Edtech Throwdown

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 200: Is Google Gemini the Ultimate Educational AI?Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 200 called Is Google Gemini the Ultimate Educational AI?  In this episode, we will discuss the good and the bad of Google Gemini as we try to answer the question - is this the ultimate educational AI tool?  This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: Congrats on episode 200 - we had a plan but scheduling conflicts and a busy schedule pushes us back.We’ve been presenting like crazy and Google Gemini keeps popping up.  It does what school ai does.  It does what magic school does.  It’s “safe”.  This raises the question … is it the ultimate tool?100 Ways to Use Google GeminiSegment 2:Where is it?Find it by clicking the waffle icon of any Chrome account, it is sitting there amongst your other google appsWhy use it?Easy to find part of the google platform your school is already used toFollows the same privacy and security guidelines as other google products.  This means that if your school is already a google school, they can turn it on for both staff and students with less concern about how info is sharedExports directly into Google DocsGeneral features as of 2025Flash vs. ProGuided Learning ModeCanvas ModeImage GenerationAdding files, documents and picturesGems!Combats some downsides of AI withLearnLMDownsides:AI just became easier to access and use - the downsides are many (brain health, environmental concerns, cheating, the loss of struggle, etc)Not all students are ready and Gemini makes it so easy

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 199: Edtech Smorgasboard: 8 Cool Websites for TeachersWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 199 called Edtech Smorgasboard: 8 Cool Websites for Teachers.  In this episode, we have collected a grab-bag of intriguing websites for educators of all kinds.  Will one of these be your next digital rabbit hole?  Probably!  But there is only one way to find out though, listen in now.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: Approaching 200 episodesSegment 2:Kiddo worksheetThe term refers to educational printables designed for children, helping younger students practice basic skills like letters and numbers, and older kids with subjects like math and science. These online resources often offer free, customizable templates for parents and teachers to quickly create engaging learning materials.Radio.gardenTravel around the world AND through time, listening to various radio station recordings.  Super fascinating and could be used in a variety of history, geography, sociology projects.Tv.gardenTv.gardenis a free streaming platform that grants users access to thousands of live television channels from across the globe without requiring a subscription. You can browse streams by country or content category, making it a great tool for watching international news, sports, and entertainment.NASA’s Solar System TreksVirtual reality treks using real time data returned from nasa’s fleet of spacecraft.  You can Trek in the browser on a computer OR scan a QR and use virtual reality and your phone.  Choose a trek, scan a qr code, and explore right on your phone.Drivelisten.comDrivelisten.comis a popular web app that offers a unique virtual travel experience, allowing users to take a simulated drive, walk, or cycle through major cities worldwide. While cruising the streets, you can listen to a synchronized stream of the city's actual local radio stations, with the option to turn on road noise for a fully immersive feel.Gem...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 198: Educators as AI Guides: Crafting Resources for Families and CommunitiesWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 198 called Educators as AI Guides: Crafting Resources for Families and Communities.  In this episode, we will walk through a step by step process that educators can follow for creating AI resources that are not just for staff and students, but the community as a whole.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: We are concluding a 3 year journey that has attempted to establish AI policy, share the ai policy with staff and students, teach staff about ai, teach students about ai, and the final phase … teaching the community.One thing that still surprises me is the number of people (usually adults) who don’t use AI.  Maybe they disagree with it, maybe they don’t know where to go or what to do, or maybe they just don’t care.  But everyone has a stake in at least knowing what these tools are capable of.A local library reached out to the school district and asked if we would collaborate on creating, sharing and presenting resources from the school so that the community could learn from them AND be aware of what schools are doing with AI.This is our journey, laid out in a step-by-step manner so that it might help others trying to accomplish the same thing.Segment 2:Establish policy at the highest levels possible (board, superintendent, etc).Must start here so you have a legally backed document to fall back onThis can be slow and painfulStart identifying the stakeholder’s opinionsTeachers,StudentsAdministratorsParentsHave a focus group to help with wordsmithingIdentify proper use/misuseEstablish an “AI director” for the districtNot a new position, someone who already has a tech roleThis person is responsible for maintaining and updating the resources and plan that followsThis person may also want to recruit a small team to help them build out and present the materials (tech coaches, media specialists, etc)Create a...