Edtech Throwdown

Episode 173: There’s an AI For That

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown. This is episode 173 called “There’s an AI for That” In this episode, we’ll talk about some more of the many and ever evolving ways that AI is making our teacher lives easier! This is another episode you don’t want to miss. Check it out.

Segment 1: PD Reflection

Narrative: Back to school and teachers are excited to get started with the year. Several teachers asked if there is an AI tool that will do ________?

1. Brisk Teaching
2. Low Resolution Photos

Segment 2: AI Tools

AI Super-hubs

1. What ai can do today
2. AI Tools Directory
3. AIXPLORIA

Tools

1. TeacherMatic
2. TeacherMatic’s AI generators act like personal assistants for teachers. They make creating classroom materials easy by automatically making things like worksheets, quizzes, and lesson plans. Just tell the app what topic you need, and it does the rest. This way, teachers can save time and spend more of it teaching and connecting with their students.
3. 5 Free uses per day
4. Khanmigo
5. Ai Cheat Check
6. TheChecker.AI accurately distinguishes AI-generated content from authentic work with 99.7% accuracy.
7. Logofast
8. Logo maker… more like an icon maker
9. Suno
10. Fun classroom music maker
11. https://suno.com/song/0bdc9e46-f232-4940-b59f-b7a212e18b25
12. Monic.ai
13. Upload any study material, create summaries, quizzes, and flashcards in seconds, and practice with scientifically proven methods—all in one powerful platform.
14. 2,500 AI tokens (one-time)

Edtech Throwdown

Episode 172: Student Centered Learning is NOT the Same as Universal Design for Learning

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown This is episode 172 called “Student Centered Learning is NOT the Same as Universal Design for Learning” In this episode, we’ll talk about the similarities and differences between Student-Centered Learning and Universal Design for Learning as well as some best practices that support both teaching strategies! This is another episode you don’t want to miss. Check it out.

Segment 1: PD Reflection

Narrative: Kyle Wagner PD Session through the Teach Better Ambassador Program called “Simple Shifts for Student Centered Environments.

• 12 Shifts to Move from Teacher-Led to Student-Centered Environments
• https://www.kylewagner.net/
• Book: The Power of Simple: Transform your school by conquering the standards, individualizing learning, and creating a community of innovators

Segment 2: Student Centered Learning vs Universal Design for Learning

Student-Centered Learning (SCL) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) are both educational approaches that aim to enhance student engagement and success, but they have different focuses and methods. Below is a comparison of their similarities and differences:

1. Primary Focus:

• Student-Centered Learning: Focuses on student choice and autonomy. The goal is to empower students to take charge of their learning by making decisions about content, goals, and methods.

1. Goal Setting

• Universal Design for Learning: Focuses on accessibility and inclusivity. The goal is to design lessons and materials that are accessible to all students, regardless of their abilities, from the outset.

1. Strengths and Weaknesses
2. Approach to Curriculum:

• SCL: In SCL, students have significant input into the curriculum. They may choose topics of interest and set personal learning goals, leading to a more personalized learning experience.
• UDL: In UDL, the curriculum is designed with all learners in mind from the beginning. It anticipates diverse needs and provides multiple ways for students to access information, demonstrate knowledge, and stay engaged

1. Choice Board

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

Edtech Throwdown:

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

Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech Throwdown

Do us a few favors:

1. Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast
2. Apple Podcasts
3. Spotify
4. Amazon Podcasts

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

Edtech Throwdown:

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

Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech Throwdown

Do us a few...

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

Edtech Throwdown:

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

Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech Throwdown

Do us a few favors:

1. Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast

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

Do us a few favors:

1. Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast
2. Apple Podcasts
3. Spotify
4. Amazon Podcasts
5. Stitcher