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.

5 Favorite FigJam Features & How to Use it as a Teacher

December Journal Activity Book

Hipster Google

Vivi for Teachers

Art Selfie 2 from Google

20 Juicy Questions to Ask Students

Visual Literacy Boost with Adobe Express

Learning Ally

TCEA 2025 Legislative Priorities

Promethean Reminder

Pick a Time

Past Issues

Michelle Emerson of Pocketful of Primary has put together a video that highlights 5 of her favorite FigJam features. She demonstrates how to use the program and how to integrate it into the classroom. As a reminder, FigJam is a free whiteboard program that offers interactivity for your students. There is a FigJam button on your Classlink Dashboard.

Book Creator has released their December Activity Journal. It includes festive stickers, an Advent calendar, and a month's worth of activities for the various special celebration days. The activities cover all age groups and can be adapted as needed. It is a wonderful resource.

Eric Curts has shared an entire list of Google tools you may or may not have heard of. He says, "there are also loads of smaller, lesser-known, but powerful tools that can be used for teaching and learning." He shares over 70 hidden gems (as he calls them). The link will take you to a google doc with links to each resource. At the top it says "Request edit access" - DO NOT CLICK THAT. Instead go to File > Make a Copy. Then you will have a copy of your own to take your time to explore all the various tools. I would be interested to know which ones you like and which you don't.

Vivi for Teachers is another way you can have your students share their screens. It gives you the option to pair with your phone, in addition to your device, to control your Vivi dashboard wirelessly, which will allow you to walk around the room while keeping control of sharing permissions. It also offers students a whiteboard within the program to use and share. Vivi for Teachers is a free resource. The attached link will take you to a screen that will allow you to sign up and has a tutorial for use.

This was fun six years ago when Google rolled out Art Selfie. Art Selfie 2 takes it a step further. This Google Arts & Culture AI project starts with you taking a selfie, of yourself or you and friends. Then you choose a style from more than 25 styles. Generative AI then creates a scenario with your face seamlessly blended into the art. It could be a great way to get students interested in history and arr.

Matt from Ditch That Textbook asked their readers to submit their favorite questions to ask students to start a discussion. He says, "A great question is a springboard into a fascination discussion. Phrase it the right way and students will start thinking, then start talking." He points out that if you have great questions, it can be the difference between a good learning activity and a great one. He suggests seven basic concepts in a 'how to' format, and then includes 20 questions submitted by readers.

I have told you how much I love Canva. Before Canva I was a devoted Adobe user. However, Adobe is pricey. Then they released Adobe Express. This blog by Miguel Guhlin discusses five ways to encourage visual literacy using Adobe Express. He also points out that the easier design tools get to use, the more important it is for students to learn how to use them. Adobe Express asks, 'what will you create today?' each time you log in. How this can be applicable to your classroom - think differentiation. It is an informational read with 5 guided activities to try and lots of resources.

Research shows that the brain learns the same way whether reading or listening to text. Learning Ally provides your curriculum and the books children want to read in an easy to use e-book format, so students can keep pace with their classmates and succeed in the classroom and beyond. The district has a license for use in all classrooms. Your textbooks are among the books available. This is a great resource to use with students who struggle with decoding, fluency, or reading comprehension. Think about it, who doesn't struggle with one of those three at some point. If you need help using this resource, please reach out and we will help you help your students.

This is strictly an information posting. The attached blog lays out the TCEA Board of Directors recently approved 2025 Legislative Priorities. They have listed five priorities. If you feel strongly one way or the other regarding their stance, please reach out to them to voice your opinion or to get involved.

I know it is that time of year when you decorate your classroom with festive colors - including lights. Please remember that you CANNOT put lights on your Promethean Board. They will interfere with the correct operation of the board and can interrupt the learning in your classroom. And don't forget to UPDATE! (your board and your devices :-) Thank you!

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.