AI Tool: Brisk AI – A Powerful Tool for Educators and School Librarians
“We want people to learn and be comfortable with technologies that they might not have as much experience with, and to see the library as a safe place for that exploration,” Dr. Carla Hayden once said. This insight truly resonates now that I have discovered Brisk AI. In one seamless extension, I can integrate AI across my go-to websites, PDFs, Google Slides, and Docs—generating everything from quick assessments in Google Forms to interactive lessons drawn from YouTube. It is a genuine game-changer for my day-to-day tasks as a librarian and educator.
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!
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…
Using AI to Create DIY Decodable Texts for K-2 Classrooms: A Game-Changer for Phonics Instruction
Struggling to find enough engaging decodable texts for your K-2 classroom? You’re not alone! Many teachers face the challenge of limited budgets and a small selection of phonics-based stories, leaving young readers with repetitive materials. But what if there was an easier way to create custom, decodable stories that match your students' needs? With the power of AI tools like Project Read, you can generate fresh, tailored texts that align perfectly with popular ELA programs like UFLI, Orton-Gillingham, and CKLA. Say goodbye to stale stories and hello to personalized reading experiences that keep your students excited about learning!
AI Prompt Engineering Part 1: RECAP
Curious about how to get the most out of AI? It all starts with prompt engineering—the key to unlocking powerful, precise responses from chatbots. Whether you’re crafting lessons, answering complex questions, or just experimenting with AI, the prompts you use make all the difference. In my latest blog, I dive into a practical framework called RECAP that will take your AI interactions to the next level. From defining your role to tailoring results for specific audiences, this simple model can transform how you and your students work with AI. Ready to start refining your prompts and getting better results?
Book Review: The Infused AI Classroom by Holly Clark
I connected with Holly Clark during an AI training session, and her book, Infused AI Classroom, truly stands out. Unlike many AI books that focus on tools and tricks, Holly emphasizes pedagogy and transformative teaching techniques. This approach equips both students and educators to harness AI's full potential. Discover why Holly's insights are a game-changer for education!
Schoolai.com – Sandbox Chatbots for Students
With so many AI tools available, deciding which ones are worth your time can be challenging. In New York, using any tool with students involves ensuring data protection, which limits many options. That’s why I'm excited about Schoolai.com—no student login required! This multifaceted platform harnesses AI within a safe, controlled environment. Teachers can create custom chatbots, known as Sidekicks, to enhance learning experiences without distractions. Schoolai.com offers a practical, secure way to integrate AI into education, making it a valuable asset for any educator. Ready to explore? Create your free teacher account today!
8 Nodes of AI-Mas: AI Tools for Education Countdown
After reading a blog by Eric Curts (@ericcurts) I was inspired to create my own holiday countdown. For the last few years I have been doing it in a variety of ways. It is a lot of fun to countdown different EdTech products that could be useful in the classroom. Last year I did a Chrome-mas.
