Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 179 called, “How Can Teachers Use Google Lens in the Classroom”  In this episode, we’ll talk about Google Lens, what it is, how to use it, and best of all - ways that it can support learning and make your teaching life easier.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.

Narrative:  Google Lens does what?

Google Lens is a visual search tool that uses image recognition to understand what you're looking at and provide relevant information.

1. Identifying items: Students can use Google Lens to find names for items they encounter, such as plants or archaeological sites.
2. Biology Outdoor Classroom
3. Solving math problems: Google Lens can help math learners solve problems and understand key conception
4. Teacher Assistant when the teacher isn’t around
5. Getting help with homework: Students can point the Lens at a homework question to get help. 
6. Taking notes: Google Lens can capture images, texts, bar codes, and QR codes, which can be transferred to a file for future reference.
7. Getting synopses: Students can point the Lens towards a book cover to get a synopsis.
8. Image search and product search: find images and items similar to the ones you’ve provided.
9. Scanning QR Codes from a computer screen

Special Education Uses:

1. Reading: Google Lens can convert text images into readable text, which can be helpful for learners with dyslexia.
2. Translating: Google Lens can translate selected words into any language. 
3. Listening to text: Google Lens can listen to selected text, which can help students improve their listening skills and learn pronunciation. 
4. Text detection and OCR: recognize the writing on an image and extract its data.
5. Language detection and translation: identify the language of the text on the image, and then translate it.
6. Accessibility and alt text: find the alt text of the image.

1. NotebookLM Podcast
2. Make Memojis in Canva
3. How-to Guides w/ Tango
4. Top 10 Canva Apps
5. Accessibility Tools For Teachers
6. Canva Guide for Administrators
7. AI Edtech Toolkit
8. Make a Customized Song with Suno
9. Auto-Feedback with Snorkl Student View
10. Teacher Dashboard in Snorkl
11. Set the Tone with Goblin Tools
12. Connecting Google Drive with Canva
13. AI Prompt Library for EDU
14. 3 Wheel of Names Resources
15. There’s an AI For That
16. Content-based Scattergories
17. Padlet Sandbox
18. Twitter Bluesky Bridge
19. Google’s Canva Apps
20. Teacher Resources Using Khanmigo
21. Quizizz Flash Cards
22. Online Stopwatch Tools
23. Google Lens Applications
24. Polls and Quizzes in Canva
25. 3D Models in PowerPoint

Edtech Throwdown: 

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

Do us a few favors:

1. Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast
2. Apple Podcasts
3. Spotify
4. Amazon Podcasts
5. Stitcher  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

Subscribe to our Podcast Channels and Socials

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
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Connect with us on Social Media

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

Music Credits:

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

Need a Presenter?

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is episode 178 called “25 Edtech Resources for 2025”  In this episode, we’ll talk about some of favorite edtech resources that we are excited about heading into 2025.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.

Narrative:  12 Days of Edtech out… Edtech Advent in!

1. NotebookLM Podcast
2. Make Memojis in Canva
3. How-to Guides w/ Tango
4. Top 10 Canva Apps
5. Accessibility Tools For Teachers
6. Canva Guide for Administrators
7. AI Edtech Toolkit
8. Make a Customized Song with Suno
9. Auto-Feedback with Snorkl Student View
10. Teacher Dashboard in Snorkl
11. Set the Tone with Goblin Tools
12. Connecting Google Drive with Canva
13. AI Prompt Library for EDU
14. 3 Wheel of Names Resources
15. There’s an AI For That
16. Content-based Scattergories
17. Padlet Sandbox
18. Twitter Bluesky Bridge
19. Google’s Canva Apps
20. Teacher Resources Using Khanmigo
21. Quizizz Flash Cards
22. Online Stopwatch Tools
23. Google Lens Applications
24. Polls and Quizzes in Canva
25. 3D Models in PowerPoint

Edtech Throwdown: 

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

Do us a few favors:

1. Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast
2. Apple Podcasts
3. Spotify
4. Amazon Podcasts
5. Stitcher  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

Subscribe to our Podcast Channels and Socials

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Connect with us on Social Media

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

Music Credits:

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

Need a Presenter?

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is episode 177 called “Canva App Throwdown”  In this episode, we’ll talk about some of the often overlooked Canva apps that make this powerful platform even more awesome.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.

Narrative:  What's New with Canva?

A lot of people don’t even know that Canva has 3rd party apps, kind of like your phone.  Many of them do very cool things that can enhance the learning taking place in your classroom.  Here are some of our favorites.

Nick’s Picks

1. Equations
2. Google Drive
3. D-ID - Bring historical characters to life as avatars
4. Sketch to Life (rough sketch turns to image) or Speedpaint (picture turns to speed drawn video)
5. Melody Muse - Turn text prompts into music for your next project
6. Character Builder - make your own animated cartoon when used in conjunction with Canva Animations.  LottieFiles has more than 100,000 pre made animations.

