Edtech Throwdown

Edtech Throwdown Episode 214: Ditch That Chromebook (no affiliation with Matt Miller)Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 214 called Ditch that Chromebook.   In this episode we’ll talk about several current issues in the edtech world all centered around technology, the role it serves, and to what extent it belongs in schools.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.Segment 1:Apology to Matt MillerSegment 2:3 Current Arguments in the edtech world:To block or not to block: AI in schoolsLet fail? Agree about alway cheating   The pendulum swings back on 1:1 devices.  What is the right way forward?  Banning cell phones in schools.  Yay or nay?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 PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon PodcastsStitcher  YouTube  Twitter   FacebookWrite us an Apple Podcast Review!Tell your friends aboutwww.edtechthrowdown.comTell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast NetworkSubscribe to our Podcast Channels and SocialsApple PodcastsSpotify  YouTube  Twitter  (@edtechthrowdown)FacebookInstagramConnect with us on Social MediaGuise’s Social MediaTwitter(@guisegotteched)LinkedInNick’s Social MediaTwitter(@nickgotteched)Music Credits:Intro and Outro Music-American Idle - RKVCSegment Identifiers-Duck in the Alley - TrackTribeEdtech Throwdown-Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEXNeed 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 Parents1:1 Chromebook IntegrationEdTech ThrowdownTargetED LearningGamification (Badge Systems)Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)Google apps and extensionsPersonalized learning and Choice BoardsTeacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)Digital content creationStudent PodcastingScreencastingFlipped ClassroomStudent-Centered Learning

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 212: AI Uses in the Classroom from NJECC 2026Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 212 called AI Uses in the Classroom from NJECC 2026.   In this episode we’ll share 4 ways that AI can be used to support student learning.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.Segment 1:Vanguard NJ Districts AI Meetings Segment 2:Our presentation from 2026 feature the following tools:https://www.canva.com/design/DAHBrcMoMnM/qPXmqUkk_mpFJELEH-cv9A/edit?utm_content=DAHBrcMoMnM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebuttonNotebookLM flashcards to Canva bulk create how-to videohttps://youtu.be/RUCMVAgx8jQ?si=VQns3kuThjIAjpELEdtech 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  YouTube  Twitter   FacebookWrite us an Apple Podcast Review!Tell your friends aboutwww.edtechthrowdown.comTell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast NetworkSubscribe to our Podcast Channels and SocialsApple PodcastsSpotify  YouTube  Twitter  (@edtechthrowdown)FacebookInstagramConnect with us on Social MediaGuise’s Social MediaTwitter(@guisegotteched)LinkedInNick’s Social MediaTwitter(@nickgotteched)Music Credits:Intro and Outro Music-American Idle - RKVCSegment Identifiers-Duck in the Alley - TrackTribeEdtech Throwdown-Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEXNeed 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 Parents1:1 Chromebook IntegrationEdTech ThrowdownTargetED LearningGamification (Badge Systems)Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)Google apps and extensionsPersonalized learning and Choice BoardsTeacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)Digital content creationStudent PodcastingScreencastingFlipped ClassroomStudent-Centered Learning

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 210: AI Prompt Writing for EducatorsWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is episode 210 called “AI Prompt Writing for Educators.”  In this episode, we’ll explore the power of prompts and how they can be the difference maker for those who use AI effectively and those who fall behind.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.Segment 1: Narrative:  People still have an extremely wide range of engagement with AI.  Nick has two conversations about AI - 1 with his in-laws about AI telling people to commit crimes and 1 with another teacher who thinks it just writes papers for students.Anatomy of a good prompt1. Don't just ask a question; tell the AI who it is and who it is talking to. This sets the tone and the "knowledge ceiling" of the response.What to include:Give it a job title (e.g., "veteran IB Biology teacher") and define the target audience (e.g., "students with no prior coding experience").2. Be incredibly specific about the verb. Avoid "Help me with..." and use "Analyze," "Draft," "Critique," or "Categorize."What to include:Provide the "raw material." If you want a rubric, paste the assignment. If you want a response to a parent email, paste the email.3. Tell the AI exactly how you want the information delivered. Don't settle for a wall of text.What to include:Specify the format (e.g., "a 3-column table," "a bulleted list of 5 items," or "a formal email script"). Add constraints like "Keep the total word count under 200" or "Use a witty, encouraging tone."Be purposeful with your AI use.  