Alexa, remind me to play the show intro in 30 seconds. Amazon has recently announced a gadget that may end up being a worthy classroom assistant. Speak naturally to set reminders, add to lists, play music, and pull information. Today on the show we will be looking at how this new device may further classroom automation. **Jeff, it’s time to play the show intro.** Here we go.

Welcome to the show, I’m Jeff Herb. If this is your first time listening, please check the show’s archives at etysk.com or on iTunes at etysk.com/itunes. If you’re a regular listener, thanks for coming back!

Recently Amazon announced the impending release of their newest product, the Amazon Echo. As a completely new product line (that isn’t yet released), it is still an unknown to many, but it has already gotten me thinking about its uses in education.

Here is how it works:

• “Set an alarm for…” (timer/alarm)


• “How many teaspoons are in a tablespoon” (calculations)


• “Wikipedia: Abraham Lincoln” (search and get info from Wikipedia)


• “Play [song,playlist]” (start/stop music)


• “Add _____ to my to-do list” (generate to-do list)


• “When is…” (recall dates)


• and more…

How It Helps Classrooms/Teachers

• Ask Echo to remember things to revisit later in the class period when they are more relevant. “Remind me to discuss sentence syntax”


• Ask Echo to remind the class when a specific assignment is due (pulling from a connected calendar): “When is Paper 1 Due?”


• Set timers/alarms for specific tasks (group work, quiz, individual work, etc.): “Set an alarm for 15 minutes from now.”


• Get real-time access to supplemental information that can enhance understanding or background information: “Wikipedia: The Battle of Hastings”


• Play/Pause music in the classroom just by asking for it: “Play Period 1 playlist”