Guise’s Picks

1. Brandfetch
2. Bulk Create
3. Image Upscaler     
4. Lucky Wheel
5. YouTube Embed
6. Charts

Edtech Throwdown: 

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

Do us a few favors:

1. Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast
2. Apple Podcasts
3. Spotify
4. Amazon Podcasts
5. Stitcher  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

Subscribe to our Podcast Channels and Socials

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Connect with us on Social Media

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

Music Credits:

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning

Edtech Throwdown

Episode 176: Super Lesson Throwdown with Gabby Migliore

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is episode 176 called “Super Lesson Throwdown with Gabby Migliore”  In this episode, we’ll talk about how to engage all students from bell to bell with edtech at your side.  We’ll each share 1 sample lesson that you can use or take ideas from for your own classroom.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.

Segment 1: 

Narrative:  Differentiation PD Day

Segment 2: Superlesson Showdown

Without further ado, our guest today is a former math teacher turned current teacher of physics and astronomy pursuing a doctorate in math education, as well as one of the most capable new educators around.  Welcome to the show Gabby mill your ee.

Guise introduces the showdown

1. The most perfect science lesson of all time?  Yup!!!  Flipped classroom, phenomena opener, POGIL in small groups, Quizizz whiteboards to monitor progress and spark discussion, model creation exit ticket

1. A spectrum for technology use? BINGO! Nick isn’t the only one who can ask questions– we’ve got technology and information literacy, multiple representations, and of course my Aunt Lucky’s favorite game. 
2. Diffit
3. Flippity Randomizer
4. Flippity Bingo Board
5. Canva Bingo Template
6. Duo Cards

1. Gamification Station Rotation- English Lesson for the Roaring 1920’s and the Great Gatsby
2. Station 1:  Background
3. NotebookLM Podcast that describes the color symbolism in the great Gatsby
4. Listen to Podcast and take notes for what each color symbolizes
5. Station 2:  Symbolism
6. Have examples of symbolism from the book on index cards
7. Students use the notes from station 1 to help them categorize the examples under the proper color category
8. Students count the number of examples from each color and put the answer into a google form for immediate feedback
9. Station 3:  QR Code Time Line
10. Students view QR Codes and put events in chronological order
11. Each QR code is embedded into a picture from the book
12. Easily Generated in Canva
13. Use Google Forms to enter 
14. Station 4: Guess Who
15. Create a fake tweet using Tweetgen that describes an event from the book.  Have the students match the tweet to the character from the book.  For this one you could use a picture of each character and place it on a different color of construction paper.  For the tweets, you can have the twitter handle be the name of the person and a # which tells the students the order that they would use for the google form.
16. Station 5:  Themes of 1920
17. Have a 3x3 grid of 9 themes from the 1920’s with their definitions or explanations.  Have pictures that represent each theme.  Each picture must include a number or mathematical operation (+,-,X,or/).  The themes on the left and right get numbers and the middle column gets operations.  Each line becomes a formula.  The answer gets put into the Google Form.

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  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

Subscribe to our Podcast Channels and Socials

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Connect with us on Social Media

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

Gabby’s Social Media

• Twitter (@teachermigs)

Music Credits:

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

Need a Presenter?

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning

Edtech Throwdown

Episode 175: The British School Replacing Teachers with AI - Can It Work?

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is episode 175 called “The British School Replacing Teachers with AI - Can It Work”  In this episode, we’ll share the story of the british school that is experimenting with a “teacherless” classroom led by AI!  We’ll also talk about why human teachers don’t have to worry as we discuss the best ways that AI can integrate with humans, not get replaced by it.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.

Segment 1: AI Taking Over Teacher Jobs?

Narrative:  We heard lots of gloom and doom about AI in schools, but this is likely overblown.

There IS however, a school that is experimentally trying to replace teachers with AI.

https://www.inavateonthenet.net/news/article/uk-school-to-replace-teachers-with-ai-programme

The David Game College in London will replace its traditional teaching programme with an AI-enabled ‘adaptive learning’ system, opening a ‘teacherless’ course for 20 students in September.

The students will use a mix of artificial intelligence platforms on their PCs, in conjunction with VR headsets. Dubbed the Sabrewing programme, each student will receive a personalised learning experience with a self-paced approach that is ideal for examination resit students.

More on the  Sabrewing programme …

One important message for teachers - this WILL NOT BE THE NEW NORM

Stay tuned for segment 2 where we’ll talk about the ways AI will continue to incorporate with live human teachers, not replace them.

