AI and Education Tools: Enhancing Learning in the Classroom

Explore AI’s impact on education! Personalize learning, reduce admin tasks, and engage students with cutting-edge AI tools. Learn more now!

*This blog post is sponsored by Colleague AI. Click here to learn more and get started!

AI is transforming education by offering personalized learning, automating administrative tasks, and enhancing student engagement. Explore AI tools that are revolutionizing classrooms, discuss their benefits for both students and teachers, and address the ethical considerations involved in AI and education.

Key Takeaways

  • AI tools such as educational games, adaptive learning platforms, and intelligent tutoring systems are revolutionizing K-12 classrooms by enhancing student engagement and personalizing learning.
  • Automating tasks like grading and lesson planning with AI reduces administrative burdens on educators, allowing them to focus more on teaching.
  • The ethical use of AI in education is crucial; educators must ensure equitable access and maintain human oversight to maximize benefits and address potential risks.

Understanding AI in Education

Artificial intelligence, commonly referred to as AI, includes technologies capable of performing activities that typically necessitate human intellect such as comprehension of spoken language and decision-making processes.

AI technologies have been revolutionizing both teaching methodologies and educational experiences by enabling personalized learning paths while supporting teachers in boosting engagement among students.

Surveys illustrate that over one third of the teaching population has experienced a beneficial impact from incorporating AI tools into their classrooms. Across various stages within their careers, educators are recognizing these tech advancements as significant contributors towards shaping future education landscapes. The increasingly common integration of AI signifies its potential to radically alter traditional instructional approaches alongside enhancing how students absorb knowledge.


Key Applications of AI in K-12 Classrooms

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are revolutionizing K-12 education, offering a range of dynamic applications within the classroom. These tools aid in pinpointing students who may need additional support and provide valuable assistance with distance learning, thus enriching the educational landscape for both learners and teachers. AI-powered solutions such as educational games designed to enhance student engagement, adaptive learning systems tailored to individual learner needs, automated essay scoring programs, and smart tutor platforms stand out among these innovations.

By integrating AI into their toolset, educators can deliver instruction that is more interactive and customized while also greatly diminishing their own administrative burdens through task automation. Subsequent sections will delve into the subject. In each notable application of artificial intelligence mentioned above, we examine how they fundamentally redefine the experience within classrooms by making learning more efficient and pleasurable for all parties involved.


Adaptive Learning Platforms

Educational resources are being revolutionized by adaptive learning platforms, which leverage AI to customize education for each student’s unique needs. These innovative systems utilize data from students to adapt the educational material provided, aligning it with the individual learner’s speed and style of comprehension. Such customization makes it possible for students to learn more efficiently while maintaining their interest in the subjects.

Colleague AI exemplifies this approach within K-12 education settings. It arms educators with a suite of tailored tools and resources that assist them in crafting lesson plans and worksheets personalized for their classrooms’ diverse learning requirements. This not only elevates instruction quality but also empowers teachers to address the varied educational demands among their students effectively.

These platforms employ analytical tools that refine how content is presented based on real-time performance feedback from learners. By continuously adapting challenge levels according to ongoing assessments, they ensure that lessons remain optimally challenging — supporting learners as they advance at a pace suited specifically for them and facilitating achievement of personal academic goals.

AI-Powered Educational Games

AI-powered tools are transforming the educational landscape by making classroom learning more interactive and captivating for students. These AI-driven games cater to varying levels of abilities, interests, and learning preferences by customizing experiences to match individual student profiles. The adaptive nature of artificial intelligence within these teaching resources allows them to modify challenges and content in real-time according to a learner’s progress, offering a customized journey that enhances knowledge absorption.

By turning traditional academic subjects into engaging activities through the use of artificial intelligence, educators can instill a passion for knowledge among their pupils. This shift not only maintains student enthusiasm, but also promotes better retention of information. Consequently, with these innovative AI-powered tools at their disposal, teachers can enrich their instructional materials and foster an energetic atmosphere conducive to learning in their classrooms.


Automated Grading Systems

AI-driven automated grading systems are transforming the educational landscape by optimizing the assessment process and delivering prompt feedback to students. These innovative systems utilize performance data from students to automatically produce grades, thereby reducing a substantial amount of time and labor for teachers. Consequently, educators can concentrate more on teaching rather than being bogged down by administrative duties.