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 197: 10 Low-Tech Ways to Refocus StudentsWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown. This is Episode 197 called 10 Low-Tech Ways to Refocus Students. In this episode, we will talk about 10 low-tech or no-tech ideas for brain breaks, mindful moments, whatever you call them, you’ll learn some cool ways to refocus students in your classroom. This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: School OpeningOur school opening PD days focused on the importance of getting kids off screens.Funny because I’ve been hearing students for years say they still prefer pieces of paper for many things in class and that they get tired of looking at their tiny chromebook screen.This also makes sense because there are strong links to learning and handwriting. Also, have you ever tried staring at a screen for your job all day? It’s not fun.In that spirit, we collected some ideas for brain breaks / mindful moments, with a focus on low tech or no tech solutions.Segment 2: Low Tech or No Tech Brain BreaksBingo Bongo SplatYou write down a secret number on a piece of paper so you don’t forget it yourself. Can be as many digits as you want. Students take turns guessing the number. As they make a guess, you record it for all of them to see, along with the word, bingo, bongo, or splat. Check out the Tik Tok video from LifeofSteph on thisBingo=1 digit in the right placeBongo=1 digit but in the wrong placeSplat=nothing matchesReverse Simon SaysSame rules as Simon Says—but if you don’t hear “Simon says,” you should do the action. Flips their brains into focus mode.Slow Reveal GraphsSeries of images of graphs, beginning with almost no labels or information, then slowly adding more. Students share out what they think the graph is about. Their responses get more detailed and specific with each new reveal. Teaches graph skills and is fun!Bandle Phone AppWordleRemember that craze! It’s still around. Play the real NYT version or make your own at flipptyWhich doesn’t belong?4 images are shown and students must argue for which one doesn’t belong. There should be a possible reason that could be argued for each image. Start with a dessert example (chocolate layer cake, choco chip cookies, berry pie, ice cream), and then make one that fits your content. Close by having students design one. Extend this by having them present it.Story TagOne student starts a silly story with one sentence, and it goes around the room quickly. Each adds just one sentence—short and energizing.Another option: You will tell a story one word at a time. Ideally you’re in a circle on arranged in a way that’s clear which order you’ll go in. The first student starts with one word (One), then the next student comes up with another word (morning), then the next student continues (a)…Another option: You will tell a story using only questions. Ideally you’re in a circle on arranged in a way that’s clear which order you’ll go in. The first student starts: “Where did the dog go?” The next continues with: “I’m not sure, should we go look for him?”The next continues with: “Do you know where his leash is?”Upside-Down ArtistStudents have 30 seconds to doodle...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 196: Classroom Activities for the Beginning of SchoolWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 196: Classroom Activities for the Beginning of School.  In this episode, we will share 8 new and improved ideas for starting off the school year in the most fun, positive and student centered way possible.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: September is coming… back to school is approaching!Segment 2: Back to School ActivitiesGuise:Team ChallengesDesign, Build, Retrieve, CompleteClass RelayQR Scavenger HuntMinute to Win it PuzzlesSuccessful completion in under a minute gets their team a piece of the puzzleEscape RoomSurvey the class before the start of the yearAnimated Avatar Design with Canva and https://sketch.metademolab.com/Silent line-up (extreme):  Students have to line up by birth date, ABC order etc, but with built in challenges unique to your classroom like half of the people are blindfolded or an extremely short time limitSurvival Scenario:  choose ten items from a large listEdtech Throwdown: Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech ThrowdownDo us a few favors:Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon PodcastsStitcher  li...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 195: Rethinking Research: Teaching Inquiry and Integrity in the Age of AIWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 195 called Rethinking Research: Teaching Inquiry and Integrity in the Age of AI.  In this episode, we will explore how the role of a teacher must change now that AI is becoming integrated in all aspects of our lives.  Specifically, we’ll share 8 changes you can make to your classroom and assignments that will help encourage students to think creatively and critically in an age where it’s more important than ever.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: As my students completed their final projects, I started noticing something this year … all their work was very technically sound and met my project expectations almost perfectly.  