2023 Year-in-Review

It's hard to believe that the year is coming to an end. If time flies when you are having fun, then I must have really been enjoying this year.

And I did!

This year was filled with wonderful experiences, time spent with family and friends, lots of travel, and many, many trainings, videos, and posts.

As a way to wrap up the year, I decided to pull together some of the stats and highlights from 2023 including:

✍️ Top Blog Posts
▶️ YouTube Stats
🎓 PD Sessions
📰 Newsletter Stats

📧 Email Discussion Group Stats

💬 Facebook Group Stats

🎬 Bonus: Favorite Movies and Shows

These are not just numbers however. They are representations of people who have gone on this learning journey with me, folks who have connected in person or virtually, and ultimately educators and students who have been impacted and have impacted me.

Thanks so much for learning with me, and I am looking forward to learning more with you in 2024!

EdTech Cool Tools - Honorable Mentions

Throughout the month of December I shared my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we explored some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we focused on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

With all the amazing AI tools available, it just isn't possible to fit them all in a list of twenty-four. And it seems like there are new tools coming out every day! So as an extra bonus to the "Cool Tools 2023" series I am listing other AI tools that I wasn't able to cover as Honorable Mentions.

Some of these are favorites that I have used, while others are newer to me and I am still needing to explore them more. And of course this list is still far from complete.

Please let me know what is still missing from the list. I will come back to this post periodically to add more tools that I come across or that get recommended to me.

My ISTE 2024 Sessions

I am excited and honored to once again present at the 2024 ISTE Conference in Denver this June 22nd through 26th.

I always look forward to this opportunity to see old friends, make new friends, share some ideas, and learn so many new things from others.

You can attend ISTE in person this year, or take part as a virtual attendee. Registration opens in January. To get more details and register for the conference go to:

• conference.iste.org/2024

Below is a list of sessions I will be presenting at the ISTE Conference, along with any associated resources. I will continue to update this list with any changes and additions to my schedule.

Please feel free to join me for any of these sessions. I look forward to sharing, learning, and chatting with you!

EdTech Cool Tool - Edpuzzle Teacher Assist

This post is Day 24 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Edpuzzle Teacher Assist

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - Khanmigo

This post is Day 23 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Khanmigo

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - Enlighten AI

This post is Day 22 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: EnlightenAI

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - Sorcerer

This post is Day 21 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Sorcerer

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - Curipod

This post is Day 20 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Curipod

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - Conker

This post is Day 19 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Conker

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Links of the Week - 12-18-23

Each week I keep an eye out for the latest edtech resources through blogs, social media, podcasts, videos, user groups, and more. I then try to reshare these resources in many ways.

One way I share these is here on the blog in these "EdTech Links of the Week" posts. See below to explore the latest batch of resources, and be sure to share with others who may benefit.

If you want to make sure you don't miss new resources, you can:

🔗 View all EdTech Links of the Week: bit.ly/caa-links

📰 Sign up for my weekly email newsletter: bit.ly/curts-news
📧 Join the "Control Alt Achieve" email discussion group: bit.ly/caa-emailgroup

🔔 Get new blog posts automatically through email - FollowIt link

And as always, please let me know of any resources that you recommend. I would love to learn from you!

EdTech Cool Tool - Mizou

This post is Day 18 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Mizou

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - Almanack

This post is Day 17 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Almanack

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - NotebookLM

This post is Day 16 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: NotebookLM

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have useda it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - Canva Magic Studio

This post is Day 15 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Canva Magic Studio

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - Class Companion

This post is Day 14 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Class Companion

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - Snorkl

This post is Day 13 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Snorkl

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - Twee

This post is Day 12 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Twee

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Links of the Week - 12-11-23

Each week I keep an eye out for the latest edtech resources through blogs, social media, podcasts, videos, user groups, and more. I then try to reshare these resources in many ways.

One way I share these is here on the blog in these "EdTech Links of the Week" posts. See below to explore the latest batch of resources, and be sure to share with others who may benefit.

If you want to make sure you don't miss new resources, you can:

🔗 View all EdTech Links of the Week: bit.ly/caa-links

📰 Sign up for my weekly email newsletter: bit.ly/curts-news
📧 Join the "Control Alt Achieve" email discussion group: bit.ly/caa-emailgroup

🔔 Get new blog posts automatically through email - FollowIt link

And as always, please let me know of any resources that you recommend. I would love to learn from you!

