Using Technology Isn't Difficult. Just Give It A Try!
Announcements:
#EdTech Thought:
Featured Content:
In this episode, I share the B.R.A.I.N. framework for interacting effectively with AI in education.
EdTech Recommendation
Humy.ai - A platform designed specifically for social studies and history educators. Humy.ai offers personalized tutoring, generates assignments, provides feedback, and enables the creation of custom AI tutors and assignments. It aims to make classes more engaging and interactive by integrating AI into the learning process. For more information, visit humy.ai.
Featured Content
Use Your B.R.A.I.N. - A framework for interacting effectively with AI in education:
Feedback
After the last episode's edtech thought Brooke, Leo, Derek, and Steve reached out to share words of support and encouragement. Thank you so much for reaching out!
Explore how integrating technology into PBL can enhance the learning experience, making it more accessible, engaging, and impactful for students.
#EdTech Thought: Are You Really Trying?
In this segment, I ask myself if I am doing all that I could be doing because I am experiencing some self-doubt.
#EdTech Recommendation: Brisk Teaching
Discover Brisk Teaching, a free AI-powered Chrome extension designed to save teachers time. With features like personalized material creation, targeted feedback, and AI writing detection, Brisk Teaching is revolutionizing the way educators approach lesson planning and student interaction. Learn more and download Brisk Teaching from the Chrome Web Store.
Featured Content: How to Use EdTech for Project-Based Learning
Explore the transformative power of integrating technology into project-based learning. We discuss how EdTech tools can provide students with access to diverse resources, facilitate collaboration, and offer innovative ways to showcase their learning. From the planning stages to assessment, discover how technology can make PBL more accessible, dynamic, and impactful.
How do we choose the right edtech tools for our project? Here are some tips:
Resources mentioned:
Just Give It A Try - Bonus Recommendation!
Tired of formatting issues when copying and pasting from AI tools like ChatGPT? Check out the Google Docs add-on "Markdown to Docs" to effortlessly convert markdown formatting into traditional document formatting.
Introduction:
#EdTech Recommendations:
Featured Content:
The Need for Digital Equity: Revisiting the conversation from episode 210, delving into why digital equity and access are critical in education.
I dive into the critical issue of digital equity and access in education. As our world becomes increasingly digitized, the necessity for equal access to technology and internet connectivity in learning environments has never been more vital.
I kick off the episode by defining what digital equity and access truly mean and why they're essential components of modern education. The conversation then shifts to the stark realities of the digital divide, as we explore how disparities in access impact student learning and success, sharing compelling real-life examples.
The journey continues as I tackle the challenges schools and communities face in providing equal digital access. I discuss various obstacles, from funding to infrastructure.
Policy and advocacy take center stage in another segment, where I delve into how educational policies can influence and improve digital equity.
Finally, I look into the future, speculating on emerging trends and the evolution of digital equity. This segment is a call to action, encouraging listeners to consider their role in advocating for and contributing to a future where digital access is a given for every student.
Just Give It A Try:
Discover the key skills for thriving in an AI-centric educational landscape. This episode offers insightful thoughts on integrating technical, cognitive, and socio-emotional skills into teaching, preparing students for a AI-driven future.
#EdTech Thought - January Pick-Me-Up
As teachers, you are more than just instructors; you are mentors, guides, and sometimes even friends to your students. Your resilience and dedication, often unnoticed, are crucial in shaping not just individual lives but entire societies. This segment serves as a reminder of the immense impact educators have beyond just academic teaching.
#EdTech Recommendation - QR Codes on Your Classroom Door
Monica Burns' recent post, 12 TIPS FOR CLASSROOM DOOR DECORATIONS WITH QR CODES has inspired me, and I've added four more innovative uses for QR codes on your classroom door. These include a Feedback or Suggestion Box, Class Blog or Website, Daily Inspirational Quotes, and Audio Messages. These tools are designed to enhance communication and inspiration in the classroom.
Featured Content
I explore the essential skills students need to thrive in the AI era. These skills range from technical proficiencies like understanding AI and machine learning to socio-emotional skills such as collaboration and emotional intelligence. The content aims to prepare educators to equip students for a rapidly changing future that is integrated with AI.
These skills include understanding AI and machine learning, programming, data literacy, critical thinking, adaptability, innovation, collaboration, emotional intelligence, digital literacy, and cybersecurity awareness. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of self-motivated learning and resilience, skills that are essential for lifelong learning in a technology-centric world. With educational systems incorporating these skills into curricula, this episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and students preparing for a future workforce dominated by AI.
Just Give It A Try
Join our new texting community on GroupMe! This is a free platform that I'm using with my Rutgers classes this semester. To join, visit https://chrisnesi.com/textme. Remember, I will be shutting down the Remind group at the end of February 2024, so make sure to switch over to stay connected.
Intro
My Memories of the Last 10 Years
Inspiration for the Show
Recording and Publishing That First Episode
House of #EdTech - episode 1
Favorite Episodes
By the Numbers
Because of HoET...
Awards
Travel and Conferences
Rutgers Professor since 2016
The Pod Journal
I Like to Podcast and You Will Too!