Was it too perfect?Specific example:  One of the elements of my rubric references a creative title.  Usually everyone does “Chemistry of __”, but this year, they were all things like “9 Volts, 2 Electrodes, 1 Reaction: The Chemistry Behind the Charge and the Connection”.  So what suddenly happened this year for me to get such great titles?Also - When students came to me with questions about content, like the girl who needed help understanding the chemistry of Na/K pumps in cells, I found myself going to ChatGPT for the fastest resolution.  Clearly they are doing the same.Two questions arose:Is this research?Is this type of research good or bad?Segment 2: Student Research in the Age of AI1. Redefine Research as Inquiry, Not Just Information GatheringAI makes facts and summaries instantly accessible, so teachers should shift the focus from finding information to asking meaningful questions. Students should be taught that good research begins with curiosity and that AI is just one of many tools in that process.Teacher Tip: Require students to submit a “research question development log” showing how their question evolved through discussion, feedback, and exploration.2. Teach AI Literacy as Part of Research InstructionStudents need to understand how AI tools work, their limitations, and the potential for bias or misinformation. This helps them critically evaluate what AI produces instead of blindly trusting it.Teacher Tip: Have students compare AI-generated content with academic sources and reflect on differences in depth, credibility, and tone.3. Require Research Process DocumentationRather...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 194: Tech That Teaches: Hardware We Actually LoveWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 194 called Tech That Teaches: Hardware We Actually Love.  In this episode, we will go over the hardware that allows our classrooms and offices to run smoothly and efficiently.  Save time, headaches, and hopefully some money!  This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: Who doesn’t like gadgets?Segment 2:Nick’s GadgetsWorkstation Set-Up:  Use a USB splitter connected to an external monitor.  That splitter has all my “stuff” to facilitate quick connection. Connect my laptop to the monitor and then I’m also auto-connected to all my gadgets.  I use the Anker Hub 4 Ports and love it, but there are many options that are all pretty good.Second monitor!  Dell 27 inch Monitor, P2725H Full HD 1080p Computer Monitor.  If you haven’t started using a second monitor, get on it!Wacom Tablet - I like this better than a touch screen stylus because it feels more like writing on a piece of paper.  When I use the stylus, I find that it my hand accidentally clicks things on the screen, zooming in by mistake,...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 193: Check This Edtech OutWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 193 called Check This Edtech Out.  In this episode, we’ll share some edtech tools that we would use to create a specific activity for a specific purpose in our classroom.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: Segment 2:   3:50 into a long pause as we took attendanceClassroom Environment PrepIdeasPostersRulesEdtechCanvaDigital WebsitesDo Nows/Q of the Day/Exit TicketsIdeasGraph FridayWhat’s in a PictureAssessment PrepTeam BuildingConnectionsEdtechCanva SheetsGraph of the Day WebsiteQuizizzClasshook.comCourse Long GamificationIdeasSurvivorLeaderboardsEdtechCanva SitesGoogle SitesFlippity.netgoosechase.comActivity WebsiteIdeasCase Studyli...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 192: Awesome Edtech for the SummerWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 192 called Awesome Edtech for the Summer.  Every year when school ends we publish an episode where Guise and I share what we’ll be reading, listening to, and exploring over the summer break. 192 is that episode and this is another you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: Summer PlansSummer plansSegment 2: Resources for the SummerNickPodcastsScience Vs:  here are a lot of fads, blogs and strong opinions, but then there’s SCIENCE. Science Vs is the show from Spotify Studios that finds out what’s fact, what’s not, and what’s somewhere in between. We do the hard work of sifting through all the science so you don't have to and cover everything from 5G and ADHD, to Fluoride and Fasting Diets.Mr. Barton Maths:  How do you make a podcast about math? By coming at it from a human-first perspective and examining why so many students (and teachers) have an instinctual adverse reaction to the subject. Host Craig Barton is a former math educator and founder of diagnostic educational software company Eedi, so he has a fair bit of personal experience in the subject matter. U.S. listeners should note that Barton is based in the U.K.; while some of the references to the British education system may not resonate, the sentiment behind the content certainly will.BooksEverything is Tuberculosis by John GreeneTeachers and Machines: The Classroom of Technology Since 1920Grab BagFully explore Canva Code.  What is it good at, what is it not.Nanolearning Unit Development:  This is a good website that covers the differences between nano and micro and how to do implement themGuisePodcasts Steph and Joe on the Go span...