Segment 2: AI Will Integrate with Human Teachers, Not Replace It

1. AI as an interactive tutor
2. SchoolAI
3. Khanmigo
4. AI study aids 
5. Diffit 
6. Quizizz AI Flashcard generator 
7. AI writing guides
8. Textblaze
9. Scribe
10. Tango
11. AI assistive tech
12. TutorAI
13. Thinkster Math
14. Learning Ally Audiobooks
15. AI for questioning
16. Yippity.io
17. AI for Writing
18. Grammarly
19. AudioPen
20. AI for Project Ideas
21. Canva Magic Write
22. ChatGPT
23. Science Fair
24. STEM Research Ideas
25. AI for Video/Image/Song Generation
26. Suno AI
27. AI for Audio Content
28. NotebookLM 
29. AI for Differentiation
30. Diffit
31. Quillbot
32. AI for Grading
33. Gradescope
34. Snorkl
35. Brisk

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  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

Subscribe to our Podcast Channels and Socials

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Connect with us on Social Media

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

Music Credits:

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

Need a Presenter?

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning

Edtech Throwdown

Episode 174: Differentiation Done Right: Top EdTech Tools for Every Learner

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is episode 174 called “Differentiation Done Right: Top EdTech Tools for Every Learner”  In this episode, we’ll revisit the world of differentiation and talk about some of our favorite edtech tools to make it happen!  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.

APPLE REVIEW

New YouTube Videos

Canva for Administrators YouTube Playlist

Canva Apps for Educators

Segment 1: Upcoming PD on Differentiation

Narrative:  October 14th PD day at our school.  What is differentiation? Ways to differentiate… content, product, and process.

1. Favorite differentiation strategies
2. Nick
3. Stations (1 video, 1 print, 1 with me, 1 extension)
4. Guise
5. Choose Your own note packet/support materials

Segment 2:  AI/Edtech Tools to support Differentiation in the Classroom

1. Diffit
2. Quizizz
3. Graphic organizers
4. Canva
5. Mind Maps
6. Thinglink
7. Surveys
8. Quizizz
9. Poll Everywhere
10. Educational/AI Aids
11. Khan Academy/
12. khanmingo
13. Classroom.ai
14. Stations
15. Video creation
16. ScreenPal
17. WeVideo
18. Canva
19. Hyperdocs
20. EduProtocols

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  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

Subscribe to our Podcast Channels and Socials

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Connect with us on Social Media

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

Music Credits:

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

Need a Presenter?

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning

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: 

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  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

Subscribe to our Podcast Channels and Socials

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Connect with us on Social Media

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

Music Credits:

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

Need a Presenter?

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning

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
2. Slidesmania
3. Canva.
4. Teacher’s Role:

• SCL: In a student-centered classroom, the teacher acts as a facilitator or guide, helping students navigate their chosen learning paths.

1. Curation
2. Google Sites
3. Canva SItes
4. Slides
5. Wakelet
6. Padlet

• UDL: In a UDL framework, the teacher is responsible for designing lessons that are inherently flexible and accessible to all learners, often using a variety of teaching methods and materials.

1. Learning Menus
2. Playlists
3. Adaptability vs. Design:

• SCL: Adaptability in SCL comes through student choice and differentiation based on student preferences.
• UDL: UDL is about designing lessons from the beginning to be adaptable to all students, without needing to make adjustments later.

1. Focus on Student Engagement:

• Both SCL and UDL aim to actively engage students in the learning process by catering to their individual needs, preferences, and interests.

1. Flexibility in Learning:

• Both approaches emphasize flexibility in teaching and learning. SCL offers students choices in what and how they learn, while UDL provides multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement to accommodate diverse learners.

1. Promote Independence:

• SCL and UDL both encourage students to take ownership of their learning. In SCL, students make choices and set goals, while UDL supports students in becoming self-regulated learners through scaffolding and options.

1. Check-ins
2. Conferences
3. Personal Reflections
4. Peer Feedback
5. Formative Assessment
6. Quizizz
7. Gimkit
8. Quizlet
9. Blooket
10. Quizalize
11. Inclusive Environment:

• Both approaches strive to create inclusive learning environments where all students can succeed. SCL does this by considering individual student interests and goals, and UDL by removing barriers to learning for all students, including those with disabilities.

Resources

• Student Centered Learning Guidelines
• UDL Guidelines
• https://udlguidelines.cast.org/

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
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6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

Subscribe to our Podcast Channels and Socials

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• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
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Connect with us on Social Media

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

Music Credits:

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

Need a Presenter?

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning

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
5. Stitcher  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

Subscribe to our Podcast Channels and Socials

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Connect with us on Social Media

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

Music Credits:

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

Need a Presenter?

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning

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 favors:

1. Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast
2. Apple Podcasts
3. Spotify
4. Amazon Podcasts
5. Stitcher  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

Subscribe to our Podcast Channels and Socials

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Connect with us on Social Media

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

Music Credits:

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

Need a Presenter?

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning