Control Alt Achieve: EdTech Links of the Week

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

This week I have 4 resources from around the Internet and 4 resources from my blog.

👍 FigJam for Jamboard

Resource Link

Unsure what to do with Jamboard going away on October 1st? I have been sharing about FigJam, one of Google’s recommended alternatives!
FigJam is a free online whiteboard that allows students to create, collaborate, and engage in interactive learning activities, and teachers all over the world are moving to FigJam as a replacement for Google Jamboard.
However, learning a new tool can feel overwhelming, especially when introducing it to your students. Be sure to check out my earlier Intro Webinar and Advanced Webinar, as well as this excellent video by Michelle from Pocketful of Primary with a step-by-step guide to get started with FigJam in the classroom, and free templates to use this school year.

🎭 Puppet Playhouse

Resource Link

This is a fun, interactive website where you use your hands to perform, record, and share a virtual puppet show.
You can choose from a wide range of available puppets and background scenery.
Or you can go into the editor to add your own images for puppets and backgrounds.
Using your webcam, the tool is able to see your hands which can be used to select, move, and animate the puppets.
Using your microphone you can speak for the puppets.
The recording can then be downloaded and shared with others.
This could be a fun way for teachers or students to tell stories, explain concepts, have a debate, re-enact a scene from history, or more.

😸 TED Game - The Purring Test

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TED has been a great source of educational content for years, especially with their excellent TED-Ed videos and lessons.
Recently they have announced that TED is now creating educational games.
Their first game is called "The Purring Test" and is sort of like playing Pictionary with AI.
Each day there will be a new set of three words to discover (such as a person, object, place, concept, etc.)
You can ask Professor Purring (the cat AI) questions to help guess the words, such as create a picture or write a poem about the word.
This can be a fun way to interact with AI and learn more about how it interprets concepts.

🤠 TCEA AI Literacy Framework for Students

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In the past I have shared my blog post on "Free Resources to Teach Your Students about AI" which covers a wide range of free lessons and activities to help students learn about using AI and using it properly.
Now TCEA has released a new resource to add to this collection with their "AI Literacy Framework for Students".
This is a totally free resource for grades K through 12.
For each grade band they have provided practical lessons to teach students about AI.
They also have a tab for each grade band with age-appropriate resources, videos, tools, and activities to go deeper.
It is so great to have such helpful resources to support teachers as you guide your students into effective and responsible use of AI.

🧰 The AI Toolbox - Recorded Webinar

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The recording is now available for my recent webinar on "The AI Toolbox: Best AI Tools for Schools". This is a 90-minute training that is jam packed with loads of AI tools and how they can be used by teachers and students. The tools explored include ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, MagicSchool AI, Khanmigo, SchoolAI, QuestionWell, EnlightenAI, Snorkl, Sorcerer, Drift, Curipod, Brisk Teaching, Ideogram, Udio and more.

You can access the recorded video, resource document, slideshow, and option for certificate of completion at the link above. Feel free to share with others who may benefit, and please let me know what AI tools I left out that I should explore.

▶️ 3 Free Virtual Trainings this Week

I have shared each of these in past newsletters, but wanted to give a quick reminder as all three of these free virtual trainings are coming up this week. Please feel free to register and attend any or all of these, and share with others who may benefit.

🔑 Texthelp Back to School Virtual Conference - Sept 18-19 - Noon-3pm (Eastern)
🤖 Back-To-School AI Webinar - Sep 19 - 11am-Noon (Eastern)
🌶️ AI Salsa Slam - Sep 19 - 5pm-6pm (Eastern)

💬 Upcoming Webinar - The Future of Feedback & Personalized Learning

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I have a webinar coming up on "The Future of Feedback & Personalized Learning" where we will be looking at using AI for grading and feedback using tools such as Fobizz, Snorkl, EnlightenAI and more. The webinar will be September 26th at 4pm Eastern and will be recorded if you can't watch live. You can get all the details and registration info at the link above.

🛠️ Update - Free Access for MakerEd Educators Forum

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Quick update... We now have a discount code for the MakerEd Educators Forum. You can use the code "MEF2024free" to save 100% off of the normal $65 cost! This gives access to all the live sessions as well as their recordings afterwards. This is a two day virtual conference where educators will explore maker topics, share ideas, exchange tips & tricks and learn from one another.

I'll be presenting my session "Yes (even) You Can Code with AI!" om September 28th. You can get all the details and registration information at the link above.