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 191: 10 Canva Code Ideas for TeachersWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 191 called 10 Canva Code Ideas for Teachers.  In this episode we’ll introduce, explain and analyze one of the features in Canva AI called Canva Code.  We’ll also share 10 ways that teachers can use it to help spark your creativity when it comes to this exciting new feature.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: Intro to Canva CodeWhat is it?  Canva’s AI writes code for you to create specific games/apps/simulations/etc that function in Canva.  When you’ve got the code just right by prompting and then adjusting with other prompts, you can publish it as a Canva website for easy sharing.What do you do with the code?  The code produced can be copy-pasted to other places OR just published directly in Canva as a Canva website.Downsides: Initial teacher response is often “why do i need to write code”?It can take some time to get the code right to produce what you wantDoes it exist somewhere else?  For example, why make a quizzes app in Canva?The prompt has a character limit, so you’ll have to adjust it as you go.  For example, start with a prompt that describes only the function of the app.  Then adjust it afterwards related to design.  Then again for differentiation, etc.Why Use it: (what makes it worth the time)TREMENDOUS capability for teachers to make things that don’t exist anywhere else onlineCan ask it to add specific differentiations into any game/app created for whatever students you haveSkip labor intensive prep for physical gamesSegment 2: Canva Code Ideas for TeachersNicks 5Interactive Periodic TableVirtual Lab about Color Theory (Art Lesson)Geometry Shape ExplorerInteractive Poem CreatorInteractive Classroom TimerGuises’ 5Interactive WorksheetsEscape Room PuzzlesLeaderboardsClassroom...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 190: Stump the Edtech GuruWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 190 called Stump the Edtech Guru.  In this episode, we’ll try and stump each other with some of the toughest edtech challenges we could think of.  Each guru will have to come up with a solution on the spot.   This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: Friendly CompetitionWe compete with everythingSegment 2: Stump the Edtech GuruNick’s Scenarios:Scenario 1: The AI Essay Epidemic.  Ms. Rivera teaches 10th grade English and has just assigned a personal narrative essay. As she begins grading, she notices several essays that seem... off. They're grammatically perfect, lack any personal voice, and a few students even use similar turns of phrase.  The students cited AI use, and even included a link to a specific conversation in a tool called Perplexity.  When examining the link however, it only shows the student asking questions about the topic.  In other words, there is no evidence of having the AI do the writing, at least not in this particular chat.  The student denies any AI use other than what was cited.  What should she do?PerplexityGoogle DocsAi Works CitedScenario 2:The Silent Discussion Board.  Mr. Chen is running a blended learning environment for his 8th grade social studies class. He’s trying to build engagement with online discussion boards through Google Classroom and Flip. He posts thoughtful prompts, but most students either don’t respond, copy each other, or leave low-effort replies like ‘I agree.’ He knows these kids have opinions—they just don’t seem to bring them into the digital space. Mr. Chen is wondering: is it the prompt? The platform? The digital culture? Or is this just a lost cause?Padlet SandboxMEAL PlanCERCANVAScenario 3: Mrs. Daughtry is a veteran science teacher who’s always been open to new ideas. But lately, her school has adopted a slew of new edtech platforms: a new LMS, AI feedback tools, quiz generators, and now a parent communication app—all with different logins, layouts, and learning curves. She claims to receive “multiple emails per week” from various admins and coaches touting EVEN MORE options for...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 189: AI in Education: Friend of Foe?Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 189 called AI in Education: Friend of Foe.  In this episode, we’ll give you our annual State of Education address as we explore the hot topics in edtech right now.  We’ll also debate the pros and cons of AI in education today, this is another episode you dont’ want to miss,  Check it out.Segment 1: Triggering conversations from reading articles Top 9 Trends in Educational Technology to Watch in 2025 by DiroxEdtech State in EducationAI and Personalized learningLet’s think outside the box… How can we push the envelope?Students automating content, running a business, etcExtended Reality (XR) and Immersive LearningVirtual field trips to iconic locationsGoogle ExpeditionsInteractive VR labsLabsterTraining toolsInterplay Learning, which teach practical skills such as HVAC repair and solar panel installation.MicroLearning and nanolearningShort attentions spans need bite-sized modulesMobile-first learningDuolingoEdutainmentGamificationMinecraft Roblox EducationBlockchain and digital credentialsAcademic records are storedSegment 2: AI in Education DebateAI in K–12 Education — Friend or Foe?1. AI-Powered Tutoring Systems    Example tools: Khanmigo, Scribe, ChatGPT as a study helperstrong...