Bluesky: A New Kind of Social Media
BlueSky brings back the authentic connections educators once cherished on social media. With its decentralized platform, free of algorithmic manipulation, it fosters collaboration, professional growth, and meaningful conversations. Don’t miss TLSkyChat, launching December 4th, to join the conversation!
AI Tool: SchoolAI a Solution for Student AI Use?
The conversation around AI and education is often filled with fear—fear that students will cheat, plagiarize, and misuse this powerful technology, leaving teachers overwhelmed and academic integrity compromised. But what if we’re approaching AI the wrong way? Instead of keeping it locked in metaphorical dark rooms, whispered about but not fully addressed, what if we brought it into the light? Imagine AI as more than a threat—what if it became a trusted partner in education? Tools like **SchoolAI** are already paving the way, offering safe, customizable, and transparent solutions for teaching and learning. With features like personalized chatbots, innovative tools…
Play, Learn, Connect: Bringing the Power of Games to Your Library or Classroom
Did you know that November is International Gaming Month? When I was in the district, I taught a gaming course and brought board games into study halls as a way to help students connect, unwind, and think critically—all while having fun. With students often experiencing too many study halls and a decline in homework, they’re left with time to fill and a need for real, meaningful engagement. Board games are a simple but powerful way to build connections, and they offer an alternative to screens that actually gets students talking, strategizing, and even laughing together. What’s great is that study…
The Case for AI in Schools
Curious about how AI is reshaping our classrooms—and why every school needs clear rules to keep it in check? A recent lawsuit in Massachusetts shows just how high the stakes can be. When a student was penalized for using AI in a project, the lack of clear guidelines led to unexpected consequences. Discover why bringing AI “into the light” with a transparent Code of Conduct can protect students, support teachers, and prevent confusion down the line. Ready to dive in? Find out what every educator needs to know.
Is AI the New Napster?
Curious about the wild frontier of AI and how it echoes the early, chaotic days of Napster and torrent sites? Imagine a world where AI, fueled by endless data—including copyrighted content—generates art, music, and stories without clear rules or permissions. From lawsuits against AI companies to concerns about deep fakes and content creators’ rights, we’re at a tipping point that could reshape the future of creativity and information. Dive into this article to explore the ethical questions and the urgent need for regulation that could either harness AI’s potential—or let it run wild.
Canva Updates: Droptober is HERE!
Canva just dropped a massive update, and trust us—you don’t want to miss this! From the new Dream Lab AI image generator to automatic page numbers (finally!), Canva’s latest features are designed to make your work easier, faster, and more impactful. Imagine creating stunning visuals in seconds, adding page numbers with a click, and designing accessible, on-brand video captions—all within Canva! Plus, the Teacher Work Kit is packed with templates and resources to take your lesson planning to the next level. 🌟 Ready to see how these tools can transform your classroom or library? Dive in and discover what’s new!
AI Tool: Curipod
Curipod combines the interactive power of Pear Deck with new AI-driven features that boost engagement in fresh, meaningful ways. Students move from passive listeners to active participants, voting on questions, polls, and even topics to explore next. The built-in **AI Feedback** feature offers instant suggestions, encouraging students to refine and improve their responses on the spot. Curipod turns traditional learning moments into interactive, customized experiences, helping students feel seen, heard, and involved as they shape each lesson alongside you.
Making Magic in the Secondary School Library with Monthly Missions
Tired of seeing bored students during study hall? Looking for fresh ways to get them excited about visiting the library? In this post, I’ll share creative monthly challenges that I’ve used to transform my school library into a hub of activity and imagination. From turning a ghost into a famous book character in October to building epic summer reading stacks in June, these simple yet impactful ideas will inspire students to engage, create, and explore—all while keeping your library lively and fun. Curious? Dive in to discover how you can bring these exciting activities to your own library!
Flip, Flash, and Flourish: Flippity’s Formula for Fun-Filled Learning
Flippity has long been a favorite tool for educators looking to bring more interactivity and engagement into the classroom. With its latest updates, including multimedia flashcards, a vintage video game quiz, and a customizable board game creator, Flippity continues to offer flexible, fun ways to elevate learning. What makes Flippity truly stand out is its ease of use—no coding required. Teachers can simply copy and paste their content into pre-made Google Spreadsheet templates, allowing for quick and simple customization. From embedding YouTube videos and audio into flashcards to turning content into competitive quizzes, Flippity’s tools help chunk information into digestible,…
EDU AI Tool: NotebookLM
Looking for a smarter, more flexible way to learn or teach? Google’s NotebookLM, launched in 2023, is an AI tool that turns articles, videos, and PDFs into personalized, conversational podcasts! Imagine summarizing all your educational resources into a podcast you can listen to while commuting, exercising, or just relaxing. Whether you’re an educator creating dynamic lesson content or a student juggling assignments, NotebookLM makes multitasking a breeze. Simply upload your materials, select the ones you want to summarize, and with just a few clicks, you’ll have an engaging audio overview that feels like a real conversation. Perfect for auditory learners…