Always ask - is there a reason for me to use AI here?  Would it benefit my brain to do this myself?  Sometimes doing even simple tasks yourself have benefits to maintaining your mind's own plasticity and critical thinking.  You’ll notice that many of our favorite prompts are for monotonous, time consuming, repetition-based tasks that would not be possible without the use of AI.Segment 2: Our favorite prompt libraries:Teacher Serverhttps://www.aiforeducation.io/promptshttps://promptbase.com/https://gail.wharton.upenn.edu/prompt-library/https://www.thepromptindex.com/Our favorite prompts:Multiple versions of the same question:  Here is an AP Exam question about topic X: ____copy paste in the question ____.  Can you write 8 more versions of this that all follow the same format but have different numbers and variations of each question.Meta search:  Find for me all the ___ exam questions that deal with ___topic___.Text leveller:  "Take the following text about [Topic] and rewrite it into three versions:Version A (The Hook):Written as a high-interest TikTok script for a 14-year-old.Version B (The Standard):On-grade level with 5 bolded 'power vocabulary' words.Version C (The Scaffold):For a student with a 3rd-grade reading level, using short sentences (max 10 words) and a 'one-concept-per-paragraph' rule. Include a 'Bridge Table' that helps Version C students eventually understand the key terms in Version B."I struggle with coming up withreal-world examplesof things.  "I’m teaching [Mathematical/Scientific Concept]. Give me 5 'weird' real-world applications of this concept in careers students wouldn't expect (e.g., fashion design, professional gaming, or forest management). For one of these, draft a 2-minute 'Lesson Hook' story that starts with a high-stakes problem only this concept can solve."Jeopardy Clue WriterYou are a Jeopardy Clue Writer.  Anytime an AP Biology term is entered, you will create a jeopardy clue using the AP Biology standards set by the AP College Board.  For example, if someone entered Charles Darwin into the prompt, you would respond with: He developed the theory of evolution by means of natural selection after a five-year voyage on the HMS Beagle.  Let the output be Times new roman font size 12.Add study guides or notes toGarbage Pail TeachersRole and GoalYou are the Garbage Pail Teachers Creator. Your purpose is to take an uploaded photo of a person and a provided name (first or last) and transform them into a high-quality, 1980s-style trading card parody. You specialize in gross-out humor, puns, and classroom-themed chaos.Image Generation GuidelinesWhen a user uploads a photo and provides a name, use the image_generation tool with these specific aesthetic requirements:Art Style: Classic 1980s trading card aesthetic. Hand-painted look with airbrushed textures, vibrant but slightly grimy colors, and thick outlines.Characters: The character must be a caricature of the person in the photo, reimagined as a "teacher" in a messy, surreal, or gross-out school setting.The Sticker Frame: The image must be encased in a classic die-cut sticker border (a white peel-off line) with a colorful header at the top.The Banner: The header must say "GARBAGE PAIL TEACHERS" in the iconic bubbly font.Naming Logic: Create a rhyming or alliterative nickname based on the provided name.Example: For "Guise," use "Greasy Guisey." For "Smith," use "Sickly Smitty."Place this name in the iconic nameplate bar at the bottom or side of the image.Creative ProcessAnalyze the Photo: Identify key features (glasses, hair style, expression) to maintain a "parody likeness."Teacher Theme: Place the character in a classroom context (e.g., covered in chalk dust, tangled in computer wires, eating a "rotten apple," or melting into a desk).The "Gross" Factor: Add a humorous, mildly gross-out element consistent with the original 80s cards (slimy textures, exaggerated expressions, or comical disasters).Interaction StyleStay in character as a mischievous 1980s trading card editor.When a user provides a name, confirm the "punny" nickname you’ve chosen before or during the image generation.Safety Note: Keep the humor "PG-13" gross-out (like the original cards). Avoid mean-spirited content, gore, or truly offensive imagery. Focus on "slapstick mess."Keep the correct spelling of the name.  Have the adjective start with the same letter as the name.  For example, if the inputted name was "Guise"  make it "Greasy-Guise or if the name was "Johnson" make it "Junky-Food Johnson"AP Biology Lesson Plan GeneratorYou are an AP Biology teacher making formalized lesson plans using the College board AP Biology Standards.  You must include the following parts of the lesson plan for each lesson: lesson objectives, standards, warm up, instructional strategies, closing activities, differentiation of instruction and/or assessment, and assessment techniques. I will provide the activities and topic for the lesson and you fill in the blanks.  Format on canvas mode and make sure each part of the lesson plan is bolded.  Please format suitable for a google doc.  Make sure The title of the lesson is The Unit # and Lesson # with the title of the lesson and that everything under each section is bulleted. Please don't use emojis in the lesson planAdd

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 208: 10 Canva Apps for Teachers in 2026Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is episode 208 called “10 (More) Canva Apps for Teachers”  In this episode, we’ll revisit the exciting world of canva apps and deliver some old favorites as well as some exciting new finds.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.Segment 1: Lunch and Learn preparationSegment 2: AppsCanva: Visual Suite for Everyone 10 Apps presentationQr CodeImage DivideBulk CreatorImage UpscalerVideo EffectsJigsaw PuzzlerAnimatorImage RecolorType CutoutCan SignYouTube EmbedEdtech 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  YouTube  Twitter   FacebookWrite us an Apple Podcast Review!Tell your friends aboutwww.edtechthrowdown.comTell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast NetworkSubscribe to our Podcast Channels and SocialsApple PodcastsSpotify  YouTube  Twitter  (@edtechthrowdown)FacebookInstagramConnect with us on Social MediaGuise’s Social MediaTwitter(@guisegotteched)LinkedInNick’s Social MediaTwitter(@nickgotteched)Music Credits:Intro and Outro Music-American Idle - RKVCSegment Identifiers-Duck in the Alley - TrackTribeEdtech Throwdown-Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEXNeed 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 Parents1:1 Chromebook IntegrationEdTech ThrowdownTargetED LearningGamification (Badge Systems)Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)Google apps and extensionsPersonalized learning and Choice BoardsTeacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)Digital content creationStudent PodcastingScreencastingFlipped ClassroomStudent-Centered Learning

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 206: Google Vids vs Canva Video and WeVideoWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is episode 206 called “Google Vids vs Canva Video and WeVideo”&nbsp; In this episode, we’ll talk about a new-ish Google app called Google Vids and how it stacks up against other popular classroom video creation tools.&nbsp; This is another episode you don’t want to miss.&nbsp; Check it out.Segment 1: What is Google Vids?Narrative: Have we ever solved the problem of fast and easy screencasts?&nbsp; A teacher asked me that this week and I realized I didn’t have a great answer. ScreenPal has an extension, but the increased tools make it slower WeVideo has an extension, but it is clunky and not free Screencastify still exists, but have to pay after 10 videosReleased:&nbsp; Google Vids was first announced and released in preview during Google Cloud Next in April 2024, with a wider rollout to all Google Workspace users starting in November 2024 as an AI-powered video creation tool for work.&nbsp;What is it? &nbsp;It is a video editing platform that feels more like creating a Google Slide than a video editing platform.&nbsp; Is this a positive thing … not sure yet.Free Basic Version: All users get access to the web-based editor, allowing recording, importing clips, using templates, and basic editing.&nbsp;AI Extras (Paid): Advanced AI tools, such as AI-generated clips from prompts, AI avatars, and enhanced script/outline generation, require paid Google Workspace or AI plan subscriptions.&nbsp;What can it do?Screen records with or without webcamConverts slides to videoUpload your own photos and videos for editingHas video templates with title slides, animations, etc.Multiple layouts: landscape, portrait, squareHas stock audio from Youtube audio library - good music!Has most, if not all, typical video editing tools: playhead, video preview, splitting, multiple track editing, etc.Benefits:Integration: Works directly within the Google ecosystem, integrating with Google Drive for easy access to files. If you are a Google school, this platform will look familiar to your studentsSharing:&nbsp; familiarity is key.&nbsp; You can share you vids projects just like a doc or slide.&nbsp; We tested simultaneous editing, it works wellRelatively simple to use.&nbsp; I was able to start editing and creating many different types of videos immediately.Downloads are very simple, better than the WeVideo we use with Ss nowWhat Can’t it Do:10 minute time limit - this is a big one"Slideshow" Nature: The primary criticism is that Google Vids is essentially an AI-assisted presentation or slideshow creator, not a full-fledged, cinematic video generation tool. The resulting videos are often described as similar to a Google Slides presentation with transitions.Limited Professional Polish: Veteran video content creators may find the final products lack the polish needed for professional demos or external use, making it better suited for internal team updates and presentations.AI Inconsistencies: The AI's selection of stock media can be "hit-or-miss," sometimes resulting in nonsensical or irrelevant images or video clips being inserted into the project.Lack of Control and Customization: Users have noted difficulties with customization and a lack of granular control.Theme customization is difficult, with limited options to easily change colors and fonts.Export resolution settings are not adjustable, leading to potentially pixilated output when starting with high-quality source footage.Limited stock media selection (music, images, voiceovers) means assets may get recycled across different projects.Segment 2: How does it compare to others?What we think:As a tool for fast and easy classroom video creation:Nick thinks… Vids!&nbsp; Or Canva if I want it to be social media-ishGuise thinks…As a tool for complex video editing:Nick thinks … WeVideo (we already pay for it), Vids if we didn’t pay for itGuise thinks …As a tool for teacher screencasting:Nick thinks … ScreenPal because I pay for it, Vids if I didn’tGuise thinks …&nbsp;As a tool for professional or social media style videos:Nick thinks …CanvaGuise thinks …Will we use Google Vids over other tools like ScreenPal, WeVideo or Screencastify?Nick thinks … No, but if and when we don’t have paid tools, YESGuise thinks …Which tool fits with state of tech in schools today?See the tableEdtech Throwdown:&nbsp;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&nbsp;&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/WeGotTechED/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent;color: rgb(17, 85,...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 204: Edtech WrappedWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is episode 204 called “Edtech Wrapped”&nbsp; In this episode, we’ll talk about our version of spotify wrapped to take a look back at our edtech year in review.&nbsp; This is another episode you don’t want to miss.&nbsp; Check it out.Segment 1:&nbsp;Narrative:&nbsp; Guise, do you know what Spotify Wrapped is?We assembled our own edtech version of Spotify Wrapped as a way to talk about trends over the past year.By the way, Ditch That Textbook has some really cool Wrapped Templates that you can use in your classroom.&nbsp; Check out the link here.Segment 2: Edtech Wrapped 2025Instead of most played song, artist and genre, we will do most used edtech tool, most used tip or trick, most used strategy/lesson/activityNick’s WrappedMost played song ( edtech tool )Gemini Gems - game changing for AI in educationCheck out Eric CurtsEdugemsMost played artist ( edtech tip or trick )Canva EmailsMost played genre ( strategy/lesson/activity )Flipped classroom, incorporating edpuzzleCan Edpuzzle remain competitive as edtech tools grow in scope?&nbsp;They are trying!Guises WrappedMost played song ( edtech tool )Canva Magic- 3d models, roller style, design and elements*** Bonus*** The update to video editorMost played artist ( edtech tip or trick )If you have gorilla paws like me… stop using a keyboard… trywisprflow.aiMost played genre ( strategy/lesson type )Flipped App SmashDiffit → Notebook LMEdtech Throwdown:&nbsp;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&nbsp;&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;FacebookWrite us an Apple Podcast Review!Tell your friends aboutwww.edtechthrowdown.comTell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast NetworkSubscribe to our Podcast Channels and SocialsApple PodcastsSpotify&nbsp;&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp; (@edtechthrowdown)FacebookInstagramConnect with us on Social MediaGuise’s Social MediaTwitter(@guisegotteched)LinkedInNick’s Social MediaTwitter(@nickgotteched)Music Credits:Intro and Outro Music-American Idle - RKVCSegment Identifiers-Duck in the Alley - TrackTribeEdtech Throwdown-Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEXNeed 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...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 202Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 202 called Tech or Treat: 8 (More) Edtech Tools for the Classroom Teacher (Part 2).&nbsp; In this episode, we will continue exploring a new list of edtech tools that can enhance, engage, and save time.&nbsp; This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.NIck’s&nbsp;UniqLearn(Coming Soon)Creates a profile for each student and then develops a lesson to tailor who that student learns best. This forthcoming platform is designed to personalize the learning experience by assessing each student's learning profile and then generating tailored lessons that best match their individual learning style.Common Core Sheets: This tool is an online resource that provides thousands of free, printable math and English language arts worksheets aligned with Common Core State Standards. The sheets cover a vast range of grade levels and topics, giving teachers and parents easy access to practice materials.makeprogressai.ca: This is an AI-powered report card comment generator designed to help teachers quickly create thoughtful, student-specific feedback. By inputting student strengths and areas for growth, the tool instantly generates professional, polished, and personalized comments for reports and assessments.ziplet.com:[Information not found via search]This platform is an engagement and feedback tool that allows teachers to easily collect and act on student feedback using simple questions (ziplets) via a secure link. It helps facilitate open communication and gives teachers real-time insights into student understanding and wellbeing to inform instruction.Guise’sRewordify: This is a text leveling tool that helps improve reading comprehension by simplifying complex sentences and words in a given text without changing its core meaning. It identifies challenging vocabulary and phrases, replacing them with easier alternatives to enhance understanding for students and language learners.123apps.com: This is a free online software suite providing a variety of multimedia tools for everyday use, including audio, video, PDF, and image editing. It operates entirely within a web browser, offering over fifty utilities like a video cutter, audio converter, and PDF editor without needing any downloads.almanack.ai: Almanack is an AI-powered education platform that assists teachers in creating standards-aligned lesson plans, curriculum designs, and various classroom resources efficiently. It functions as an AI teaching assistant, streamlining curriculum planning, resource generation, and assessment creation.Classroomcereal: This is a series of free, short, engaging PDF stories that double as daily grammar exercises. Each story is broken into five parts, and students must act as editors to find and correct five grammatical mistakes in each part.Edtech Throwdown:&nbsp;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&nbsp;&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;FacebookWrite us an Apple Podcast Review!Tell your friends aboutwww.edtechthrowdown.comTell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast NetworkSubscribe to our Podcast Channels and SocialsApple PodcastsSpotify&nbsp;&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp; (@edtechthrowdown)FacebookInstagramConnect with us on Social MediaGuise’s Social MediaTwitter(@guisegotteched)LinkedInNick’s Social MediaTwitter<span...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 200: Is Google Gemini the Ultimate Educational AI?Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 200 called Is Google Gemini the Ultimate Educational AI?&nbsp; 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?&nbsp; This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1:&nbsp;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.&nbsp; It does what school ai does.&nbsp; It does what magic school does.&nbsp; It’s “safe”.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; 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 easyGoogle is a behemoth and we are feeding it (in the words of matt miller).&nbsp; Remember that Google is offering this for free so they hook us all in to their world.&nbsp; Is this inherently bad … im not sure.Our favorite Use Cases:Creating fun images or image alterations for class (nicks chemistry superhero)Creating personalized digital stickers (gemstickers)Google Classroom toolsare pretty cool, even if your school doesn’t use Google Classroom for it’s full LMS functionalityCanvas can code websites and apps just like Canva Code!Gems can make personalized AI tutors just like SchoolAI or Magic SchoolPHONE STUFFEdtech Throwdown:&nbsp;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&nbsp;&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;FacebookWrite us an Apple Podcast Review!Tell your friends aboutwww.edtechthrowdown.comTell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast NetworkSubscribe to our Podcast Channels and SocialsApple PodcastsSpotify&nbsp;&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp; (@edtechthrowdown)FacebookInstagramConnect with us on Social MediaGuise’s Social MediaTwitter(@guisegotteched)<a...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 198: Educators as AI Guides: Crafting Resources for Families and CommunitiesWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 198 called Educators as AI Guides: Crafting Resources for Families and Communities.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1:&nbsp;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.&nbsp; Maybe they disagree with it, maybe they don’t know where to go or what to do, or maybe they just don’t care.&nbsp; 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 public space to clearly communicate that policyWebsite is probably the best option, social posts are too fleetingCould also be a document that gets linked somewhere, like a school websiteCreate easily digestible versions of that policy“Infographic” that policy!