolishness" as educational practices that emphasize packaged "learning," unimaginative teaching, uniformity, constant evaluation by others,...

Edtech Throwdown

Episode 164: How to Combat AI Misuse in Your Classroom

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown This is episode 164 called “How to Combat AI Misuse in Your Classroom”. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to plan your classroom with a positive and pro-active approach to AI use! This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out!

Segment 1:

Narrative: Teachers questioning student work.

So let’s take a break while we go ask ChatGPT to write this episode for us, so that when we come back we can talk about how to deal with these issues in a positive and proactive way.

Segment 2:

1. Avoid The “Reactive” Approach
2. Don’t find yourself halfway through the year and angry because you can tell that a significant percentage of your students just used a chat bot to write their responses.
3. Set Clear Expectations (Be Proactive):
4. Syllabus Statement
5. Could align with a school policy if that is already established
6. Introductory days AI discussion
7. Ask students to share what they think about AI. Let them discuss, consider, and reflect.
8. Generate class rules together, almost like norms
9. Give them examples from real life where AI might be allowed, and then not allowed.
10. In college, they would likely see similar rules, where using AI to write for you is likely considered academic dishonesty and you would get expelled.
11. In life, you might use AI to begin the process of writing a best mans speech you need to give.
12. In a career, you might use it to plan out some talking points for an upcoming meeting or make an email sound more professional.
13. Assignment/Project Expectations
14. Clearly state acceptable/unacceptable uses of AI
15. Have some pre-written templates for different types of assignments and what types of AI-use might be acceptable. This way you can easily copy and paste them into assignment descriptions as needed.
16. Promote Positive Communication
17. Let students know that you aren’t out to “Catch Them”
18. Expose them to current AI literature
19. 8 Things Students Should know about AI by Ben Klieger
20. Best Practices
21. Show examples of good use of AI
22. Show examples of how you can tell the usage of AI
23. Turnitin AI Detection
24. Chrome Extensions
25. Draftback
26. Revision History
27. Clear expectations and detailed process
28. You may use AI for ____ purpose.