The key advantage of AI-enhanced grading lies in its ability to provide immediate feedback, fostering a dynamic learning atmosphere within the classroom. Students benefit from swiftly recognizing their errors and adjusting accordingly, which enhances the overall effectiveness of their education journey.

Intelligent Tutoring Systems

The advent of [intelligent tutoring systems](https://www.princetonreview.com/ai-education/intelligent-tutoring-systems#:~:text=The Historical Trajectory of ITSs,really began to take off.) are revolutionizing the realm of education by providing individualized teaching that addresses each student’s specific learning requirements. These AI-infused systems deliver customized lessons, spanning various subjects and enabling students to more effectively comprehend intricate ideas in a manner similar to personal tutoring sessions.

In fields where learners frequently encounter difficulties, these innovative platforms excel by offering bespoke feedback and advice suited to their distinct modes of learning. This tailored approach aids in elevating both comprehension levels and engagement among students, thereby enriching the educational experience with enjoyment and fulfillment.

Augmenting this shift are the detailed lesson plans and abundant teaching resources supplied by intelligent tutoring systems. Teachers benefit from significant enhancements to instructional quality thanks to this technological upheaval within education—a boon not only for pupils but also for educators striving to refine their pedagogical techniques while bolstering support for their wards’ academic pursuits.


Alleviating Administrative Burdens with AI

Educators are finding AI tools increasingly beneficial for reducing the administrative workload they encounter. By automating routine tasks such as grading, organizing schedules, and composing reports, these technologies liberate a considerable amount of time for teachers. This liberation allows them to engage more deeply with their students and concentrate on their core mission: educating and motivating learners.

Incorporating AI into administrative responsibilities not only saves educators time, but also enhances teaching methods and boosts student learning achievements. When AI assumes control over monotonous and labor-intensive duties, teachers can invest more effort in developing thorough lesson plans that contribute to an energetic educational atmosphere.

AI Lesson Planning Automation

AI tools are transforming the traditional methods of lesson planning, streamlining this essential yet labor-intensive task for educators. Platforms like Colleague AI equip teachers with an extensive collection of modifiable lesson plans along with instruments to formulate instructional strategies and manage classroom dynamics efficiently. These aids prove invaluable, especially to novice teachers, by demystifying the process of creating lessons while ensuring they align with standard educational benchmarks.

Domain-Informed AI Algorithms to Curate Rigorous, Engaging, and Inclusive Lesson Materials

Colleague AI integrates cutting-edge AI technology with knowledge in effective teaching to curate Open Education Resources. Human domain experts, assisted by our domain-specific algorithms, review lesson materials to ensure rigor, engagingness, and inclusivity.

Dynamic, Tailored Recommendations to Improve Lesson Plan Efficiency

Colleague AI dynamically recommends materials, tailored to your teaching style and your students’ needs in academic learning, language diversity, and special education accommodations, to make lesson planning efficient.

Thoughtfully-Designed Workflow to Amplify Teachers’ Creativity and Advance Student Learning

Colleague AI allows you to complete the entire lesson planning using one platform. The workflow design is grounded in research evidence about effective teacher learning and instructional improvement cycles. Colleague AI aims to amplify your creativity and professionalism to ultimately advance student learning outcomes.

By integrating AI into lesson preparation, you will have the capacity to devise detailed schemes tailored for a varied learner demographic, elevating the caliber of instruction and enabling you more time to engage students in meaningful learning experiences. Colleague AI’s central repository for accessing these teaching blueprints simplifies their utilization significantly for educators irrespective of their changing grade levels or subject matters—offering crucial support that enhances consistency throughout different facets within your professional roles.

Colleague AI modernizes the lesson planning process so that you spend less time on tedious lesson planning tasks, and more on the things that really make a difference to your students’ learning.

Assessment and Feedback Tools

AI-driven tools are revolutionizing the methods educators use to gauge and respond to student learning progress. By evaluating each student’s work, these AI-powered instruments can create assessments and deliver custom feedback designed specifically for individual students’ needs. This process not only conserves educator time, but also elevates the educational experience by offering prompt and pertinent feedback.

