House of #EdTech

Will you be at ISTE Live 2023? I will be in Philly on Monday, June 26 & Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

Let's be sure to connect!

Being Open-minded

As teachers, we are responsible for shaping our students' minds and hearts and creating an environment that fosters empathy, understanding, and acceptance. By being open-minded, we can better understand and appreciate the unique perspectives our students bring to the classroom, create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, and continually refine our teaching methods. The article highlights that being open-minded does not mean abandoning our values and beliefs but rather considering alternative viewpoints to make informed decisions for our students' best interests. Cultivating open-mindedness as a teacher is essential for both personal and professional growth and the success of our students.

I'm delighted to be joined by Logan Greenhaw, the founder of AutoClassmate.io, an AI platform dedicated to helping educators like you do more of what you enjoy... teaching. AutoClassmate.io believes that education is the most powerful tool to solve global issues and strives to provide innovative and ethical resources to transform the future of education – and ultimately, the world.

Tab Wrangler

• Do you find yourself with too many tabs open and your computer running slow? Tab Wrangler is the perfect solution. This extension automatically closes unused tabs after a specified period of time to reduce background resources. This helps keep your computer running smoothly and improves productivity by minimizing distractions.

Keyword Surfer

• If you're looking to improve your website's search engine optimization (SEO), Keyword Surfer is the perfect extension. This tool generates keyword ideas and displays search volumes in Google search results. Keyword Surfer is useful for content creation and optimizing your website's content to improve your ranking in search engine results.

Microsoft Autofill

• For users who use both Edge and Chrome browsers, Microsoft Autofill is a great way to save time and improve productivity. This extension saves passwords, addresses, and payment information to auto-fill them on websites you visit. This is a great way to save time and improve productivity by not having to type in the same information repeatedly.

CRX Mouse

• Boosting productivity while browsing the web is always a plus, and CRX Mouse is here to help. This extension enables mouse gestures for simple tasks, such as opening a new tab or closing a tab. This helps save time and makes browsing the web more efficient.

Frank Bouchard is the co-founder of Wipebook. During our conversation Frank and I talk about the following:

• The history and technology behind Wipebook's reusable notebooks
• Examples of how Wipebook's notebooks are being used in education settings
• Wipebook's technology in the future
• Why should people use and or purchase products from Wipebook

Our AI Responsibility

In a recent blog post, Fonz from My EdTech Life discusses the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and the potential risks of overreliance on AI tools. His post highlights the importance of using AI as a tool for critical thinking and meaningful application, rather than a crutch that hinders learning. The post emphasizes the need to teach students responsible AI usage, including awareness of data laws, ethical concerns, and digital citizenship. By promoting a balanced approach to AI in education, students can be better prepared for success in the modern workforce.

We also need to help our colleagues by sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices related to AI in education.

• Actively seek opportunities
• Foster a culture of collaboration
• Provide mentorship and guidance

3 Must-have Chrome Extensions

• Save to Google Drive
  • Have you ever found an article or image online that you want to save for later, but don't want to clutter up your bookmarks? Save to Google Drive is the perfect solution. This extension allows you to save web content like images, videos, links, and various types of files to your Google Drive for later viewing. This is a great way to keep everything organized in one place and easily accessible from any device.
  
  
• Compose AI
  • Improving your writing skills is crucial in today's digital age, and Compose AI is here to help. This extension enhances grammar checking and generates text using AI to auto-complete sentences in your browser, such as in Gmail, Outlook, and Google Docs. Compose AI can also suggest ways to improve your writing and make it more engaging.
  
  
• Privacy Badger
  • Privacy is a growing concern for many people, and Privacy Badger is here to help. This extension blocks trackers based on their behavior to improve privacy while browsing the web. Created by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Privacy Badger helps protect your personal information and keep your browsing habits private.
  
  

New Canva Tools!

• Draw
• Magic Design
• Magic Presentation
• Magic Edit & Eraser
• Beat Sync
• Animation
• Translate

Alli McCrary

• Waltham, MA
• Teacher, EdTech Coach, Digital Literacy Focused, Chat GPT & AI Obsessed.
• aiclassroom.me

Feedback & Shout Outs (1:26)

Happy Birthday, Miles! Miles previously appeared in episodes 117 and 137

Sam Fecich and Matthew Woods, both members of the EPN have collaborated on a new professional development book titled, "Digital PD for Educators." Purchase the book from Amazon.