EdTech Cool Tool - CK-12 Flexi

This post is Day 11 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: CK-12 Flexi

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - Diffit

This post is Day 10 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Diffit

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - Scribble Diffusion

This post is Day 9 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Scribble Diffusion

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - Quizizz AI

This post is Day 8 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Quizizz AI

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - Eduaide

This post is Day 7 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Eduaide

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - Brisk

This post is Day 6 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

 

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Brisk Teaching

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - SchoolAI

This post is Day 4 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

 

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: School AI

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Links of the Week - 12-4-23

Each week I keep an eye out for the latest edtech resources through blogs, social media, podcasts, videos, user groups, and more. I then try to reshare these resources in many ways.

One way I share these is here on the blog in these "EdTech Links of the Week" posts. See below to explore the latest batch of resources, and be sure to share with others who may benefit.

If you want to make sure you don't miss new resources, you can:

🔗 View all EdTech Links of the Week: bit.ly/caa-links

📰 Sign up for my weekly email newsletter: bit.ly/curts-news
📧 Join the "Control Alt Achieve" email discussion group: bit.ly/caa-emailgroup

🔔 Get new blog posts automatically through email - FollowIt link

And as always, please let me know of any resources that you recommend. I would love to learn from you!

EdTech Cool Tool - Goblin Tools

This post is Day 4 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

 

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Goblin Tools

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - Padlet AI Images

This post is Day 3 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

 

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: Padlet AI Image Generator

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - QuestionWell

This post is Day 2 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: QuestionWell

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

EdTech Cool Tool - MagicSchool AI

This post is Day 1 of my "Cool Tools 2023" series where we are exploring some of the year's best tools for teaching and learning.

This year we are focusing on artificial intelligence tools and how they can be used in schools.

 

You can access all of the cool tools in the series as they come out at bit.ly/cool-tools-23 and in this Google Slideshow.

For this entry in the series we are taking a look at: MagicSchool AI

See below for details, directions, uses, and links for this artificial intelligence resource. If you have used this tool, please consider sharing your experiences, how you have used it, tips, tricks, and more.

What's New in Google - November 2023

Catch up on everything new in Google Workspace for Education from November 2023, and see great ideas and resources!

Below is the recorded video from our November 2023 Google User Meeting, along with the meeting agenda with all the awesome resources and Google updates from the last few months. This includes lots of new Google updates and Google resources for your class.

The monthly meetings are hosted by the Google Educator Group of Ohio, but are open to anyone from any location. The purpose of these meetings is to:

• Connect Google-using educators
• Share the latest Google Workspace news and features
• Provide tutorials, demonstrations, and how-to’s
• Share best practices of how Google Workspace is being used within schools
• Ask questions and get answers

The video from the meeting is recorded and available for later viewing for those who cannot attend or connect live. See below to view the recorded video, agenda, and all the resources from the November 2023 meeting:

8 Googley Wintertime Activities for Kids

As we get closer to the holiday break, it is expected and understandable that our students start getting a little distracted. They are looking forward to lots of days off, holiday celebrations, gifts, and more. Let's be honest … we may be a little distracted as well.

 
This is a time of year when we look for some fun activities to keep our students focused and active. But we don't just want busy work. If possible it is great to find projects that are fun, tie into wintertime themes, and still provide our students with a chance to be creative, write, or improve some content area skills.

To help out with that, I have put together eight wintertime-themed activities that use free Google tools, including Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Drawings:

⛄ Activity #1 - Build a Snowman with Google Slides

🎄 Activity #2 - Decorate a Holiday Tree with Google Slides

🧲 Activity #3 - Wintertime Magnetic Poetry with Google Drawings

📬 Activity #4 - Holiday Greeting Cards with Google Drawings

🎁 Activity #5 - "12 Days of Christmas" Guided Google Sheets Math Activity

🌟 Activity #6 - Pixel Art Ornaments with Google Sheets

❄️ Activity #7 - Wintertime Emoji Rebus Stories with Google Docs

💡 Activity #8 - Holiday Lights Writing with Google Docs

Some of these are projects I have shared in the past, while others are new twists on previous posts. Hopefully some of these will be a good match for your students to keep them busy AND learning as we head into the holidays.

EdTech Links of the Week - 11-26-23

Each week I keep an eye out for the latest edtech resources through blogs, social media, podcasts, videos, user groups, and more. I then try to reshare these resources in many ways.