The insights offered by AI cater directly to every student, drawn from an analysis of their exclusive performance data and educational requirements. Such tailored feedback enables learners to recognize where they excel as well as areas needing attention, promoting a learning setting that is both more impactful and captivating.


Human Oversight in AI Processes

Ensuring responsible AI use and maintaining human involvement in its operations is essential as we integrate the advantages of AI into education. A striking 98% of those surveyed recognize the necessity for instruction on ethical AI utilization, underscoring the critical need to comprehend and confront the consequences of implementing AI within educational settings.

Teachers have raised alarms regarding possible hazards posed by AI, including cheating, reduced personal interaction, threats to job security, questions about fairness, and safety concerns. These issues highlight an urgent need for thorough training concerning the application of AI and crafting strategies aimed at reducing these identified risks.

In spite of such reservations amongst educators about potential downsides they may encounter due to artificial intelligence integration in education systems. A substantial majority maintain optimism about what lies ahead considering how they perceive future advancements with this technology—an augmentation rather than a replacement or challenge to their current vocation(s). The U.S Department along Education strongly advocates this perspective ensuring that any technological enhancements function supplementary assistance aiding incumbent teacher duties Ensuring inclusivity while UNESCO pushes policies aiming at bridging divides thus warranting equal opportunity access across various demographics when it comes down usage opportunities related powered learning platforms/tools – all culminating towards one unified vision: leveraging responsibly managed Artificial Intelligence achieve maximal benefit but doing so adhering strictest standards fairness equity across board users involved process alike.


Exploring Colleague AI

Colleague AI will serve as your AI-powered assistant – specifically created for for K-12 teachers, it aims to enhance the educational process by reducing burdensome tasks and delivering individualized learning opportunities for your students. Crafted by specialists from the University of Washington in collaboration with Hensun Innovation LLC, this platform stands out with its dedication to teacher assistance through recurring monthly webinars and a supportive online community network.

As it advances, Colleague AI will persistently refine its capabilities to better address your requirements. The platform will leverage artificial intelligence not just to streamline managerial responsibilities, but also to uplift your teaching standards through customized tools and educational resources designed specifically for student engagement and enrichment.

Empowering Teachers with Colleague AI

Colleague AI will provide you with a hub for gathering lesson plans and resources, simplifying the process for you to find and apply these materials regardless of your level of experience. This platform will aid you in producing more lesson plan examples, which will bolster the caliber of your instructional content and benefit you if you often change subjects or grade levels.

By merging automation with a unified repository of resources, Colleague AI will greatly lighten your teaching load. It will refine processes like lesson planning and grading as well as other clerical tasks—freeing you to invest greater attention into student instruction.

Personalized Learning with Colleague AI

Colleague AI will enhance your classroom experience by adapting to each student’s abilities and providing custom resources that will foster individualized learning. This technology will be adept at generating specialized materials like worksheets and activities for small groups, which will be instrumental for classes focused on intervention and accommodating a spectrum of educational needs.

For those of you who are new to teaching or grappling with specific topics, the lessons produced by Colleague AI will demystify intricate subjects through clear, accessible language. It will augment student participation by formulating relevant and stimulating questions when prompted – all while fostering valuable group discussions supported by an interactive feedback bot.

By aggregating expertly designed lesson content into a single user-friendly platform, Colleague AI will elevate traditional lesson plans. It will integrate adaptive content rich in substance to deliver exceptional instruction tailored to meet the diverse demands of your students’ learning journeys.

How to Get Started with Colleague AI

Starting your journey with Colleague AI will be easy. You will create a free account on colleague.ai, which will grant you access to an extensive assortment of tools and resources aimed at improving the educational process for both teaching and learning. After signing up, you will be advised to examine your email inbox for additional instructions to finalize your account setup and delve into the various features offered by the platform.

  • Create a free account.
  • Check your email for further instructions to finalize the setup.
  • Explore the platform’s features and tools designed to enhance your teaching experience.
  • Utilize support options such as monthly webinars and the online community for additional help.