EdTech Recommendation (4:05)

Auto Classmate - autoclassmate.io

"Auto Classmate helps educators stay informed on emerging advancements in technology and leadership. We firmly believe that education is the single most powerful tool to solve global issues. We strive to provide innovative and ethical resources to transform the future of education and–ultimately–the world."

Featured Content (8:20)

Leena Marie Saleh, the EdTech Guru, returns for a conversation about social media in education. Leena Marie previously appeared on episode 190 of the podcast.

Role of Social Media in Education:

Social media has become a powerful tool for communication and collaboration in education. From facilitating discussions and exchanging ideas to sharing resources and connecting with students, social media has changed the way we approach teaching and learning. By leveraging the latest technology, educators can create an engaging and dynamic learning experience for their students.

Questions Discussed:

1. What are some of the potential benefits of using social media in education?
2. What are some best practices that you follow when using social media in the classroom?
3. Can you share your thoughts on the role of social media in shaping the future of education?

EdTech Thought (38:00)

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, share information, and connect with others. In today's world, where technology plays a critical role in almost every aspect of our lives, it's essential for educators to embrace social media as a tool for teaching and learning.

Just Give It A Try (41:30)

Canva Websites - Canva Websites is an all-in-one solution that makes building beautiful, responsive websites easy and hassle-free. With a simple drag-and-drop interface and a wide selection of professionally designed templates, you can create a website that truly represents your teaching style and vision.

House of #EdTech VIP (43:40)

Christie Cloud - Christie is a dedicated educator who has spent the last 22 years teaching 7th and 8th-grade social studies. She's taught virtually for the previous 2 years at Empower Virtual School in Coweta County, Georgia. She's become an expert in online learning, creating engaging and effective virtual environments for her students.

Feedback & Shout Outs (1:34)

I am thrilled to welcome Tech Tools for Teachers and Speaking with Students to the Education Podcast Network! These two new shows bring valuable perspectives and insights to the education community. Tech Tools for Teachers, hosted by Shanna Martin, offers practical advice and recommendations for integrating technology into the classroom. Meanwhile, Speaking with Students, hosted by Will Andresen, provides a platform for students to share their experiences and perspectives on education.

Congratulations to Mike Dodge, Sam Fecich, Chris Stuchko, Dan Gallagher, and Steve Chisnell for winning a t-shirt! I hope they enjoy wearing their shirts and spreading the word about the House of #EdTech. Thank you for your support and for being part of this community.

EdTech Thought (6:00)

My thought is a satirical critique of replacing human teachers with ChatGPT. I point out the absurdity of relying on a cold algorithm that spits out answers like a vending machine and can make witty jokes and puns. I used quotes from supposedly satisfied users of ChatGPT to highlight the negative consequences of using such a program, such as the lack of original thought and critical thinking. I end by mocking the idea of upgrading the personality of ChatGPT, implying that it is ridiculous to think that a machine can replace human teachers who can provide a personal connection and expertise.

Featured Content (8:32)

Mobile devices have become increasingly popular in education due to their ability to provide students with access to educational resources and tools anytime and anywhere. With the rise of mobile technology, students can now use their smartphones and tablets to access educational apps, e-books, online courses, and educational videos, among other resources. Mobile devices also offer teachers and professors the opportunity to provide personalized learning experiences and interactive activities that enhance student engagement.

One of the biggest advantages of mobile devices in education is their ability to promote digital literacy and 21st-century skills. Through the use of mobile technology, students can develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, which are essential for success in today's workforce. Additionally, mobile devices can help bridge the digital divide by providing equal access to educational resources for students in remote or underprivileged areas. However, it is important to note that the integration of mobile devices in education should be done strategically and with proper planning to ensure that it aligns with the learning objectives and goals of the curriculum.