One way I share these is here on the blog in these "EdTech Links of the Week" posts. See below to explore the latest batch of resources, and be sure to share with others who may benefit.

If you want to make sure you don't miss new resources, you can:

🔗 View all EdTech Links of the Week: bit.ly/caa-links

📰 Sign up for my weekly email newsletter: bit.ly/curts-news
📧 Join the "Control Alt Achieve" email discussion group: bit.ly/caa-emailgroup

🔔 Get new blog posts automatically through email - FollowIt link

And as always, please let me know of any resources that you recommend. I would love to learn from you!

Cool Tools 2023

This last year has been packed full of technology advances and innovative educational tools to go along with them. It seems like every week there is something new.

As we wrap up 2023 I will be sharing 24 of my favorite "Cool Tools" (in no particular order) from this year, with one new entry per day from December 1st through 24th (sort of like an EdTech advent calendar).

For this year I am going with the theme of artificial intelligence tools and resources, since that has been the hot topic.

See below for options on how to access each entry of "Cool Tools 2023".

My 2024 OETC Sessions

I am excited and honored to be presenting at the 2024 Ohio Educational Technology Conference (OETC23) in Columbus, Ohio on February 13th through 15th.

I always look forward to an opportunity to see old friends, make new friends, share some ideas, and learn so many new things from others.

You can access more OETC24 information and register for the conference at:

• https://oetc.ohio.gov/

Below is a list of sessions I will be presenting at OETC24, along with any associated resources. Please feel free to join me for any of these sessions. I look forward to sharing, learning, and chatting with you!

Import your Jamboards into FigJam

Google recently announced that they are shutting down Jamboard by the end of 2024. Thankfully Figma has partnered with Google to provide their tools absolutely free to educators and students.

One of their tools is FigJam which is an advanced collaborative whiteboarding tool with features including stamps, emotes, stickies, shapes, connectors, drawing tools, plugins, interactive widgets, and much more.

To help you get started with FigJam I recently hosted two webinars on the basics of using FigJam in your school, as well as going deeper into advanced topics, features, and uses.

To make this transition even easier, Figma has now announced the launch of their import tool for Jamboard. With this easy-to-use tool you can convert all of your existing Jams into FigJam files. See below for details on this new tool, as well as a helpful 2-minute video on how it works.

My 2024 FETC Sessions

I am excited and honored to be presenting at the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC 2024) in Orlando, Florida on January 23rd through 26th, 2024.

I always look forward to an opportunity to see old friends, make new friends, share some ideas, and learn so many new things from others.

You can register for FETC at https://www.fetc.org/

If you are thinking of attending, you can save 10% on a Premium or Basic pass no matter when you register. with my special promo code FETC24SPEAKER

Below is a list of sessions I will be presenting at FETC 2024, along with any associated resources. Please feel free to join me for any of these sessions. I look forward to sharing, learning, and chatting with you!

Join Me For Engage Online 2023

I am super excited to be taking part in Engage Online 2023! This is a virtual conference on November 9th. See below for the details and how to register for FREE!

🤔 What is Engage Online 2023?

• Engage is a virtual conference hosted by Kognity to elevate instruction and learning.
• There is a focus on science, but there is something for every educator.

🗣️ Who is speaking?

• Lots of amazing educators and experts including Matt Miller, Kasey Bell, Alice Keeler, and many more (and somehow I managed to slip in there as well!)
• You can see the full list of speakers and their sessions at: 
• kognity.com/events/engage-virtual/agenda/

🧔 What am I speaking on?

• Active Learning with Google Tools
• November 9th at 5:00pm EST
• EduProtocols are instructional templates that are designed to engage students in learning through critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity, in any subject or grade level. In this session you will see how engaging these can be for students by trying out several hands-on activities such as Sketch and Tell, Iron Chef, Tier List, Thin Slides, and more. For more details see: bit.ly/curts-active

✅ How can you attend?

• Register for Engage Online 2023 at kognity.com/events/engage-virtual/
• The normal cost is $75 but you can register completely FREE by using my code  "ERICCURTS100"
• If you can’t attend live,  your ticket will give you full on-demand access to all conference content for 3 months after the event.

I hope to see you there!

Cyber Assist: Using AI as Your Teaching Assistant

I recently had the opportunity to present a live-stream of my session "Cyber Assist: Using AI as Your Teaching Assistant" for the CuriCon virtual conference.