Transforming Education with AI

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing education by transforming how teaching and learning occur in the classroom. AI-driven tools like intelligent tutoring systems, automated grading software, and adaptive learning platforms personalize learning experiences, reduce teachers’ administrative tasks, and foster a dynamic educational environment. Colleague AI stands out as a leading solution for K-12 teachers, providing extensive resources and personalized tools to support effective teaching and student engagement. With responsible implementation and continuous human oversight, AI can unlock new possibilities in education, creating a brighter future for learners and educators alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Colleague AI assist teachers in addressing individual student needs?

Colleague AI empowers teachers by pinpointing each student’s unique strengths and providing formative assessments, making it easier to tailor their teaching to individual needs!

This personalized approach can truly transform student learning experiences!

How does Colleague AI differentiate itself from other AI tools

Colleague AI is remarkable for its tailored design aimed at educators, with an emphasis on lesson planning and pedagogical material, thereby rendering it extremely beneficial for classroom applications.

FETC 2025: Learning, Food, and Fun!

FETC is just around the corner and here’s what I’ve got going on. There’s still a few spots left for the food tour so make sure you’re signed up.

It’s January, and you know what that means: FETC is right around the corner! I’m beyond excited to pack my bags (and my stretchy pants) and head back to sunny Orlando for a few days of learning, inspiration, connection, and—let’s be honest—amazing food.

There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by passionate educators who are as eager to learn as they are to share. Presenting to educators is one of my greatest joys, and getting to do it in a vibrant city like Orlando? That’s the cherry on top (or maybe the sprinkles on the donut—this is Florida, after all).

The Walking Food Tour of Downtown Orlando

This year, I’ve partnered with the amazing folks at Lumio to host my annual walking food tour of downtown Orlando. If you’ve ever joined one of these tours, you know it’s not just about the food—it’s about breaking bread (or tacos, or pastries) together, swapping ideas, and building connections that last long after the conference ends. I’m thrilled to share that we STILL HAVE A FEW SPOTS OPEN! If you’re interested in joining us, check out the details and sign up below.

A HUGE thank you to Lumio for sponsoring this event and supporting my book as well. If you’re still looking for a copy of Cooking Up Experiences in the Classroom, here’s your chance:


Podcasting with Class Companion

FETC isn’t just about sessions and workshops for me—it’s also about connecting one-on-one. This year, I’m teaming up with Class Companion to record podcast episodes live at the conference. These episodes will feature incredible educators and thought leaders sharing their insights on all things teaching and learning—while we enjoy some delicious bites, of course! I’m so grateful to FETC and Class Companion for making this opportunity possible.

Be sure to subscribe to my podcast so you don’t miss a single FETC episode when they drop after the conference. Trust me, these conversations are going to be worth the wait!

Steps, Sunshine, and Guilt-Free Indulgence

Now, let’s talk about mornings. Since summer 2024, I’ve made it a point to get my steps in every single morning—and Orlando will be no exception. I’ll be up bright and early, power-walking my way through the city and soaking up that gorgeous Florida sunrise. Why? Because nothing makes enjoying Orlando’s culinary scene feel sweeter than knowing I’ve already burned a few extra calories. Balance, right?

Let’s Connect!

If you’re heading to FETC, let’s connect! Whether you’re coming to one of my sessions, stopping by the Class Companion booth, or just passing me on a morning walk, don’t be shy—say hello! Here’s a list of my sessions:

And if you’re not making it to Orlando this year, stay tuned for all the updates, podcasts, and behind-the-scenes fun. Hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss out, and who knows—maybe next year, we’ll be breaking bread together.

Here’s to a week of learning, laughter, and living our best edtech foodie lives! See you in Orlando and Buen Provecho!

FETC 2025 EdTech Bites x Lumio Walking Food Tour

If you’re heading to FETC, you’re not going to want to miss out on the EdTech Bites x Lumio Walking Food Tour of Downtown, Orlando!

We’re back at it again! This time, I’ve partnered with Lumio to tour three of our favorite spots in Downtown Orlando, Florida. This is going to be an event like no other during FETC 2025 so don’t miss out. Check out the details below and click on the image below to sign up.