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 188: 10 Tips for Using AI in Your Classroom (Part 2)Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 188 called 10 Tips for Using AI in Your Classroom.   Nick and I have each selected 5 of our top tips for using AI to increase student learning and to help you manage your classroom, and sometimes your life.  Nick presented his 5 tips last episode and today I will do the same!  Listen in to learn about what they are, why we like them, and how they might advance your classroom!  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.Segment 1: NJECC conference presentation 2Segment 2: NJECC PresentationGet a copy of the presentation HERE:  http://bit.ly/ettsignupNick’s Tips Part 1Acceptable Use PosterGoogle WorkFlowAnimated DrawingsBattle AI Over ReliancePrompt CollectionGuise’s Tips Part 2AI Works CitedKhan Academy Writing CoachTeacher ServerPrompts for Google SheetsAI Lesson Creation WorkFlowEdtech Throwdown: Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech ThrowdownDo us a few favors:Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon PodcastsStitcherspan...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 187: 10 Tips for Using AI in Your ClassroomWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 187 called 10 Tips for Using AI in Your Classroom.   Guise and I have each selected 5 of our top tips for using AI to increase student learning and to help you manage your classroom, and sometimes your life.  Listen in to learn about what they are, why we like them, and how they might advance your classroom!  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.Segment 1: NJECC conference presentation 2Segment 2: NJECC PresentationGet a copy of the presentation HERE:  http://bit.ly/ettsignupNick’s Tips Part 1Acceptable Use PosterGoogle WorkFlowAnimated DrawingsBattle AI Over ReliancePrompt CollectionGuise’s Tips Part 2AI Works CitedKhan Academy Writing CoachTeacher ServerPrompts for Google SheetsAI Lesson Creation WorkFlowEdtech Throwdown: Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech ThrowdownDo us a few favors:Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon PodcastsStitcher  a...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 186: 12 AI Tools to use in the 2025-26 School YearWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 186 called 12 AI Tools to use in the 2025-26 School Year.   Guise and I have each selected 6 of our favorite AI tools for the classroom.  Listen in to learn about what they are, why we like them, and how they might advance your classroom!  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.Sign up for our Monthly Newsletterhttp://bit.ly/ettsignupGet our latest updates.  Don’t miss out on a blog, podcast, or Youtube video!Segment 1: Guise’s AI ToolsSnorkl.appSunonotebooklm.google.comDiffit BooksGoogle LensSky Followers BridgeNick’s AI ToolsTwin PicsKhanmigoTeachable MachineDebunkbotSidekick from SchoolAIDeledaoSegment 2: Edtech Throwdown: Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech ThrowdownDo us a few favors:Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcasta...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 185: How to Teach Students about AIWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 185 called How to Teach Students about AI.   Have you ever tried to teach your students about AI, what it is, and what role it can serve in education and their future lives?  This is a tall task and in this episode, we’ll discuss how we go about this complex process.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.Segment 1: For years now we’ve been involved in trying to get our district to adopt a formal AI policy.  Now that this is happening, we’re being asked to put together an education program for students.What is AI?What can it do?  What can’t it do?How can it be used to benefit you while in school?  In your future lives?How can it hurt you in school?  In your future lives?Segment 2: The Perfect AI Lesson for StudentsWhat is AI?Ask students what they think AI is?  Share their thoughts in a digital space like Padlet.  Facilitate some discussion.Show a video that explains what it REALLY is.  There are tons of good ones, here are a couple we likeFor older students:  https://www.ted.com/talks/mustafa_suleyman_what_is_an_ai_anywayFor younger students:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttIOdAdQaUEWhat can AI do?Choose an AI tool to demo (we use ChatGPT).  Show three prompts:A bad prompt, something very vague that gives a general and bland response.A better prompt, something that includes lots of detail and specific requests.  Show that this yields a much better response from the AI tool.A prompt that gets untrue results.  Students need to know that AI tools can give incorrect information, sometimes that it just “makes up” due to lack of other information.ACTIVITY:  Have students play with prompts:  Ask them to try a bad, vague prompt on purpose.  Then ask them to try it again but with more specificity, comparing the results.  They share out what they...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 184: 10 Project Ideas for Students to Show MasteryWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 184 called 10 Project Ideas for Students to Show Mastery.   