Curicon was a week-long series of live video sessions exploring artificial intelligence in education, presented by a wide range of amazing educators.

My session explored how we can use a wide range of AI tools to help us with our daily tasks as educators. Here is the session description:

Cyber Assist: Using AI as Your Teaching Assistant 

It has been said that with generative AI, every educator now has their own personal 24-hour assistant. Learn how to use tools such as ChatGPT, Google Bard, Curipod, EduaideAI, Conker, MagicSchoolAI, Twee, Diffit and more to help you generate presentations, create lessons, write emails, provide feedback and much more. Save more time so you can spend more time impacting students!

See below to watch the 30-minute recorded video, as well as access all of the resources from the session. And please share your ideas for how you use AI as your daily assistant. I am excited to learn from you!

My 2023 GaETC Sessions

I am excited and honored to be presenting at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference (GaETC 2023) in Atlanta, Georgia on November 1st and 2nd, 2023.

I always look forward to an opportunity to see old friends, make new friends, share some ideas, and learn so many new things from others.

You can access more GaETC information at https://conference.gaetc.org/

Below is a list of sessions I will be presenting at GaETC 2023, along with any associated resources. Please feel free to join me for any of these sessions. I look forward to sharing, learning, and chatting with you!

What's New in Google - October 2023

Catch up on everything new in Google Workspace for Education from October 2023, and see great ideas and resources!

Below is the recorded video from our October 2023 Google User Meeting, along with the meeting agenda with all the awesome resources and Google updates from the last few months. This includes lots of new Google updates and Google resources for your class.

The monthly meetings are hosted by the Google Educator Group of Ohio, but are open to anyone from any location. The purpose of these meetings is to:

• Connect Google-using educators
• Share the latest Google Workspace news and features
• Provide tutorials, demonstrations, and how-to’s
• Share best practices of how Google Workspace is being used within schools
• Ask questions and get answers

The video from the meeting is recorded and available for later viewing for those who cannot attend or connect live. See below to view the recorded video, agenda, and all the resources from the October 2023 meeting:

Can a Chromebook be your Primary Computer?

Note: Spon­sored by Leno­vo and Google for Education. All opinions are my own.

Chromebooks first came out way back in 2011. At that time they were pretty basic with small low-resolution screens, low-end processors, and limited memory. Most people saw them as nothing more than a web browser in a laptop format.

Well Chromebooks have come a long way since then, in both power and popularity. Last year Google announced there were over 50 million Chromebooks in schools.

Most of the time we see these devices as primarily for student use. However in recent years, as the devices have become more powerful and feature-rich, we have started to see more and more schools offering Chromebooks as an option for educators as well.

So what about you? Could a Chromebook serve as your primary computer?

I have been testing this out for myself with the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook, which is one of the new devices Google is classifying as "Chromebook Plus". See below for details on these powerful new devices and my thoughts on using them as a primary laptop.

Join Me for Curicon23!

I am super excited to be a part of the Curicon23 virtual conference and would love to have you join me for my session!

Curicon is a week-long series of live video sessions exploring artificial intelligence in education, presented by a wide range of amazing educators.

The virtual conference runs from October 23rd through 27th, and is being hosted by the makers of Curipod, which is an AI-powered tool for educators to create engaging and interactive learning materials.

See below for the details on my session:

FigJam for Schools Advanced Webinar

I recently had the pleasure to host an advanced webinar on FigJam for Schools, as a follow up to the introductory session I hosted last week.

As you have probably heard by now, Google has announced that they are shutting down Jamboard by the end of 2024. Thankfully Figma has partnered with Google to provide their tools absolutely free to educators and students.

One of their tools is FigJam which is an advanced collaborative whiteboarding tool with features including stamps, emotes, stickies, shapes, connectors, drawing tools, plugins, interactive widgets, and much more.

To help you get started with FigJam, and get the most out of it, I have hosted two webinars with David Curran, a former teacher who has recently joined the Figma for Edu team. These sessions covered all of the basics of using FigJam in your school, as well as going deeper into advanced topics, features, and uses.

See below for a recording of the advanced webinar, as well as the recording from the earlier introductory webinar, and resources from both sessions.

FigJam for Schools Intro Webinar

I recently had the pleasure to host a webinar on FigJam for Schools.