FETC Walking Food Tour Info

  • Tuesday January 14th, 2025 from 6:00pm-8:00pm ET and only 20 spots
  • Cost is $15 per person
Stop 1Stop 2Stop 3
Mecatos Bakery and CaféLoading Zone Philly CheesesteaksThe Great Greek Mediterranean Food
Various Southern American Dessert Pastries and Authentic Columbian Hot ChocolateLoaded Cheesesteaks, Pizzaroni Cheesesteaks, Chipotle Cheesesteaks, Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak, Teriyaki Chicken Cheesesteaks, French Fries, and Tater TotsChicken Skewer, Tzatziki, Hummus, Tirokafteri, Melitzanosalata dips, and pita bread

Things To Consider Before you Sign Up

  • There will be meat, dairy, and gluten
  • We will be walking about a mile total through Downtown Orlando
  • Those participating will be responsible for getting to the downtown area and back to their respective hotel

How Do I Sign Up and How Will I Know If I Got A Spot?

  • Click the image above to fill out the form using the email address you check most frequently
  • Check your email frequently for further instructions
  • If you’re one of the first 20, you’ll receive instructions to submit payment to secure your spot (If you submit payment and have a change of plans, I cannot issue a refund but you can give your spot away to someone else and handle reimbursement with them)
  • You’ll Receive your confirmation email by January 6th for FETC. If all spots are filled, you will receive an email stating so
  • As we get closer to the event, you’ll receive an email with the map, times, and further instructions

What Is Lumio?

Lumio helps engage students on their devices and make learning enjoyable. You can level up any lesson with increased interactivity, collaboration, and game-based learning – ALL without juggling other browser tabs or tools.

Teachers, create a FREE account.

Click here and sign up today


2024 FETC Downtown Orlando Walking Food Tour Recap

Check out the 2024 FETC Recap see what it’s all about. Hope to see you in Orlando!

13 Days Of AI: The Baker’s Dozen Edition

I’m excited to share the 13 Days Of AI: The Baker’s Dozen Edition. Check back everyday from December 4th through December 20th for a new tool and activity to use with your students as well as a new donut for you to try!

I’m excited to share a 13-day (baker’s dozen) calendar designed to help you make the most of some of my favorite AI tools and enhance your students’ learning experience as well as your own.

From December 4th to the 20th, I’ll be revealing a daily tip, prompts, and activity. Each day will feature a different AI tool (like MagicSchool AI, Brisk, Snorkl, or ChatGPT) and a creative way to use it in your classroom. Each of these activities is represented by a popular donut because well… you know me! This was created using Genially so make sure you bookmark the site and check it daily to see the new reveal.

I also would like for you to widen your palette and taste buds by venturing into the other donuts you haven’t tried yet. Remember that not all donuts have holes. As a matter of fact, the best ones don’t have a hole in the middle at all! These unique sweets are full of flavor and each of these tools brings an additional flavor of AI-powered learning. So let’s make the most of it together for the sake of student outcomes. Be sure to check out the Genially daily as it will be updated everyday at 8:00am CT.

12 Thanksgiving Snorkl Activities

Who’s going to say no to 12 Snorkl activities for Thanksgiving?!

As Thanksgiving break approaches, keeping students engaged while channeling the holiday spirit can feel like a challenge. Whether you’re a math teacher looking for themed problems or a social studies teacher wanting to explore history in a festive way, we’ve got you covered! Here are 12 Thanksgiving-themed Snorkl prompts designed to keep your students learning, problem solving, thinking critically, and communicating right before the holiday. Each one of these is fully customizable with the Canva template that’s available for each one of these. There’s one for each of the four core content areas and all of the math ones are solved in a Google Doc. This way, you don’t have to rely on your mathematician friends to help you solve these. Check them out and feel free to use them in your classroom!

If you’ve never used Snorkl, follow the steps below to get your account established prior to adding the prompts to your library

  • Visit the Snorkl website
  • Click on the Sign Up button on the top right hand corner
  • Create your account using a Google, Microsoft, or Email account
  • Go through the required steps and create your first class
  • Done! You are now ready to have your students receive immediate AI feedback to your prompts!

The Canva Template link is available at the bottom of this blog post in order to remix these prompts to fit your needs.


1. Persuasive Writing: Save the Turkey!

Content Area: ELAR

Students take on the role of a turkey trying to convince hunters to order pizza instead of making them the main course. Encourage them to use persuasive elements, humor, and creativity in their arguments.

Click the image below to view and add to your Snorkl library.