In this episode, we’ll discuss some of our favorite project ideas that you can use in your classroom to check for student mastery.  Of course we’ll share some of our favorite edtech and AI tools along the way.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.Segment 1: How has checking for mastery in education changed over the past 10 years?Segment 2: Digital tools for literacyInfographicsVismeCanvathinglinkPosters/Memes Poster/CalendarCanvaAdobe ExpressSnappaPixlrVistaCreateTimelines                  ThinglinkOnline Timeline Maker     CanvaTimeline YouTube VideoChoose Your Own AdventureGoogle SlidesCanvaStudent Made...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 183: 8 Great Edtech Tools for LiteracyWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 183 called 8 Great Edtech Tools for Literacy.   In this episode, we’ll discuss some of our favorite websites for enhancing literacy in your classroom.  We’ll also take another look at an AMAZING new feature in google notebook lm.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.Segment 1: Guises mind is blownn over notebook lm’s new featureSegment 2: Digital tools for literacyNo Red Ink lessonsMaps.com.  Not a literacy site, but these are some cool maps and would make for great writing prompts.Diffit Books, How it works:  Select “Books” on the Diffit homepage, Choose your book and chapters, Get student-ready resources!  We’re rolling this feature out to all schools over the next few weeks, but your access is live now as an admin on your Diffit account. Test it out and let your teachers know it's coming to their accounts soon!ESL BITS:  Wide selection of audio books and text.  The sole purpose of this site is to help students improve their listening and reading comprehension of the English language.'BITS English Language Learning' is completely non-profit; it sells nothing, advertises nothing, and asks for nothing."BITS" is an online-only site. No links for downloading items are available and none will ever be provided.  Skip is wholly responsible for this site and has all the credit or all the blame as the case may be.Write the World:  A nonprofit dedicated to developing teenagers’ writing and critical thinking skills. We empower young writers to become global citizens and succeed in school, career, and life.NYT Writing PromptsWonderopolis Writing PromptsDeepSeek AI Article 

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 182: Using Edtech and AI to Personalize the ClassroomWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 182 called, “Using Edtech and AI to Personalize the Classroom”  In this episode, we’ll talk about how edtech an AI can personalize both your classroom physical space AND content creation and delivery.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.Segment 1: Narrative:  With all the AI and the COVID days behind us, have we lost the focus of personalizing learning for students in the classroom?Segment 2: Edtech/AI Tools for Personalizing the ClassroomHow can we use Edtech/AI to personalize the physical appearance of the classroom to be a more inviting place to learn?Interest-Driven Decor:Survey students about their favorite movies, games, and hobbies using tools like Google Forms or Mentimeter.Use the results to create themed areas, posters, or bulletin boards that reflect their interests.Digital Displays:Incorporate smart displays or projectors (e.g., Promethean boards) to showcase rotating slideshows of student artwork, photos, or inspirational quotes.Use Canva templates to make slides visually appealing and personalized.Interactive Wall Art:Use AR tools like QuiverVision to create augmented reality wall displays. Students can scan wall art to see animations or interact with digital layers.Mood Lighting:Integrate smart lighting systems to adjust classroom lighting based on the mood or theme of the lesson.Collaborative Space Design:Use Edtech tools like RoomSketcher to co-create the classroom layout with students. Allow them to choose...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 181: Educational AI Hub BreakdownWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 181 called, “Educational AI Hub Breakdown”  In this episode, we’ll compare and analyze the mega-AI hubs that are competing for every teacher's attention.  By the end, you’ll know which ones we think are actually worth your time.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.Segment 1: Narrative:  Holy HubsSegment 2: AI Hubs for TeachersWhat are AI Hubs?  We are using the term “hub” a little incorrectly here.  An AI hub is a thing in the tech space where AI models can be trained.  When we say hub, we mean AI platforms or workspaces that do LOTS of different teacher related thingsMost of these use ChatGPT or something similar in the background.  For example, let’s say you wanted to write a lesson plan … you could get the same results if you just went to ChatGPT and put in a very specific prompt, but Magic School’s lesson plan generator has done that for you.Also, Khanmigo uses GPT, but it has been specifically trained on the videos and resources held by Khan Academy.What are the big ones?Magic SchoolSome free, some paidKhanmigoAll free for teachersEduaidPay for pro featuresTeachershub.aiFree for teachers but they do list limits, no other pricing thereTeach MateFor the Brits!  Some for free, £6.99 per month and goes up from thereMIT SloaneCan’t find a priceTheres an AI for That***