&nbsp; No one likes to read policy, so make it digestible in the form of an infographicShoe-horn it as an FAQ pageBeautified PDF or Canva docCanva slide deck - make it presentable and informative since this is what people will likely go to for policy informationCreate a public hub that collects AI resources for everyoneTo me, website is the only option hereNeeds to be linked to the school districts websiteMust have …The actual board policy languageSections for staff, students, and communityQuick links for commonly accessed informationShare with staffSurveys and focus groups in the early stages - make them feel heard, this is a hot topicMulti-pronged approachIn-person PD on in-service daysReady-made classroom materials like postersDifferentiate the options they have for accessing info and sharing with students: video AND slides AND docs AND …Examples of how this policy affects real things like a syllabus, assignment directions, second chance learning, use of computers, etc.Specific information about what they can do to help stop AI use and what to do when students are misusing itRegular remindersShare with studentsCreate common language used between all stakeholdersAppropriate usagesInappropriate usagesAI policy at the district level, school level, classroom levelDifferent modes of communicationSyllabusAI policy websiteStudent handbookClassroom posterShare with communityFirst, share your resource hub on social mediaSecond, create a schedule for social media posts that contain information from the policy.&nbsp; Keep it positive!&nbsp; For example, a post that shows how a well known teacher is using AI to help support student learning.Third, create resources that teach people about AI, what it is, how it is used in schools, how they can use it in their everyday livesFinal stage: collab with local groups like libraries, AI night for parents to joinContinuing updates and educationShowcase new tools, policies, and guidelinesSocial mediaSuperintendent NewsletterWebsite updateVideosBack to School nightTeacher communication emails/newsletters<strong...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 196: Classroom Activities for the Beginning of SchoolWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 196: Classroom Activities for the Beginning of School.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; 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):&nbsp; 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:&nbsp; choose ten items from a large listEdtech Throwdown:&nbsp;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&nbsp;&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;FacebookWrite us an Apple Podcast Review!Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.comTell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast NetworkSubscribe to our Podcast Channels and SocialsApple PodcastsSpotify&nbsp;&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;&nbsp;Twitter &nbsp; (@edtechthrowdown)FacebookInstagramConnect with us on Social MediaGuise’s Social MediaTwitter (@guisegotteched)LinkedInNick’s Social MediaTwitter (@nickgotteched)Music Credits:Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVCSegment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribeEdtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEXNeed 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 Parents1:1 Chromebook IntegrationEdTech ThrowdownTargetED LearningGamification (Badge Systems)Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)Google apps and extensionsPersonalized learning and Choice BoardsTeacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)Digital content creationStudent Podcasting<span style="background-color:...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 194: Tech That Teaches: Hardware We Actually LoveWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 194 called Tech That Teaches: Hardware We Actually Love.&nbsp; In this episode, we will go over the hardware that allows our classrooms and offices to run smoothly and efficiently.&nbsp; Save time, headaches, and hopefully some money!&nbsp; This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1:&nbsp;Who doesn’t like gadgets?Segment 2:Nick’s GadgetsWorkstation Set-Up:&nbsp; Use a USB splitter connected to an external monitor.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; I use the Anker Hub 4 Ports and love it, but there are many options that are all pretty good.Second monitor!&nbsp; Dell 27 inch Monitor, P2725H Full HD 1080p Computer Monitor.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; When I use the stylus, I find that it my hand accidentally clicks things on the screen, zooming in by mistake, etc.&nbsp; I have the wired version, which is limiting.&nbsp; Get the wireless!Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Cardioid Dynamic Microphone:&nbsp; I’ve heard lots of teachers like the Blue Yeti or the Rode Podcaster, but my favorite has always been the AT.&nbsp; All the other mics I’ve tried sound tinny.Multi-device Charging StationGuise’s Gadgets:Dinofire Presentation ClickerC Desk Clam Power StripDYMO Label Maker or DYMO Label Maker USB<a href="https://www.amazon.com/sspa/click?ie=UTF8&amp;spc=MToyNTg4MDMxOTgzNDMwNzQ2OjE3NDkyMTEyNTQ6c3Bfc2VhcmNoX3RoZW1hdGljOjMwMDUwNTI3ODgxMDIwMjo6Mjo6&amp;url=%2FLaminator-Machine-Laminating-Portable-Personal%2Fdp%2FB08JGHC2D2%2Fref%3Dsxin_15_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa%3Fcontent-id%3Damzn1.sym.dd72f1c7-655d-4b60-b1bd-fe74fe8a5924%253Aamzn1.sym.dd72f1c7-655d-4b60-b1bd-fe74fe8a5924%26cv_ct_cx%3Dtech%2Btools%2Bfor%2Bteachers%26keywords%3Dtech%2Btools%2Bfor%2Bteachers%26pd_rd_i%3DB08JGHC2D2%26pd_rd_r%3D19f9caa3-5708-45fa-be11-3bfc968be0a6%26pd_rd_w%3DGOXNK%26pd_rd_wg%3D3KMdW%26pf_rd_p%3Ddd72f1c7-655d-4b60-b1bd-fe74fe8a5924%26pf_rd_r%3DGRCJ1FNY36J5D4DAD6TA%26qid%3D1749211251%26sbo%3D9ZOMT9Jm0JH%252Ft%252BWi68iDSA%253D%253D%26sr%3D1-51-f853d353-bf33-45e7-b5c2-2cb2b31abc9b-spons%26xpid%3D1qhNL9hE377CM%26sp_csd%3Dd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM%26psc%3D1" target="_blank" style="background-color:...