2. Thanksgiving Feast Math Challenge

Content Area: Elementary Math

Students solve problems involving turkeys, dinner rolls, and pies to calculate the quantities and costs of a Thanksgiving dinner. These real-world math problems sharpen addition, multiplication, and critical thinking skills.

Click the image below to view and add to your Snorkl library.
Click Here For Answer Sheet


3. Dinner Budget Challenge

Content Area: Middle School Math

Take math to the next level by introducing proportional relationships and costs in a Thanksgiving dinner scenario. Students will calculate turkeys, sides, and desserts for a set number of guests while staying under budget.

Click the image below to view and add to your Snorkl library.
Click Here For Answer Sheet


4. Algebra Dinner Budget Challenge

Content Area: Algebra

Students work with linear equations, inequalities, and systems of equations to determine optimal costs for a Thanksgiving feast. It’s a great way to connect algebra with real-world applications!

Click the image below to view and add to your Snorkl library.
Click Here For Answer Sheet


5. Feast Optimization

Content Area: Pre-Calculus

Dive deeper into functions and optimization with a Thanksgiving meal-planning challenge. Students use step functions, piecewise-defined functions, and inequalities to analyze costs and leftovers for large gatherings.

Click the image below to view and add to your Snorkl library.
Click Here For Answer Sheet


6. Feast Optimization Part II

Content Area: Pre-Calculus

Dive deeper into functions and optimization with a Thanksgiving meal-planning challenge. Students use step functions, piecewise-defined functions, and inequalities to analyze costs and leftovers for large gatherings.

Click the image below to view and add to your Snorkl library.
Click Here For Answer Sheet


7. The History of Thanksgiving

Content Area: Social Studies

Students research the Pilgrims, the Wampanoag people, and the evolution of Thanksgiving into a national holiday. Discuss cultural perspectives and write a short reflection on how schools should approach Thanksgiving celebrations today.

Click the image below to view and add to your Snorkl library.


8. The Maillard Reaction (Why Turkey Gets Crispy):

Content Area: Chemistry

This is the chemical reaction responsible for the browning and flavor development in roasted turkey. When heat causes amino acids and sugars to react, it creates new flavors and aromas. Discuss how this process enhances the taste and texture of food, making it irresistible!

Click the image below to view and add to your Snorkl library.


9. Gravy and States of Matter:

Content Area: Chemistry

Gravy transitions between states of matter as it’s prepared. Students explore how the liquid drippings (liquid) interact with flour (solid) to form a thick sauce, which is considered a colloid—a mix of solid particles suspended in a liquid. Heating helps starch molecules in the flour absorb water, thickening the gravy.

Click the image below to view and add to your Snorkl library.


10. Energy Transfer in Mashed Potatoes:

Content Area: Chemistry

Boiling potatoes demonstrates conduction, a form of heat transfer. Students discuss how heat energy moves from the hot water into the potatoes, breaking down their structure and making them soft enough to mash. It’s a hands-on way to talk about heat transfer and texture changes!

Click the image below to view and add to your Snorkl library.


11. Cranberries and Antioxidants:

Content Area: Chemistry

Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, molecules that protect cells from damage by neutralizing free radicals. Students learn about antioxidants’ role in human health and discuss how including them in holiday meals is both delicious and beneficial.

Click the image below to view and add to your Snorkl library.


12. Whipped Cream and Physical Changes:

Content Area: Chemistry

Whipped cream forms when air is whipped into heavy cream, creating a stable foam. If whipped too long, the fat molecules clump together, forming butter. This is an example of a physical change where students explore how mechanical actions (whipping) change the cream’s properties.

Click the image below to view and add to your Snorkl library.


As I mentioned in the introductory paragraph, all of these are fully customizable since they’re nothing more than Canva images. All of these are in one Canva design that is available to you as a template using the link below. Feel free to modify and use these with your students as we lead up to Thanksgiving. If you do use any of these, please tag me on Instagram, Bluesky, or LinkedIn. Buen Provecho!

Click here to customize these templates in Canva

My First GaETC Experience: Learning, Connecting, and Inspiring

Attending GaETC for the first time was nothing short of incredible. From the moment I stepped into the buzzing conference space, I could feel the energy of educators eager to innovate and inspire. The sessions, the conversations, and the connections all came together to create a unique learning experience that I’ll never forget (despite the fact that the 2024 presidential election results had just come in and there was also a sense of unspoken uncertainty in the air). Whether it was soaking up new ideas or sharing my own expertise, I left feeling recharged and excited to bring these ideas back to the teachers and students I support.