CLICK HERE TO GET A FREE CELL PHONE EXPECTATIONS POSTER

EdTech Recommendation (28:01)

For Elementary School:

1. Duolingo - (https://www.duolingo.com/)
2. Epic! - (https://www.getepic.com/)
3. Prodigy Math Game - (https://www.prodigygame.com/)
4. ScratchJr - (https://www.scratchjr.org/)
5. Khan Academy Kids - (https://learn.khanacademy.org/khan-academy-kids/)

For Middle School:

1. Quizlet - (https://quizlet.com/)
2. Google Classroom - (https://classroom.google.com/)
3. Photomath - (https://photomath.app/)
4. iCivics - (https://www.icivics.org/)
5. Grammarly Keyboard - (https://www.grammarly.com/mobile/keyboard)

For High School:

1. Khan Academy - (https://www.khanacademy.org/)
2. WolframAlpha - (https://www.wolframalpha.com/)
3. Evernote - (https://evernote.com/)
4. StudyBlue - (https://www.studyblue.com/)
5. Forest - (https://www.forestapp.cc/)

The world is rapidly advancing in technology and artificial intelligence is at the forefront of that progress. But what does that mean for the field of education? How is AI being used to enhance teaching and learning?

ChatGPT is an advanced language model developed by OpenAI that can generate human-like text based on the input it receives. AI, or artificial intelligence, refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence.

• The Benefits of Using ChatGPT and AI in Education
• How ChatGPT Works in Education
  • Examples of How to Use ChatGPT in Education
    • Writing prompts
    • Reading comprehension questions
    • Vocabulary building
    • Personalized practice
    • Current events discussion
    • Science experiments
    • Creative problem-solving
    • Study skills and test preparation
    • Career exploration
    
    
  
  
• Things I've done with ChatGPT
  • 3-part objectives
  • Generate rubrics
  • Designed a podcasting project
  • Generated PD about AI
  • Create resources at different reading levels
  • Create supplemental resources
  • Grading
  
  
• Best Practices for Integrating ChatGPT into Your Teaching

Tome - Would you be interested in AI that does for presentations what ChatGPT does for text? Tome is the collaborative AI-powered presentation tool you've got to try.

Say goodbye to tedious design work and hello to frictionless creation with Tome. Embed anything from the web and showcase content in one place with live integrations and easy sharing.

Try ChatpGPT and Tome!

Awesome Supporter Dan Gallagher - "just listened to #HoET216 I believe there is a fifth item to asking for help, 'Be willing to answer the call for help' this will help you better ask for help and will show others you look to be collaborative in learning & growing in education together"

PodcastPD Episode 124 - Tips for New Teachers!

Collaboration is essential for success in education technology as it allows for the sharing of ideas and the creation of something greater than what one person can achieve alone. On the other hand, competition can lead to division and animosity. Collaboration is particularly important in the constantly evolving field of education technology as it allows for the pooling of knowledge and expertise to create better tools and resources. Additionally, it promotes inclusivity and diversity in the learning environment. The choice between collaboration and competition is a choice between building something together or tearing each other down.

ChromeOS Flex is a cloud-based operating system for PCs and Macs that aims to provide a fast, easy-to-manage, and secure computing experience. It is designed to be a sustainable way to modernize devices that you already own, and it can be deployed across your fleet with minimal downtime.

You can try ChromeOS Flex by using a USB drive and following the setup instructions. It's a good option to consider if you're looking to accelerate your cloud-first OS deployment, or if you want to try modern computing with cloud-based management on existing devices.

It's 2023. Do Not Fear #EdTech

Let's be honest. As a teacher, regardless of your years of experience, using technology in your classroom can be intimidating at times. It's natural to feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to start, but it's important to remember that incorporating technology benefits you and your students. Here are a few tips for overcoming that fear we all experience and confidently use technology while teaching:

1. Start small and build up gradually
2. Take advantage of free resources and training
3. Ask for help and support
4. Create a safe and supportive learning environment
5. Embrace the benefits of technology

EdTech doesn't have to be scary, incorporating technology into your teaching can be done by starting small and building up gradually, taking advantage of free resources and training, asking for help and support, creating a safe and supportive learning environment, and embracing the benefits of technology.

Join the House of #EdTech Discord. Listen to the episode to get access.

PodcastPD returns on Sunday, January 29, 2023!

