Tech Tips

This newsletter is produced and distributed by the GISD Instructional Technologist. I am not receiving compensation from any company or product referenced in this newsletter. Links to blogs, websites, articles, etc. are included within the newsletter and are generally attached to the graphic with the article. All links are active as of publication.

24 Ideas for Creating a Discussion-rich Classroom

Ditch that Textbook Digital Summit

Cultivating Trust by Playing Alphabet Improv

Free Images for Science

Funny Debate Topics to Make Students Laugh (and Think)

125 Entertaining Riddles for Kids of All Ages

Free Printable World Map Bundle

Vocabulary Sites Boost Learning

Bonus: Thanksgiving Short

Pick a Time

Past Issues

How do we create AI-resistant activities and learning? That is a question this blog addresses. It is not advocating not using AI, it is suggesting that classroom discussion can encourage the developing the skills students need such as reasoning and thinking, while also preparing for tomorrow's world chalk full of technology. Classroom discussion thrives on collaboration, fact recall, reasoning, problem solving, interpersonal interaction, and communication.

Ditch That Textbook is once again offering a FREE online conference for educators. It will run from December 16, 2024 to January 10, 2025. Their advertisement also states: You can get free certificates for professional development credits and even personalized PD graduate credit. The list of presenters is available and covers technology, pedagogy and more.

A quick activity that makes space for middle school students to let down their guard and be vulnerable with each other primes them for learning. This article discusses how the game is played and why it is beneficial in any classroom where students know their alphabet. I also think this would be engaging in a PLC or PD meeting.

If you are looking for free artwork to enhance your presentations and activities, here are two (2) sites you can tap into. The first is BioArt Source from National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the second is PhyloPic. Mike Keesey, the creator of PhyloPic, states it is a website storing thousands of free silhouettes of animals, plants, and other life forms. I have linked each site to it's name in the post. The icon is linked to Ryan Collins subscription button to his newsletter ~ which is where I found these two graphics sites.

Author Jill Staake states, "Debating a topic is a terrific way to practice public speaking, critical thinking, and other important skills. But serious controversial topics can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. These fun and funny debate topics provide debating-skills practice in a low-stakes way." Here is a bonus "Controversial Topics for Debates, Essays, and More".

Two things I really liked about this activity were, first it is free, and second it comes with the answers. Kids like a challenge, and riddles can be that challenge. They are divided into eight different categories. You should review them before you use them to get one that are age appropriate. They also have a free google slides presentation with them all in it.

Get this free printable world map bundle full of maps and activities to help kids explore our planet right from their desks. There are cut and paste activities, country scavenger hunts, and multiple projections to name a few of the things you can unpack in this bundle.

TCEA has curated several vocabulary sites that include visuals to go with the words. Many people believe words are easier to remember when paired with images. "Visual vocabulary tools provide an engaging way to strengthen word retention. The sites in this blog include pictures, videos and even sounds.

I would love to sit with you and talk about the amazing students you have in your class this year. Let me help you plan great technology-based activities to help keep them engaged. My job is to help you integrate technology into your lessons, and it is a job I am passionate about. Let's work together. I will work with you when it is convenient for you, it doesn't have to be lunch.