Connecting with Fellow EdTech Foodies at the Kami Booth

One of the highlights of my GaETC journey was partnering with Kami at their booth. They generously purchased copies of my book, Cooking Up Experiences in the Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons, for me to sign and give away to attendees. It was so rewarding to meet like-minded edtech enthusiasts who shared my passion for combining food and education. We swapped stories, recipes, and ideas for creating memorable classroom experiences. Watching attendees light up as I handed them a FREE signed copy of my book was an absolute joy. To learn more about my book and purchase on Amazon, use the button below. Thanks again, Kami!


Presentations That Sparked Conversations

I had the privilege of presenting two sessions at GaETC: “Slay Vocabulary With Your Students” and “What Baking A Cheesecake Taught Me About Coaching”. The rooms were packed, the audience was engaged, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Educators shared how they planned to immediately implement the strategies and insights from my sessions, which was truly gratifying. Sharing these ideas with such an enthusiastic crowd reminded me of the power of collaboration and professional growth. I have done these sessions before but as any public presenter will tell you, they are always a work in progress. This is the 4th iteration of my vocabulary session and the 3rd iteration of my cheesecake one. Like I mentioned, the feedback was very positive and I even had people tell me that my sessions were the top ones they attended at the conference. I’m not saying that to knock any other sessions or presenters. I say that to say that this is the culmination of my work in this edtech space. I’ve been doing this for a long time and hearing those words from educators gives me a sense of paying it forward to those who serve our students and communities. I was able to connect with some of the attendees from the sessions and have some meaningful conversations after to continue talking pedagogy and current classroom realities. So to any and all conference presenters reading this, the second you are finished presenting a session, go back and look at ways to make it even better. There is always room for improvement and with the ever changing educational landscape, I guarantee you that you’ll hit that “edit” button and build upon your already fabulous work. I can say that with confidence because that’s what I constantly do and I’m now seeing and hearing the results of my work!


Podcasting Powered by MagicSchool AI

GaETC also gave me the unique opportunity to do something else I absolutely love, podcast. Thanks to MagicSchool AI, who sponsored all nine of my conference episodes, I recorded and released a podcast episode every day for nine days straight! These episodes captured the energy of GaETC, featuring conversations with attendees, presenters, and thought leaders. It was amazing to hear their stories and perspectives while sharing the highlights of this phenomenal event. To learn more about MagicSchool AI and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai. If you’d like to listen to these conversations, check out the links below and make sure you’re subscribed on your favorite podcast app.


Final Thoughts

My first GaETC was a whirlwind of learning, sharing, and connecting. From signing books to delivering presentations and diving deep into podcasting, every moment was a reminder of why I love being part of the edtech community. If you’re looking for an event that will recharge your professional batteries and inspire you to think bigger, I highly recommend attending GaETC. And don’t forget to check out my GaETC episodes embedded below to hear the excitement! Buen provecho!


Ready to Revolutionize Education at GaETC 2024?

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be attending the Georgia Educational Technology Conference (GaETC) 2024! This conference takes place from November 6th through November 8th 2024. That’s right… the day AFTER election day! This is going to be one to remember, also because this is my first ever GaETC. This year, I’ll be diving deep into the world of edtech, sharing instructional coaching insights, and connecting with educators like you. I’ve got something going on everyday of the conference so here’s a quick glance at my schedule, if you’d like to meet up and chat EdTech and Food:

Wednesday, November 6th:

  • 📗 Kami Booth 11:00am-11:30am EDT | Stop by the Kami booth to chat about the latest edtech trends, grab a free, autographed copy of my book, Cooking Up Experiences: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons, and learn how Kami can help you with student engagement.
  • 🎙️ Podcasting Live from GaETC 1:30pm-4:30pm EDT | I’m excited to share that, with the generous permission of the GaETC Steering Committee, I’ll be recording live podcast episodes right from the conference floor! These episodes will feature insightful interviews with conference attendees and presenters.
  • 🚨 Special Sponsor: MagicSchool AI | I’m thrilled to have MagicSchool AI as the sponsor for my GaETC podcast episodes. MagicSchool AI is revolutionizing education with its powerful AI-powered tools. Check out their amazing tools to streamline your workflow and boost your productivity.