Ask For Help

• Asking for help can be difficult, but it is an important part of being a successful teacher. Here are a few tips to help teachers feel comfortable asking for help:
  • Remember that it is okay to ask for help. Teaching can be challenging, and no one is expected to have all the answers. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it shows that you are committed to improving and doing the best job possible.
  • Identify the type of help you need. Before you ask for help, think about what you need and why. Are you struggling with a particular lesson plan or instructional strategy? Do you need advice on how to handle a difficult situation with a student? Knowing what you need will make it easier for others to provide the right kind of support.
  • Choose the right person to ask. Not everyone will be able to provide the help you need, so it is important to choose the right person to ask. This might be a colleague who has experience with the issue you are dealing with, a mentor who can provide guidance and advice, or a school administrator who can provide support and resources.
  • Be specific and direct. When asking for help, be specific and direct about what you need. This will make it easier for the person you are asking to understand your situation and provide the right kind of support.
  • Be open to feedback and suggestions. When you ask for help, be prepared to listen to feedback and suggestions. Remember that the person you are asking is trying to help you, and their advice and guidance can be valuable.
  
  
• By following these tips, teachers can feel more comfortable asking for help when they need it. This can help them improve their teaching and support the success of their students.

Apple Freeform - Back in December 2022 Apple released a new app called Freeform, which is similar to a digital whiteboard. It allows you to write, draw, add images, and documents to a blank board, alone or with others. The app is available on iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS 13.1. You can pinch-to-zoom in or out on a board, with no limit on how far you can zoom out, and you can add as much as you want or need to a board. Along the top of the screen, you can find all the available tools, such as the Apple Pencil to draw on a board, add a sticky note, or select from over 700 different shapes. You can also add text boxes, links, images, and documents from the Photos or Files app, or even scan a document directly into the app. Freeform also allows for collaboration with friends or colleagues, and you can work on a board together over a FaceTime call. To share a board, users will need to turn on iCloud sync for Freeform.

If you have the ability to mirror your iPad in your classroom or conference room this could be a great tool for you and your students.

The podcast discusses how education technology may change in 2023, with a focus on three main trends. The first trend is an increase in the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in education. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we learn and teach by personalizing learning experiences, providing personalized feedback and support, and helping educators manage and analyze data. The second trend is the continued growth of online and blended learning, which has been accelerated by the pandemic and is expected to continue in 2023 with the development of more technology tools and platforms that support these models. The third trend is a greater focus on equity and accessibility, which includes providing students with the necessary hardware and software and making sure that the technology is designed to be inclusive and accessible for all learners. The podcast also highlights the need for better connectivity and access to technology for students and educators to achieve equity in education.

Increasing Your Engagement on Twitter

• Tweet regularly: One of the best ways to increase engagement on Twitter is to tweet regularly. This will help you stay top of mind with your followers and keep your content fresh and relevant.
• Use hashtags: Hashtags are a great way to make your tweets more discoverable and increase their reach. By using relevant hashtags, you can connect with other users who are interested in the same topics and increase the chances that your tweets will be seen and engaged with.
• Engage with others: Twitter is a social platform, so it's important to engage with others in order to increase your engagement. This might involve retweeting, commenting, or replying to other users' tweets. By engaging with others, you can build relationships and increase the chances that your own tweets will be seen and engaged with.
• Use visuals: Tweets with visuals, such as images or videos, tend to perform better and get more engagement than text-only tweets. Consider using visuals to make your tweets more eye-catching and engaging.

Join me in making engagement a little less stressful and easy by participating in #easychat. These are super easy questions to be more comfortable responding to on Twitter and engaging with other people.

I'm excited to announce that I will be creating an episode on ChatGPT & AI in Education in early 2023, and I would love to have your input and insights as part of the conversation.

If you have any thoughts, experiences, or questions about ChatGPT that you would like to share, I invite you to contribute your thoughts.

Whether you or your students are getting into podcasting there are some basic things to consider when you set out to create a successful podcast.

Creating a successful podcast takes time, effort, and dedication. But with the right approach and a bit of know-how, you can create a podcast that is engaging, informative, and entertaining for your listeners.

Here are 5 tips for creating a successful podcast:

• Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that you know well. This will help you create engaging and informative content for your podcast.
• Develop a clear concept and format for your podcast. This will help you organize your ideas and keep your episodes focused and on-topic.
• Choose a catchy and memorable name for your podcast. This will help you stand out in the crowded world of podcasts and attract listeners.
• Invest in good audio equipment. High-quality audio is essential for a successful podcast, so make sure to invest in a good microphone and other recording equipment.
• Plan out your episodes in advance. This will help you stay on track and avoid rambling or losing your train of thought during the recording.

Read this post for 5 more tips for creating a successful podcast.