As you have probably heard by now, Google has announced that they are shutting down Jamboard by the end of 2024. Thankfully Figma has partnered with Google to provide their tools absolutely free to educators and students.

One of their tools is FigJam which is an advanced collaborative whiteboarding tool with features including stamps, emotes, stickies, shapes, connectors, drawing tools, plugins, interactive widgets, and much more.

To help you get started with FigJam, and get the most out of it, I hosted a webinar with David Curran, a former teacher who has recently joined the Figma for Edu team. This was an introductory webinar to cover all of the basics of using FigJam in your school.

We will also be hosting a follow-up webinar on October 10th to go deeper into the tool and answer questions we did not get to in this first webinar.

See below for a recording of the webinar, resources from the session, and details on the advanced webinar coming up.

Google Docs Calendar Templates for the 2024-2025 School Year

A couple years ago I created some Google Docs templates for a colleague who was looking for a simple one-page document to show important calendar dates for an entire school year. The templates were a big hit and many people found them to be helpful.

Although it still feels like the school year has just gotten started, I have already received emails from folks asking if I have made a version for next year ... the 2024-2025 school year.

So for all of you super organized people who are already planning for the next school year, I am happy to say, yes, I have versions for 2024-2025. See below for the links to get your own copies of these templates, as well as some basic directions on how to edit them for your own use.

Super Tutor: AI to Support all Learners

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool for teaching and learning. One of the most beneficial uses is for supporting students. It has been said that with AI it is like every learner can now have their own 24-hour personal tutor.

I recently recorded a 1-hour training video for my session "Super Tutor: AI to Support all Learners".

In this session we explore both AI tools and practical uses to help support learners.

• The tools include ChatGPT, Google Bard, Diffit, Eduaide, MagicSchoolAI, Brisk, Goblin Tools, and more.
• The uses cover a wide range of examples in reading, writing, tutoring, and more.

See below for the recorded video and session resources. And be sure to share your suggestions for AI tools and uses. I am excited to learn with you!

What's New in Google? September 2023

Catch up on everything new in Google Workspace for Education from September 2023, and see great ideas and resources!

Below is the recorded video from our September 2023 Google User Meeting, along with the meeting agenda with all the awesome resources and Google updates from the last few months. This includes lots of new Google updates and Google resources for your class.

The monthly meetings are hosted by the Google Educator Group of Ohio, but are open to anyone from any location. The purpose of these meetings is to:

• Connect Google-using educators
• Share the latest Google Workspace news and features
• Provide tutorials, demonstrations, and how-to’s
• Share best practices of how Google Workspace is being used within schools
• Ask questions and get answers

The video from the meeting is recorded and available for later viewing for those who cannot attend or connect live. See below to view the recorded video, agenda, and all the resources from the September 2023 meeting:

FigJam for Schools Webinars

Google has recently announced that they are shutting down Jamboard by the end of 2024.

Thankfully Figma has partnered with Google to provide their tools absolutely free to educators and students. 

One of their tools is FigJam which is an advanced collaborative whiteboarding tool with features including stamps, emotes, stickies, shapes, connectors, drawing tools, plugins, interactive widgets, and much more.

You and your students can use FigJam to:

• Brainstorm ideas for projects and assignments with sticky notes, shapes, and freehand drawing.
• Organize thoughts and research with decision trees, diagrams, and mind maps.
• Collaborate with classmates and teachers in real time with feedback and comments.
• Plan and run group projects, presentations, and more.

To help you get started with FigJam, and get the most out of it, I will be hosting two free webinars in October. Whether you have never heard of FigJam, or if you want to dig deeper into it, these live-streamed training sessions will be super helpful.

See below for details on each webinar and the registration information. If you are unable to attend live, the sessions will be recorded and shared out afterwards. I look forward to learning with you!

The Bard's Tale: Google AI Tools in Education

Google has continued to roll out more and more new updates for Bard and their other AI products. 

It is exciting to test out these new features to see how they can benefit schools with productivity, content creation, teaching, learning, and more.

I recently recorded a 1-hour webinar where I did a deep dive into Google's artificial intelligence tools. In the webinar we explore:

• 🏛️ Classic Google AI Tools
• 🚀 New Google AI Tools such as Bard, AI Search tools, Notebook LM, and Duet AI for Workspace
• 🔮 Upcoming Google AI Tools

See below to access the video and the session resource document with all the links and information.