Thursday, November 7th:

  • 💡 Slay Vocabulary With Your Students! 8:00am-8:50am EDT Marriott Salon E | Check out different ways to get students to retain vocabulary in new and engaging ways!
  • 🎙️ Podcasting Live from GaETC 10:00am-12:00pm EDT

Friday, November 8th:

  • 🍰 What Baking A Cheesecake Taught me About Coaching! 9:45am-10:40 EDT Italian 3-4 | If you are an instructional coach and enjoy a good cheesecake, you’re not going to want to miss this session (despite what the title states, there will NOT be cheesecake available during this session 🤣).

I’m excited connect and break bread with like-minded individuals. If you’re attending the conference, we’ll see you soon. If you’re not attending the conference, make sure you’re subscribed to the EdTech Bites Podcast to hear what conference attendees and presenters have to say. Buen provecho!

2024 X-Factor EDU Virtual 5K Turkey Trot

Are you ready to take your wellness journey to new heights? Join Matthew X. Joseph and I for the first ever X-Factor EDU Virtual 5K Turkey. This unique event is FREE NINETY-NINE thanks to our sponsor, Snorkl. This unique event offers a fantastic opportunity to support your physical and mental health while connecting with fellow educators from around the world.

This virtual 5K (3.1 miles) is more than just a race; it’s a chance to prioritize self-care in a demanding profession. Educators often put their students’ needs first, but it’s essential to take time for themselves. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting your fitness journey, this event is a great way to set a goal, stay active, and boost your well-being.

Every finishing participant will receive a well-deserved medal of completion and a complimentary copy of my book Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom and Matthew’s newest book Always Stop At A Lemonade Stand. This virtual 5K can be completed anytime between November 28th, 2024 and December 1st, 2024.

To learn more and register, visit www.xfactor.link/trot. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to promote educator wellness and celebrate your achievements. Whether you choose to run solo or with a group of like-minded educators, this event is a fantastic opportunity to connect, motivate, and inspire each other. Let’s make this the first of many virtual 5Ks for educators!

How To Add Your Canva Designs As Google Slides Backgrounds

Learn to enhance your Google Slides presentations by using custom Canva designs as backgrounds. This tutorial helps you add a unique touch, making your lessons or presentations more engaging and professional. Perfect for all users!

Discover how to take your Canva designs and use them as custom backgrounds in Google Slides! This quick and easy tutorial will show you how to add a personal, professional touch to your lessons or presentations. Perfect for anyone looking to make their presentations stand out!

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How To Create Lesson Plans With Google Gemini

Tired of spending countless hours crafting lesson plans? Are you searching for a way to inject more creativity and engagement into your classroom? Google Gemini can do the heavy lifting for you giving you back time for you to focus on what matters. Google Gemini, a cutting-edge language model, offers teachers a powerful tool to streamline their lesson planning process and create more impactful learning experiences for teachers to springboard their curriculum.

How Can Gemini Assist Teachers?

  • Brainstorming Ideas: Gemini can generate a wide range of lesson ideas based on your specific subject, grade level, and learning objectives. Whether you need inspiration for a new unit or want to explore alternative approaches to a familiar topic, Gemini has you covered.
  • Creating Engaging Activities: From interactive games to thought-provoking discussions, Gemini can help you design activities that capture students’ attention and foster deeper understanding.
  • Developing Assessments: Need help crafting quizzes, tests, or projects? Gemini can assist you in creating assessments that accurately measure student learning and provide valuable feedback.
  • Customizing Lesson Plans: Gemini can tailor lesson plans to meet the unique needs of your students, whether they require additional support or advanced challenges.
  • Saving Time: By automating many of the time-consuming tasks associated with lesson planning, Gemini allows teachers to focus on what truly matters: inspiring and empowering their students.

Ready to try it out?

In this video, I provide a step-by-step guide on how to use Gemini to create an effective lesson plan while using the PARTS model for prompting. Watch now to learn how this powerful AI tool can transform your teaching experience and help you deliver exceptional education to your students.

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