The Annual Smackdown is my favorite episode to create because I open the show more than normal to you to contribute what you've loved and learned about education technology in the past year. Thank you to everyone who took the time to send in their thoughts and contributions.

• Stephanie Howell - Creating hubs for resources and sharing
• Nate Nagele - App smashing Scribe and Screencasting
• Eric Guise - Cleanfeed.net for podcasting
• Bryon Carpenter - Voice In Voice Typing
• Chris Stuchko - TikTok - Check out my episode about TikTok for Educators
• Carlos Garza - Super Smash Bros. and E-Sports
• Derek Larson - Student Email
• My Submissions - ChatGPT and Adobe Podcasts

You can always view the All-Time Smackdown List here.

Coming Soon! - I'm writing a real book and it's going to be about podcasting. This will be a book that could be used with students in education and it will also be relevant to anyone who wants to begin their podcasting journey.

The working title is, "I Like To Podcast And You Will Too!" and the truth is I've been working this behind the scenes here in 2022 but I have enough complete where I feel comfortable talking about it here on the show.

I am publishing this book on my own and I anticipate a late Summer or early Fall release. If you would be interested in an early preview and contributing a testimonial please reach out to me.

I wanted to take a moment to thank YOU for tuning in to the House of #EdTech podcast. Whether this is your first episode or you've been listening for many years, your support and engagement mean so much to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences with you.

I know that you have many options when it comes to podcasts and educational technology content, and I am honored that you have chosen to join me on this journey. Your feedback and contributions to the conversations I have on the show are invaluable, and I appreciate your willingness to share your insights and perspectives.

So from me to you, thank you for being a part of this community. I hope you continue to enjoy the podcast and that you find the content I create useful and informative.

Thank you again for your support. You are a HOET VIP!

2022 House of #EdTech Smackdown! Coming in episode 215 - Submit your entry by December 9, 2022.

End-of-Year EdTech Clean-up

• Are your passwords secure?
• When did you last clean up your email?
• Who are you following on social media?

Canva AI

• Go into a Canva project, hit more, and select Text-to-Image. Describe the image you want and then hit search. Canva will create the image via AI and you can insert the image into your project.

Zebra Podcast Network launched on Jan. 3, 2022 - zebrapodcastnetwork.com

Purpose: The purpose of the Zebra Podcast Network is to report on and tell the stories of New Brunswick High School. We report on school news, clubs, athletics, community news, and more!

Club motto: Your School. Your Voice.

Lessons Learned and Things to Consider:

• Musthaves
  • New email
  
  
• Space
• Gear
  • Mixer
  • Mics
  • Arms
  • Webcam
  
  
• Promotion
  • Social Media
  • Email
  • School Website
  
  
• Support
  • Admin
  • Faculty
  
  
• Production
  • Live Stream?
  • How much editing?
  • Software?
  
  
• Participation
  • Students
  • Adults
  
  

School Podcasting Resources

Dr. Matthew X. Joseph is currently the Director of Evaluation, Supervision, Mentoring, and Hiring in Brockton Public Schools. He is also the CEO of X-Factor EDU consulting and publishing.

Visit Matt's website

Feedback & Shout Outs (1:20)

2022 House of #EdTech Smackdown! Coming in episode 215 - Submit your entry by December 9, 2022.

EdTech Thought (5:35)

EdCamps Are Great!

You should be attending or organizing the best professional development you can get!

EdTech Recommendation (11:12)

Twine - https://twinery.org/

Twine is an open-source tool for telling interactive, nonlinear stories.

You don't need to write any code to create a simple story with Twine, but you can extend your stories with variables, conditional logic, images, CSS, and JavaScript when you're ready.

Twine publishes directly to HTML, so you can post your work nearly anywhere. Anything you create with it is completely free to use any way you like, including for commercial purposes.

Twine would be great for individual students in grades 5-12.

Featured Content (14:38)

In episode 212, I asked if schools were listening to teachers about a number of issues related to education technology. One of my listeners, Brooke Anne Petrucelli, emailed me to share her thoughts on her experiences as a Technology Coordinator and Technology Literacy teacher. Brooke Anne is definitely doing the work and putting in the effort but she's not getting the results she believes she should be.

I share my thoughts and continue the conversation.

Connect with Brooke Anne!

House of #EdTech VIP (24:35)

Holly Buck - A Mom, wife, animal lover, and K-8 Instructional Technology Coach from Connecticut!