Education Podcast Network
Podcast Editor
Celebrate the 10th House of #EdTech Smackdown with Episode 239, a dynamic Smackdown showcasing the most innovative educational technology tools of 2023. Passionate educators and technology enthusiasts, dive into an exciting array of EdTech tools and predictions for the new year. This episode features engaging discussions on tools and emerging platforms.
Special contributions from the EdTech community, including voicemails and emails, enrich the conversation with real-world insights and applications. Whether you're a seasoned educator or exploring the world of EdTech, this episode offers a treasure trove of ideas, inspirations, and tools to revolutionize your approach to teaching and learning in 2024.
2023 Smackdown
Contributions from my community, including:
Stephanie Skrocki - Thank you for the email re: Episode 237
Featured ContentWelcome to Episode 238 of the House of #EdTech Podcast! In this episode, I share my recent appearance on an episode of Teachers on Fire, hosted by Tim Cavey. I participated in a live debate addressing a highly relevant topic in education: "Should student phones be banned from our K-12 schools?" I debated Dr. Matt Rhoads, who brought his extensive experience in education and technology to this thought-provoking discussion.
Debate Overview:
The debate revolves around using cell phones in K-12 educational settings, weighing the benefits and drawbacks. Our guests offer diverse viewpoints:
My Perspective: Advocating against banning cell phones, I emphasizes the importance of leveraging these powerful tools for learning and teaching responsible digital citizenship. I highlighted the potential of cell phones for research, collaboration, creativity, and communication.
Dr. Matt Rhoads's Viewpoint: Supporting the ban, Dr. Rhoads underscores concerns about declining academic performance, mental health crises, cyberbullying, and distractions caused by cell phones. He argues for using school-issued devices to teach digital citizenship while maintaining a focused learning environment.
Discussion Highlights:
Learning Tools vs. Distractions: The debate delves into whether cell phones are indispensable educational tools or sources of distraction and decline in academic performance.
Digital Citizenship and Responsibility: I argue that school cell phones offer opportunities to teach digital responsibility, while Matt suggests that the risks outweigh the benefits.
Mental Health and Bullying: Matt raises concerns about the impact of cell phones on student mental health and bullying, advocating for a safer school environment free from these influences.
Communication and Safety: The conversation touches on the role of cell phones in ensuring student safety and communication, especially in emergencies.
Conclusion:
The episode concludes without a definitive resolution but provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of both sides. The guests agree on the need for community involvement in decision-making regarding technology in schools.
Connect with Tim and Matt
Managing student technology use is crucial for productive, engaged classrooms. Learn vetted tips for setting screen guidelines, dealing with digital distraction, limiting off-task time, and bolstering curriculum through IT best practices across elementary, middle, and high school grade levels. Whether you're striving for targeted 1:1 implementation or just troubleshooting bring your own device policies, this engaging episode breaks down research and hard-won experience on everything from monitoring software to incentivization tactics. Tune into this insightful discussion evaluating real-world policies, responsible use contracts, tablet time allocation, charging stations, music listening policies, and more. With balanced takeaways across all K-12 environments, educators leave equipped to reinforce digital citizenship, nurture creativity, and build life-ready skills.
Think about...
EdCamp New Jersey 2023 will take place on Sat., November 18, 2023. Learn more and register here.
EdTech ThoughtBanning Cell Phones in K-12 Schools is Dumb
Cell Phones are Essential Learning Tools
Banning Phones Assumes the Worst in Students
Schools Should Evolve with the Times
Work With Students, Not Against Them
I attended the AI in Education Conference recently and I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Robert Zywicky, Dr. Richard Tomko, and Stanley Buchesky about the future of AI in K12 schools and the need for moving AI forward now and in 2024.
In this conversation we discussed:
Email from Christine McCormick - I just finished listening to your Podcast on using AI as your new teaching assistant and I wanted to say thank you!! I am a district office admin and find that my administrators are struggling with the balance of using AI as a resource because of their fear about cheating or some other devilish consequences. I am facilitating a workshop in early November focusing on using AI for the power of good. Thanks for adding to my thinking with your Podcast and I will share it as a great resource in my training. I don't know how I would do my job if I didn't take advantage of how CHAT GPT does the initial thinking for many routine tasks. I now think....could I use CHAT GPT for this before I over think! Thanks again!
EdTech RecommendationI cover the top 5 free screen recording programs for capturing footage from your computer screen. It counts down the top options, including ShareX, Flashback Express, NVIDIA ShadowPlay/AMD ReLive, ScreenRec, and OBS Studio. I talk about the key features, benefits, and limitations of each program.
Featured Content Overcoming AI Overwhelm as an EducatorArtificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, bringing new opportunities and challenges for educators. It's normal to feel overwhelmed! In this episode, I discuss strategies to help you embrace AI's potential without being buried by it.
Why Educators Feel Overwhelmed by AIImplementing AI can be daunting, but staying informed and starting small can help you harness its power. Focus on using AI to augment your strengths, not replace you! What AI overwhelm reduction strategies do you recommend? Let me know!
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