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 192: Awesome Edtech for the SummerWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 192 called Awesome Edtech for the Summer.&nbsp; 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:&nbsp; 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:&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; What is it good at, what is it not.Nanolearning Unit Development:&nbsp; This is a good website that covers the differences between nano and micro and how to do implement themGuisePodcasts&nbsp;Steph and Joe on the Go&nbsp;&nbsp;The Brain Health PodcastJoin Dr. Jonah Yakel on the Brain Health Podcast where we discuss cutting-edge science and natural strategies to help maximize brain function while aiming to slow, stop, and even reverse symptoms of cognitive decline.Books&nbsp;&nbsp;Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learningempowers educators to harness research on how students learn. Written in collaboration with a K–12 teacher, Powerful Teaching is filled with evidence-based strategies that transform learning—without additional prep or grading.Baseball Mindset:&nbsp;&nbsp;Grab Bag&nbsp;Canva SheetPush out Canva designed AP Biology practice problems to the LMS&nbsp;&nbsp;Bulk create canva app&nbsp;&nbsp;Adobe Aeroa tool that allows users to create, share, and view interactive augmented reality (AR) experiences without needing to code. It's available for iOS and as a public beta for macOS and Windows. Aero allows users to bring their own assets, such as 2D and 3D objects, audio, and more, to create engaging AR experiences.Ambassador Programs / PD Collectionshttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fzLNKC13WcAmLUVea8hyCiHv-KHKOBt7XXY4N6Z-nKA/edit?usp=sharinghttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18GtutWr8iO156-yEZIdf2B2ZA2RUysN8WX9JIryk3LE/edit?usp=sharing&nbsp;Edtech Throwdown:&nbsp;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&nbsp;&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;FacebookWrite us an Apple Podcast Review!Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.comTell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast...

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 190:&nbsp;Stump the Edtech GuruWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 190 called Stump the Edtech Guru.&nbsp; In this episode, we’ll try and stump each other with some of the toughest edtech challenges we could think of.&nbsp; Each guru will have to come up with a solution on the spot. &nbsp; 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:&nbsp;The AI Essay Epidemic.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; The students cited AI use, and even included a link to a specific conversation in a tool called Perplexity.&nbsp; When examining the link however, it only shows the student asking questions about the topic.&nbsp; In other words, there is no evidence of having the AI do the writing, at least not in this particular chat.&nbsp; The student denies any AI use other than what was cited.&nbsp; What should she do?PerplexityGoogle DocsAi Works CitedScenario 2:The Silent Discussion Board.&nbsp; 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:&nbsp;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.&nbsp; Her students are confused, parents are overwhelmed, and she’s spending more time managing tech than teaching content. She’s asking herself: how do I streamline this chaos without ignoring district expectations or shortchanging students?CanvaGoogle SuiteGuise’s Scenarios:Scenario 1:You are the edtech coach of a building, and you were just informed that you have two students moving into the high school that speak very little English.&nbsp; Their English level is that of a 3rd grader.&nbsp; Devise a plan to help a core curriculum teacher differentiate a lesson to help these two students.NotebookLMDiffitScenario 2:&nbsp;Each year during awards/banquet season, you are approached with helping make certificates, posters, etc. from the same people.&nbsp; Unfortunately, this year, you have a lot of projects due where you know you don’t have time to get to everyone’s needs. Develop a plan that would help you help them.&nbsp;CanvaBulk Create app using a CSV fileAdobe ExpressScenario 3:You have finished your curriculum and have given the final. You have 5 instructional days left to do some type of gamified activity. What’s your plan?KahootBlooketGimkitQuizizzDigital Escape the RoomBonus:You are an Edtech podcaster who does an Edtech throwdown against your cohost. You have lost the last 10 in a row. What do you do to make sure you don’t lose the next one?Edtech Throwdown:&nbsp;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&nbsp;&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;FacebookWrite us an Apple Podcast Review!Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.comTell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast NetworkSubscribe to our Podcast Channels and Socials<a...